3rd Recon Bn., trains for upcoming deployment

[SR-25]

Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Warren Peace

Story Identification #: 2006315214254




CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan (March 16, 2006) -- Thirteen Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division participated in an amphibious refresher course March 8 on Camp Schwab’s Splash Beach.

The course allowed the 11 reconnaissance men and two field radio operators to hone their skills in amphibious operations before they join the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in June.

“Once attached to the MEU, the Marines may be expected to launch off the stern of a ship and recon a possible landing site as the ship pulls over the horizon, out of sight,” said Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Zarnik, operations chief with B Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Bn. “The team will send a confirmatory beach report of the site back to the ship’s commander, giving him a detailed description of the beach, allowing the commander a clear picture of what’s going on.”

The course covered three vital elements of reconnaissance missions; clandestine insertion, beach patrols and hydrographic surveys.

Six-man teams used combat rubber reconnaissance crafts, also known as Zodiacs, to move toward the shore, Zarnik explained. The team made minimal noise and maintained a low profile in order to perform a successful clandestine, or covert, insertion.

“Amphibious methods are a great way to insert a team undetected,” said Cpl. Dave Day, a reconnaissance man with the battalion.

Once near the shore, two-man teams of reconnaissance men swam to shore and patrolled the beach to check for enemy forces by visually searching the surroundings.

The Marines also practiced performing hydrographic surveys of the coastline to acquire a detailed description of the ocean floor and the coral reefs for ship commanders.

“(Reconnaissance men’s) jobs are to make sure an area is safe for the rest of the service members to debark the ships,” Zarnik said. “The training was very successful. They are better prepared to join the MEU this summer.”

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mc...2?opendocument