Marines to Train on Guam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—January 20, 2006—Hagåtña, Guam —

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo announced today that Marines and sailors from the 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31^st MEU), III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), will soon arrive on Guam to perform exercises known as “Training in an Urban Environment” or “TRUEX” and “MEU Exercise” or “MEUEX.” The exercises will take place from January 23, 2006 to February 13, 2006.

“The Marines have long had a commitment to train on Guam, even before the recent decision was made to relocate a major contingent of Marines from Okinawa to Guam.  The training exercises over the next few weeks are a continuation of that commitment,” Bordallo said. “That the Marines have before and continue to utilize Guam for training is a reflection of why our island was chosen to become a major Marine base.”

The exercises are part of a routine, six-month training cycle for the 31^st MEU in preparation for operations or contingencies in the Western Pacific region.  They are not in response to real or perceived regional or global threats.

“This training provides a glimpse into Guam’s future with skilled, professional Marines conducting world class training on Guam.  I am excited that Guam is now and will become even more so, a favored location to the world’s greatest amphibious fighting force,” Bordallo added, “I look forward to the coming years when many of these Marines will not only train on Guam but will call our island home.”

The 31^st MEU consists of Battalion Landing Team, 2^nd Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced); MEU Service Support Group 31; and the MEU Command Element.  The III MEF Special Operations Training Group will provide special skills pre-deployment training to the Marines and sailors, which is integral to the 31^st MEU’s preparation for certification as Special Operations Capable.

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Contact: Alicia Chon in Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-1188 or Joseph Duenas in Guam at (671) 477-4272/4.

www.house.gov/bordallo

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