11th MEU, EFSS and AAVs. Photos by Sgt. Elyssa Quesada

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 work together to fit a 120mm mortar into a tracked vehicle for the first time here June 15. The Marines are a part of a field exercise conducted by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 work together to fit a 120mm mortar into a tracked vehicle for the first time here June 15. The Marines are a part of a field exercise conducted by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 work together to fit a tactical vehicle into a tracked vehicle for the first time here June 15.The Marines are a part of a field exercise conducted by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/1 work together to fit a tactical vehicle into a tracked vehicle for the first time here June 15. The Marines are a part of a field exercise conducted by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

I had seen pics of the Marines in the Old Corps doing this with Jeeps and Howitzers and other gear when using the LVTP-5.

And if there ever was a shortcoming in the EFV design its the fact that it can't be used in a logistics role...a role that AAV/LVTPs have been performing since WW2.

Seabasing Systems.

Forcible Entry. The past, present and future of the Marine Corps.

Forcible Entry is the past, present and future of the Marine Corps.

Credible, real Expeditionary Operations are the past, present and future of the Marine Corps.  Not expeditionary in name...but in fact!

Being capable of providing hard, fast moving Shock Troops for the nation...and still being able to effectively fight the 3 block war is the past, present and future of the Marine Corps.

Marines already know this.  Do our policy makers?  And do our policy makers realize how capable, relevant and valuable this skill set that is the hallmark of the Marine Corps, is to our nation?

Blast from the past...Sea Apache.

I get asked occasionally why no Sea Apache?  The US Marine Corps is famous for 'not reinventing the wheel'....if a weapon system is applicable to Marine Corps use and works then its easier, simpler and more cost effective to procure that system.

Assuming of course that it meets Marine Corps doctrine.

The proposed Sea Apache unfortunately did not meet those requirements and was never pursued.  Luckily Aviastar has a wonderful article on the concept and its worth a read.(all pics are from Aviastar)

Amphib decked out for littoral combat?

I didn't notice this when I first posted the above pic.  But this LPD-17 class ship has 3 AH-1W's on its deck along with a UH-1N.

Besides observing that it has room for a few more helicopters, it must be noted that this is the perfect setup for Command, Control,  Attack and Interdiction (CCAI) of boats in the littorals.

Add to it the Boat Companies that these ships carry and you have a mini-ARG setup to control large swaths of coast line.

The Gator Navy.

The most pro-active force in the fleet.

Combat Glide...

Marine demonstrates combat glide

Lance Cpl. Alfred Castaneda a rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Landing Force Company, demonstrates a combat glide during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training with Marines from Korps Marinir, 2nd Marines, 6th Brigade, Tentara National Indonesia. The Marines and Sailors are participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2011. CARAT is an annual bilateral exercise held between the U.S. and Southeast Asia nations with the goals of enhancing regional cooperation, promoting mutual trust and understanding, and increasing operational readiness throughout the participating nations. While in Indonesia, the servicemembers from both nations will train together on martial arts, military operations in urban terrain, jungle survival, combat marksmanship, sniper rifles and combat lifesaving skills. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Aaron Hostutler)

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Lance Cpl. Benjamin V. Stout, a Barnsville, Minn. native and machine gunner with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's maritime raid force (MRF), assists machine gunner Lance Cpl. Josh M. Tasior from Dallas, Texas, as they hold security on the outer cordon of a target site during an MRF training course here Jun. 15. The security provided by cordons allows for safe and expedited clearing of buildings. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Chad J. Pulliam/released)

Martial arts training with U.S. Marines with Landing Force

A Marine with Korps Marinir, 2nd Marines, 6th Brigade, Tentara National Indonesia, performs a kick during martial arts training with U.S. Marines with Landing Force Company May 27. The Marines and Sailors are participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2011. CARAT is an annual bilateral exercise held between the U.S. and Southeast Asia nations with the goals of enhancing regional cooperation, promoting mutual trust and understanding, and increasing operational readiness throughout the participating nations. While in Indonesia, the servicemembers from both nations will train together on martial arts, military operations in urban terrain, jungle survival, combat marksmanship, sniper rifles and combat lifesaving skills. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Aaron Hostutler)

F-35 June Test Update Vid.

Thanks Phil!  Totally missed this one.