NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va -- NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. – U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG) and II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) supported a destructive weather mission rehearsal in support of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) requirements at Naval Base Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia, from July 19 to 23, 2021.
The exercise certified the rapid embarkation of Marines and Sailors with the II MEF Maritime DSCA Task Force (MDTF) aboard the Norfolk-based U.S.S. Arlington, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, to validate deployment requirements in preparation for future destructive weather events along the East Coast.
The II MEF MDTF, commanded by Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, is designed to respond to a destructive weather crisis within 96 hours in support of civilian authorities and is comprised of elements from throughout the Marine Corps Installations East region.
“Mission rehearsals, and other exercises similar to what is happening this week in Norfolk, help fine-tune our readiness,” said Lt. Col. Luke A. Sauber, commanding officer of CLB-22, “… and ultimately enable our ability to provide rapid aid to afflicted populations.”
Aside from exercising logistical procedures essential for a DSCA mission, Marines worked alongside Sailors from the U.S.S. Arlington, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command to refine expeditionary naval command and control capabilities.
For more information about the destructive weather mission rehearsal, the II MEF MDTF, or other DSCA mission requirements, please contact 2nd Lt. Stephanie Downing at (910) 451-3538 or stephanie.downing@usmc.mil.