SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Whenever Marines and Sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit move from one point to another, whether at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Savannah, Ga. or a country in the Mediterranean region, the unit that provides the manpower and equipment is MEU Service Support Group 24 (MSSG 24).
During TRUEX XXXIX, MSSG 24 has provided a small Combat Service Support Detachment (CSSD), which has supplied the bulk of transportation for all training evolutions. It has also assisted in the movement and storage of ammunition, in dining facility duties and in the reception plan for situation training exercises (STXs).
For every reception plan, CSSD provides bus and ambulance drivers, gear guards, stretcher-bearers and military police.
Additionally, the CSSD Marines have provided shuttle services twice a day to Hunter Army Air Field for Post Exchange visits. Through daily PX visits, Marines and Sailors of the MEU are afforded the opportunity to get haircuts, buy items that may not be available at the Combat Readiness Training Center, get their boots shined and just enjoy a couple of hours off.
"This is a service I enjoy providing to my fellow Marines," said Sgt. D. J. Snyder, Motor Transportation Operator for MSSG 24, from Palmerton, Pa. "I know they all enjoy a little time away from the office or field, even if it is just to the PX."
PFC. Matthew Benson, of BLT 2/8, Echo Co. shares Snyder's views.
"It's nice to get time off from training," said Benson, a Wayne, Neb. native. "It breaks up the monotony."
CSSD may be a small part of MSSG 24 and the MEU, but they handle some big loads.
Follow 24th MEU predeployment on their website at www.usmc.mil/24meu.