ABOARD USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) -- Maritime Special Purpose Force Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in weapons training during the MEU’s Expeditionary Strike Group Exercise April 6.Using the aircraft elevators as an improvised rifle/pistol range, Marines practiced assault techniques, off-hand shooting and weapons failure drills. Firing from distances ranging from 15 to three yards, MSPF Marines concentrated on speed and accuracy – skills needed during close-quarters battles.The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is concluding their ESGEX, designed to improve the combat readiness and integration of the MEU’s four elements with its naval counterparts. The 24th MEU is composed of its Command Element; the Ground Combat Element, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment; MEU Service Support Group 24; and the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (Reinforced). The MEU is set to deploy this spring to the European and Central Command theaters of operation.