ABOARD USS NASSAU -- Bright orange rays rising from the horizon pierced scattered clouds as sounds of fired rounds reverberated throughout USS Nassau, as Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and sailors from the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group participated in their first live fire exercise August 25, 2007.
The exercise allowed participants from both elements to familiarize with standard procedures of such training exercises, while sharpening the Marines’ marksmanship skills.
“We’re out here to coordinate to get things happening first and shoot second,” said Capt. Tim Humphreys, anti-terrorism force protection officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “This was the first ship we’ve fired from and the first chance to shoot off rounds.”
Marines worked with Nassau’s staff to schedule and provide logistical support for the exercise. Several Navy gunners mates assembled and broke down the targets; Marines shot M-16A2 rifles and cleaned the range.
“The training exercise went really well. It was the easiest gun range to setup,” said Gunners mate 1st Class Linda Kimmel, supervisor, USS Nassau Weapons Department Administration.
This exercise is one of many familiarization events scheduled during the 24th MEU’s Tactical Commanders Amphibious Training aboard USS Nassau.