ABOARD USS NASSAU (Nov. 30, 2007) - Pilots with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit land their AV-8B Harriers on the USS Nassau as part of their Composite Unit Training Exercise. Along with vertical-takeoff and landing Harriers, the 24th MEU's aviation combat element includes heavy lift, transport and attack helicopters belonging to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (REIN). The Marines are conducting familiarization with the Navy vessels off the Southern East Coast in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Photo by Cpl. Randall A. Clinton

24th MEU accelerates into COMPTUEX

1 Dec 2007 | Cpl. Randall A. Clinton 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

USS NASSAU -- Pilots with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit land their AV-8B Harriers on USS Nassau as part of their Composite Unit Training Exercise. Along with vertical-takeoff and landing Harriers, the 24th MEU's aviation combat element includes heavy lift, transport and attack helicopters belonging to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (REIN). The Marines are conducting familiarization training with the Navy vessels off the East Coast in preparation for an upcoming deployment. COMPTUEX is an evaluation period in which Navy ships are qualified as mission capable for participation with an Expeditionary Strike Group.