State Partnership Program

Video by Sgt. Jonathan Wright

31st MEU Moves Marines, Supplies and Equipment More than 300 Miles Inland for Exercise Koolendong 13

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Aug. 31, 2013 | 5:16

Using dozens of aircraft and a convoy of more than 50 vehicles, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit moved a battalion-size force from the ships of Amphibious Squadron 11 more than 300 miles inland to take part in Exercise Koolendong 13. Marines and Sailors from the ground combat element, combat logistics element and command element of the 31st MEU arrived in waves of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (known as 7-tons); High Mobility, Multi-Wheeled Vehicles; and Light Armored Vehicles. During the two-day period it took the convoy to reach the training area, MV-22 Osprey and CH-53 Super Stallion aircraft unloaded waves of additional forces. The combined offload efforts of the ground and air combat elements brought a total of approximately 700 troops ashore for the exercise. Koolendong will feature several day and night live-fire exercises alongside the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin and the 5th Royal Australian Regiment. The 31st MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself to accomplish the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The size and composition of the 31st MEU makes it well suited for amphibious operations, which includes raids, assaults, evacuations and humanitarian assistance operations. Soundbites from Cpl. Adam G. Burns, Platte City, Mo. Produced by Sgt. Jonathan Wright.