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June 28, 2004
11th MEU update
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, part of the Belleau Wood ESG, departed nearly a month earlier than the scheduled deployment in response to a request from U.S. Central Command to support stability and security operations in Iraq. Here, LtCol Ruane checks in from somewhere in the Indian Ocean:
I hope this short letter finds each and every one of you healthy and well. I’m glad to hear that some families and friends were able to get together recently at San Onofre State Beach Park for a cookout and some movie making. We are looking forward to seeing those pictures! Congratulations goes out to HM1 Turman and his wife, Vikki, on today’s birth of their new baby – Katherine Amanda Turman. Both mom and baby are doing well.The past month has been both busy and rewarding for the Marines and Sailors of MSSG-11 as we continue our journey across two oceans to Iraq. We enjoyed a short, four-day port visit in Hawaii earlier this month. We completed some weapons shoots, conduct various classes, and most importantly, got some well-deserved liberty along the shores of beautiful Waikiki Beach. Our final day in Hawaii was spent attending a picnic in honor of us – the thousands of Marines and Sailors in Expeditionary Strike Group Three. A wealthy American patriot, who appreciated the sacrifices being made by your Marines and Sailors, purchased approximately 4000 Omaha Steaks!
We are currently somewhere in the Indian Ocean, well past some very rough seas and high winds we experienced between Hawaii and the Philippines. For a few days, life aboard ship was very difficult – to say the least. No matter where you go or what you do, you can’t escape the never ending rolling and pitching motion. As I write this letter, I have to occasionally hold on to the edge of the desk to remain in one spot! Fortunately, no one has been seriously sick.
Speaking of life aboard ship, we keep busy with a mix of classes, physical training, and mission-related training such as martial arts, weapons shoots, and First Aid courses. All three ships, the USS Belleau Wood, the USS Denver, and the USS Comstock have had Steel Beach Picnics – a funny US Navy term for BBQ cookouts on the flight decks of each ship. Based on what I see on a daily basis, and the reports I get from leaders, your Marines and Sailors remain highly motivated; we’re ready to leave the ships, complete the mission, and go home!
The following photos were taken by Gunnery Sgt. Chago Zapata and Cpl. Matthew Richards:
 | Marines and sailors from the Belleau Wood Expeditionary Strike Group render a salute to the USS Arizona Memorial on their arrival to Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, June 3. |
| During their stay in Hawaii, Marines and sailors of the Belleau Wood Expeditionary Strike Group had the opportunity to visit many places of interest on the Island. One of these was the USS Arizona Memorial, which straddles the USS Arizona, the final resting place of most of the ship's 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The memorial has come to commemorate all military personnel killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. |  |
 | Colonel Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), leads Marines and sailors from the command element on a six-mile conditioning hike here, June 4. The hike was part of the command element's sustainment training package during the transit to Iraq to support stability and security operations. |
| Local parrots had some strange growths on their feet. They looked suspiciously like 11th MEU Marines out to sample the nightlife in Waikiki. |  |
 | No matter how inviting the night life, home and family are high priorities. Here, 1/4 Marines in Hawaii take advantage of their down time to call friends and family. |
LtCol Ruane continues:
I’ll close this letter by telling you how proud I am to serve alongside such dedicated, hard working, and honorable Marines and Sailors. They are truly America’s finest. Thank you for your continued support and sacrifice. We are doing everything possible here to complete the mission safely and make our country proud. God bless each and every one of you.
Semper Fidelis,
Ted A. Ruane
LtCol USMC
Posted by Deb at June 28, 2004 03:23 AM
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Comments
Thank you for this site. I am a Marine mom who is LCPL Daniel Fields.
It is a comfort to know what they are doing.
Thank you from this marine mom.
Posted by: Diana Fields at July 15, 2004 06:37 PM
I too thank you for this site, I am a grandmother and always eager to hear what is going on with our men. Our grandson is Cpl. Matthew S. Richards and we search for his articles often.
Posted by: Margie Richards at July 16, 2004 07:16 AM
Thank you for this sight very much. My best friend CPL. Lindsey Damesworth (my son's godmother) is with the 11th MEU. I always look for anything more on this unit. It is always a blessing to hear from her. God Bless our Marines!! SEMPER FI!!!
Posted by: Brenda Thralls at September 13, 2004 05:50 AM
My daughter is L.Cpl. NOT Cpl. Lindsey Damesworth. She is proudly serving our country overseas as a member of the U.S.M.C. May God bless all of our troops and bring them home safely.
A Proud Marine Mom
Posted by: Becky at October 31, 2004 07:25 AM