Since I last updated we have offloaded a considerable portion of the MSSG in Kuwait and gone ashore for sustainment training at the Camp Udari range complex. For the Marines and Sailors used to operating in the semi-tropical environment of Okinawa and the Pacific, the desert landscape provides a significantly different backdrop. Temperatures, while not as hot as they are in the middle of the summer are still quite high and the wind seems to blow constantly during the afternoon. During the evening the winds diminish and the temperature drops to about 30 degrees Celsius (don't ask me what that is Fahrenheit), but it is not bad.

While ashore we will continue our training, while providing combat service support to the MEU. Training for the MSSG began with the operation of the Port Operations Group, spearheaded by the Landing Support Detachment, executing flawlessly. The live fire ranges are good and there is plenty of room to do anything else we need to get accomplished. Being off the ships also provides an opportunity to get our equipment operating and perform preventive maintenance checks.

The living spaces, provided by Army support are excellent and interesting. Marines are billeted in large tents designed to withstand the desert wind and hold up to 60 Marines sleeping on cots. The food is better than normally expected in a field training environment and nobody wants for quantity. Motivation is high and as always, I'm proud of the Marines and Sailors.

Thanks for all you do to support our Marines and Sailors
Sincerely,
J. Alex Vohr