Marines return to Camp Lejeune after humanitarian work in Haiti
Ethan Rom
Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 9:34:58 PM
Three divisions of marines are returning to
Camp Lejeune this week as the U.S. military continues its phased withdrawal from the devastated island of Haiti.
The soldiers are riding home on the USS Fort McHenry, a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship that was in the region working with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Movement to deliver humanitarian aid in the Caribbean.
Roughly 200 marines will return home on the vessel, with soldiers aboard representing elements of the Battalion Landing team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Maritime Regiment aboard, the Marine Expedition Unit's Captain Binford Strickland told EncToday.com.
The marines worked hand in hand with navy officials to deliver 3,500 pounds of medical aid, with health professionals on board the McHenry treating more than 850 patients both on the ship and ashore. In addition, the soldiers also participated in security operations, relief efforts and search and rescue missions while on the island.
This is the second major reduction of forces that the 22nd MEU has seen this month, with more than 400 marines returning to Camp Lejeune aboard the USS Carter Hall on March 8.
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