POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii -- Before the Hawaii Combined Arms Exercise came to a close here, Marines of Combat Service Support Group 3 took part in a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO). Though Marine Expeditionary Units, or MEUs, generally practice NEO exercises frequently, CSSG-3 Marines could also be confronted with a NEO environment, given today's global tensions.
In the NEO training scenario, the country of Erita had deteriorated over time due to interior strife, and U.S. citizens as well as embassy personnel were in grave danger. The Group's mission was to evacuate all personnel, and to protect the embassy and Ambassador Baggett from harm.
First Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, was also on the scene to provide added security around the perimeter. Further, many Marines acted the role of hostile locals and tested the guards' patience to the utmost level during the NEO exercise.
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey S. Ray, a military police with Marine Forces Pacific, demonstrated his ability to think fast and take quick action during the uprising. He ensured the welfare of not only his fellow Marines, but also all the embassy's U.S. citizens inside waiting to be evacuated.
"Before getting out to the NEO site, we were all briefed on the rules of engagement," he said. "We start at the lowest level of force, but of course have to elevate it if the situation should arise."
As the day heated up, so did the tempers of the hostiles as they effectively tested boiling points that could bring the Marines guarding the perimeter to their breaking points. Hostiles tossed boxes and other items towards the guards and shouted vulgarities. They also attempted to break through guard lines and get into the embassy.
All attempts were unsuccessful.
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey J. McDowell, an engineer equipment operator with CSSG-3's Engineer Co., played the part of a Marine Security guard. His duties included guarding the front gate, checking for identification cards and accompanying the ambassador during excursions.
"You really had to keep on alert the whole time," said McDowell. "One of the women had what looked like a baby, but you just can't be sure. And you're not sure how close to let them get. It got pretty stressful at times."
Despite the level of aggression the hostiles displayed, CSSG-3 Marines never lost control of their mission. They safely evacuated American civilians out of the area aboard CH-53D Sea Stallion Helicopters for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463. Navy corpsmen attended to all, as needed, and Group Marines provided them food and water.
"The Marines did outstanding out there," said Staff Sergeant Caleb Eames, a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Chief with Engineer Co., and the detachment commander during the NEO. "They dealt with every situation that they were hit with in a very successful manner.
"I have been to one actual NEO, and two training NEOs in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina," he continued, "and this is the most successful one I've ever seen. The cooperation between the Federal Fire Department, Department of Defense police and CSSG-3 resulted in the most outstanding NEO exercise ever."
Eames believes that CSSG-3 will be practicing more and more NEO training, especially with many present-day conflicts. Indeed, the next NEO exercise could take place when Marines train in the Republic of Korea during Operation Free-dom Banner.