POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii -- POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii - A heart-stopping explosion was heard and a strong tremble felt throughout the green pastures and lava rocks at Range 10, here on the "Big Island" July 2, when a team of more than 50 Marines from Echo Co., 2nd Bn., 3rd Marine Regiment, executed an attack on a strong point.
The scenario repeated itself on July 5, when more than 50 Marines from Fox Co., 2/3, accomplished the same feat.
As part of the ground combat element for the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 3.
Their training evolutions consisted of three element phases: the support element, the maneuver element and the supporting of the repellent counterattack element.
Weapons platoons in both companies laid down suppressive fire using M249 light machine guns and M203 grenade launchers to support the assault from the maneuvering element to their objective.
"There is very little room for error when dealing with support by fire," said Cpl. Daniel L. Pierce, 2nd squad leader, Weapons Platoon, Fox Co., 2/3.
"The team performed real well, accomplishing the mission and hitting their targets."
Once the supportive elements accomplished their mission, the maneuver elements began clearing a 200-meter trench line.
"Second squad exploded when the warrior spirit took over," said Sgt. Obom Bowen, maneuver element leader, Fox Co., 2/3.
"[They] breached the wire obstacle to gain access to the trenches and concluded with a fantastic Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon shot, neutralizing the enemy's light armored vehicle threat."
Once the maneuver elements accessed the trench line, mortar sections from both companies led a repellent counterattack that congested the mechanized targets of Light Armored Vehicles and secured the area.
"It was a great evolution," said 1st Lt. D. J. Thomas, Fox Co., executive officer.
"The company showed great teamwork and proficiency in its ability to coordinate both fire and maneuver with its organic support systems."