The U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) teamed up with East-Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) for the Exercise Trident 23-4, focusing on Special Operations Forces (SOF) raid training and specific Military Assisted Departure (MAD) and Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) training. The exercises took place from May 18th to 22nd, 2023, and demonstrated the 26th MEU’s ability to integrate with, support, and enable SOF activities, further enhancing their pre-deployment preparations.
Key Points:
- The 26th MEU successfully supported the Trident Exercise with MV-22 aircraft from the 26th MEU ACE, the 26th MEU MSPF, and several planners from the 26th MEU Command Element.
- During one of the events, the 26th MEU MSPF acted as the airborne Immediate Response Force (IRF) during a complex direct-action SOF raid, reflective of 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.
- Capt. Mitchell Moore, a platoon commander with the 26th MEU MSPF, highlighted that the MEU/SOF-integration served to strengthen their habitual relationship with NSW.
- 4. The 26th MEU MSPF has successfully integrated with and conducted advanced training with SOF across multiple mission profiles in their pre-deployment training program.
- Advanced training coupled with the sharing of tactics, techniques, and procedures within threat-based scenarios has enhanced the MEU’s flexibility, reach, and operational capabilities.
- Paired with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG), the 26th MEU serves as the premier force-of-choice with the necessary battlestaff competencies and all-domain operational capabilities to dominate within the littorals while maintaining a competitive edge over potential adversaries.
