Monday, November 10, 2008

31st MEU Celebrates the Marine Corps' 233rd Birthday


Marines and sailors render a hand salute during a celebration ceremony of the Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday aboard the forward deployed amphibious ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit took an operational pause from its fall patrol to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Spinella)



Col. Paul L. Damren, the 31st MEU commanding officer, speaks to Marines and sailors during the Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday aboard the forward deployed amphibious ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit took an operational pause from its fall patrol to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Wicks)


Col Paul L. Damren, the 31st MEU commanding officer, cuts the birthday cake during a Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday celebration aboard the forward deployed amphibious ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit took an operational pause from its fall patrol to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Wicks)


Col. Paul L. Damren, the 31st MEU Commanding Officer (left), is recognized as the oldest Marine present and Lance Cpl. Jordan Bradford (right), an administrative clerk, 31st MEU, is recognized as the youngest Marine. The oldest and youngest Marine symbolizes the experience and the youthful spirit that are hallmarks of the Corps. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit took an operational pause from its fall patrol to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday aboard the forward deployed amphibious ship USS Essex (LHD 2). (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Wicks)


Marine assigned to 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Hansen and deployed with the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) stand in formation at the conclusion of the U.S. Marine Birthday celebrating 233 years of service. The 31st MEU is the only permanently forward deployed MEU, maintaining a presence in the Pacific Ocean at all times as part of III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio/Release)

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