Marine Corps Special Operations Command conducts training exercise at Port Bienville

March 1, 2015

Service members and staff with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command conducted a realistic military training exercise in Hancock County and along the Gulf Coast to prepare the 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion for deployments.  Portions of the exercise utilized the facilities at Port Bienville.

Last month, Marines with MARSOC partnered with several Marine Corps and other U.S. military units during Unit Readiness Exercise RAVEN 15-03 to evaluate and enhance the battalion's preparedness for worldwide support to global security.

The exercise is one of six conducted annually and it gave units their first opportunity to work with the types of supporting units and experts they will likely work with during a deployment.

"At MARSOC, we take pride in deploying fully enabled (Marine Special Operations Forces)," said the MARSOC G-7 Director. "During RAVEN, we assess the (units') ability to accomplish the full spectrum of missions MARSOC Marines conduct."

The exercise gave the units realistic training in a populated environment. Being able to train in and around cities and in populated areas provides a valuable element to the exercise and prepares the units for operations in similar atmospheres while deployed. Marines practiced helicopter-borne and vessel-borne insertion, breaching techniques, fast-roping, and close-quarters battle techniques among other critical skill sets. The G-7 Director said the training would not be possible without the support of local government officials and the community. 

 "Support of the local officials and communities is absolutely essential to this exercise and we would not be able to do it without them," said the G-7 Director. "We're very appreciative of their hospitality."

Ashley Edwards, executive director of the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, said the commission has long been a friend to the Department of Defense. "We are always happy to provide our facilities to support training for our men and women in uniform," Edwards said. "Our unique facilities at Port Bienville and Stennis International Airport allow for training in specialized environments, and we are proud we can help fill this need for our troops."