24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Story by Sgt. Richard Blumenstein

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea – More than 900 Marines will soon descend upon the streets of New York City to participate in the city’s annual Fleet Week event, scheduled to run May 25 to June 1.

Various units primarily from II Marine Expeditionary Force have composited under the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to form Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – New York. The task force will showcase the capabilities of a MAGTF throughout the city during a variety of events and demonstrations.

Marines departed Norfolk Naval Base, May 23, embarked aboard amphibious assault ships USS Iwo Jima and USS New York where they loaded all their equipment, which included various weapons systems, vehicles and aircraft.

During Fleet Week citizens will have the opportunity to view a number of helicopter raid demonstrations and get an up-close and personal experience with Marines and their gear during static displays.

M1A1 Tanks, MV-22 Ospreys, AV-8B Harriers, M777 howitzers, military working dogs, martial arts, and a variety of weapons will all be on display for the general public.

“We are excited for the opportunity for our Marines to share their experience and spend that one-on-one time with their fellow Americans,” said colonel Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is the headquarters unit for all Marine forces involved with Fleet Week.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support, and showcase the capability and flexibility of our Navy-Marine Corps team,” said Donovan.

The scheduled locations of demonstrations and displays include: Coney Island, Staten Island, Times Square, Orchard Beach, Battery Park, Eisenhower Park, Corona Park, Playland Park, Clove Lake Park.

The Marines will also take part in a number of other events during the Memorial Day weekend to honor those who have served such as parades and community relations events.

Units participating in the event include:
• 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
• 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment
• 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment
• 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment
• 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment
• 2nd Tank Battalion
• 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
• 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion
• 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion
• Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774
• Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269
• Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167
• Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467
• Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464
• Marine Tiltrotor Helicopter Squadron 263
• 2nd Combat Logistics Battalion