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Desert Talon prepares Marines for IraqSubmitted by: MCAS MiramarStory Identification Number: 2004122185744Story by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(Jan. 23, 2004) -- MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. – Marines from aviation units throughout the United States checked in here Jan. 17 for exercise Desert Talon 1-04. Desert Talon will prepare the air combat element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force going to Iraq, said Maj. James T. Jenkins, special projects officer, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1. More than 1,100 Marine students, 1,000 support personnel and 50 aircraft have come together to...

22d MEU begins its final pre-deployment examSubmitted by: 22nd MEUStory Identification Number: 200411735518Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks ABOARD THE USS WASP (Jan. 13, 2004) -- After months of intense training and preparation, the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has grabbed the reins of its final pre-deployment training hurdle; the Special Operations Capable Exercise (SOCEX). The current exercise will be 15th such training evolution for the 22d MEU since the Special Operations Capable training program was begun in 1985. To receive its 'SOC' designation the MEU and its major subordinate elements must demonstrate a proficiency in a number...