31st MEU Marines get spun up on ship
ABOARD USS JUNEAU (Oct 13, 2007) -- The crew of the USS Juneau (LPD 10) conducted a welcome aboard brief for Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Essex Expeditionary Strike Group, Oct. 13, here.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/2007101533429
Oct 13, 2007; Submitted on: 10/15/2007 03:34:29 AM ; Story ID#: 2007101533429
By 1st Lt. Jorge Escatell, 31st MEU
The brief focused on teaching the service members how to respond to a number of emergencies on ship and refreshed their naval customs and courtesies. The crew also answered the troop’s questions about life at sea to prepare them for their three-day voyage to the Philippines to participate in PHIBLEX ‘08, a bilateral training exercise between Armed Forces Philippines and U.S. forces.
The crew explained the ship’s layout and gave lessons on everything from proper boarding and exciting procedures to techniques used to survive catastrophes.
The lesson on surviving a fire on ship sparked the most interest with the service members, according to Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Culler, the MEU’s operations clerk.
The Columbus, Ohio native said he had no idea he could use the EEBD (Emergency Escape Breathing Device) under his rack to save his life from smoke insulation.
The EEBD can provide up to 10 minutes of breathable air in a smoke filled environment. Plenty time enough to escape a burning room filling with thick smoke, according to Seaman Anthony L. Skinner, a damage controlman fireman with the USS Juneau.
The Chicago native also warned the troops against using the devices to act like makeshift fire fighters.
“The biggest misconception is that you can use the EEBD to access a space were there is a fire instead of egressing to safety,” he said.
Many of the troops said they now have a better understanding of how ship life works and how to survive incidents thanks to the brief.
“The crew did a fine job in really emphasizing the Navy and Marine Corps Team, working together to keep the ship in good standards and helped me understand my role during this trip,” said Gunnery Sgt. Samuel A. Rivera, the MEU’s Combat Camera Chief.