Whidbey Island marines train with Portuguese counterparts in LisbonU.S. marines with 2nd mortar platoon, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) show Portuguese marines an expeditionary fire support system and provide information on its capabilities during a visit and static display aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Photo: US Navy
U.S. marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) completed a successful port visit to Lisbon, Portugal, on December 10.
The embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) welcomed members of the Fuzileiros- the Portuguese Marine Corps – aboard Whidbey Island for a visit and joint training.
“We also demonstrated Marine Corps marital arts program moves, did some fast-roping exercises, and finished with a mud run over a series of obstacles with them,” said Sgt. Jonathan Swaffer, 3rd section leader for amphibious assault vehicle platoon. “It was a bit of a change of pace for us. It was a good time.”
While in Lisbon, Whidbey Island’s sailors and marines took part in two community relations projects and tour the Portuguese countryside on a morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) trip.
During the visit Whidbey Island took on fuel, supplies and mail.
The ship and its embarked Marines departed Norfolk, Virginia, on June 25, 2016, for a regularly scheduled deployment as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).
https://navaltoday.com/2016/12/12/whidbey-island-marines-train-with-portuguese-counterparts-in-lisbon/