TAN TAN, Morocco -- More than 60 years after America and allied forces waged large-scale tank battles in Northern Africa during World War II, American ordnance once again exploded over the hot sands of the African Desert.
Marines from 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, teamed up with members of D Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn., 4th Marine Division, to simulate open desert warfare during their annual training exercise here April 6.
The combined arms exercise began when LAR, with the aid of Moroccan ground forces, laid down a base of fire as the 2/23 Combined Anti-Armor Team set up to simulate engagements with hard targets like enemy tanks and other armored vehicles. After CAAT cleared the area, Weapons Co. and G Co. moved in to clear the area.
Sgt. James M. Lesky, a master gunner with D. Co., 4th LAR, said his unit’s mission is clearing the way for the rest of the assaulting force.
“We offer both the heavier firepower of the 25 mm chain gun, as well as speed and mobility,” said Lesky. “We provide a base of fire for the infantry so they can go ahead and envelope the target area.”
After LAR provided a base of fire, CAAT moved in with tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missiles, or “TOW” missiles.
“(Light Armored Vehicles) still have the threat of tanks and other heavy armor,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Marquez, CAAT Platoon Commander. “But with the TOW missile, we have a greater range than most tanks do. We can have a better stand off range and engage the targets from a greater distance.”
The remote location of the exercise enabled Marines to practice firing missiles and heavy machine guns. Inspector-Instructor for Weapons Company, 2/23, Maj. Marcus W. Williams, said the range practice was an important aspect of the training.
“Our Marines got a lot of practice setting up and using field ranges during African Lion,” said Williams.
After the TOWs had done their damage, Marines from G Co. and Weapons Company unloaded from 5-ton trucks to secure the area.
Capt. Derrick Sun, Golf Co. Platoon Commander, said his Marine’s job was to take out enemy infantry to protect the assault force vehicles.
“Our job is to dismount, close with and destroy the enemy to protect LAR, the CAAT platoon and the rest of the convoy.”
Gunnery Sgt. Patrick F. Llamas, platoon commander for the scout snipers of 2/23 said strengthening relations with the Moroccans was one of the key missions of African Lion.
“It’s a good opportunity to for us as Marines to build up a stronger bond with Morocco and other friendly Muslim countries,” said Llamas. “It was important for American forces to become familiar with the cultures of foreign countries.”
“Overall African Lion was a great success,” said Williams. “This was one of the most enjoyable training evolutions I’ve ever experienced.”