DAPHNE, Ala. — Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Amber L. Deus, daughter of Paula M. and Marty E. Hart of Daphne, recently completed Expeditionary Strike Group Integration Training while assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit homebased at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

This pre-deployment training was the first time the 26th MEU was able to load their equipment and personnel aboard the ships that make up the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group. Deus and more than 2,200 Marines and sailors from the MEU practiced and refined its rapid response planning process, planned and conducted multiple raids and practiced beachhead onload and offload procedures. The MEU also adjusted to conducting operations aboard the ships of the ESG.

MEUs are built around a reinforced infantry battalion, a combat service support element, a reinforced helicopter squadron and a command element.

With its complement of fully integrated air and ground forces, Deus’ unit is ready to conduct real-world operations including amphibious, helicopter and boat raids, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, noncombatant evacuation operations and humanitarian assistance operations.

Deus is a 2006 graduate of Daphne High School and joined the Marine Corps in October 2006.

For more information on the 26th MEU, go to http://www.26meu/usmc.mil.