DAPHNE, Ala.— Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Amber L. Deus, daughter of Paula M. and Marty E. Hart of Daphne, along with more than 6,000 Marines and sailors of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, Norfolk, Va., and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., are currently deployed to the Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations in support of Maritime Security Operations and the Global War on Terror.

During deployment, approximately 30 Marines and sailors attended the vehicle commander’s course in preparation for combat environments.

While in Naples, Italy, MEU Marines teamed with Commander, Naval Installation East and 6th Fleet sailors to participate in the 6th Fleet’s annual Evacuation Control Center Exercise. The Marines and Sailors practiced the skills required for the safe evacuation of embassy personnel and civilians during natural disasters.

The MEU’s Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 “Black Knights” joined elements of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 “Heavy Haulers” aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, to support missions ranging from transport of civilian contractors to conducting raids on insurgent elements.

In preparation for a mechanized sustainment training exercise designed to hone skills acquired during pre-deployment, more than 100 MEU Marines aboard USS San Antonio offloaded track and assault vehicles from ship to shore using landing craft, air-cushioned at Camp Patriot, Iraq.

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