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., recently began a seven-month deployment to the Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations in support of Maritime Security Operations and the Global War on Terror.

The Marines of the 26th MEU are adjusting to life aboard ship and recently promoted 92 Marines while underway. The MEU’s Scout Sniper Platoon practiced shooting floating targets, designed to simulate small water craft, from the stern of the ship. The exercise hones the platoons’ ability to provide security for the ship during transit through heightened security areas.

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

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

Additionally, USS Ramage is the first east coast ship certified for AEGIS Ballistic Missle Defense.

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 www.26meu/usmc.mil and the Iwo Jima ESG, go to www.navy.mil.