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More than 40 ships arid forces from four countries participated in Exercise Display Determination-87. Amphibious landings in Capo Teulada, Sardinia, Italy and Saros Bay, Turkey, tested the ability of the Navy/Marine Team and other NATO forces.
The 24th Marine Amphibious Unit (Special Operations Capable) recently completed Exercise Display Determination-87. It tested the ability of the Navy/Marine Team to integrate with other NATO forces and protect the southern flank of NATO. It included amphibious landings in Capo Teulada, Sardinia, Italy and Saros Bay, Turkey. More than 40 ships and forces from four countries participated.
The first landing provided the opportunity for mechanized forces to practice tactics.
"Capo Teulada was a dream come true for a mechanized attack," said 2dLt Mark Nahler, platoon commander, Company "C", 1/2. "Here, we could ride and maneuver. Usually we hit the beach in the AAVs (assault amphibian vehicles) and walk the rest of the way."
The ground element had five objectives to take in the rocky, rolling hills of Capo Teulada and all were taken using mechanized attacks.
"After we secured the beachhead, the tanks from Company "A", 2d Tank Bn. moved to our flanks to provide security," said Nahler. "We began pushing the enemy in a south to north direction and secured the first three objectives in the first day. We reached these without ever having to dismount. The AAVs and tanks had all the fun."
The tanks and AAVs were able to use the rugged terrain to their advantage. The many draws, fingers and ridges provided them the opportunity to hide, observe and fire without exposing themselves to return fire or observation.
"Most people think of tanks rolling across the wide open spaces," said 1stLt Russell Jamison, Company "A", 2d Tanks. "But we'd rather fight in this type terrain because we can better protect ourselves using land features."
When the ground combat element prepared for the assault on the final position, history was employed.