Camp Pendleton, Calif -- Marines and Sailors are currently training at various locations across the southwestern United States as part of the 1st Marine Division’s annual Exercise Steel Knight.  The exercise takes place every year to refine the unit’s fundamental warfighting capabilities and ensure that the 1st Marine Division remains a ready, prepared and decisive force against global uncertainty.  Steel Knight is taking place at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and San Clemente Island beginning Nov. 27 and concluding on Dec. 15. 
 
On Thursday, Dec. 7 at 9:00 a.m. 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines will be conducting an air assault with assistance from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in support of Steel Knight 2018.  Media interested in covering the air assault must RSVP no later than 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, via email at paul.gainey@usmc.mil or by phone at (760) 212-9823.  A schedule of events and arrival instructions will be distributed after the RSVP deadline. 
 
Steel Knight is designed to enhance the command and control, interoperability and fundamental warfighting capabilities within the 1st Marine Division, its adjacent units and naval support forces.  The exercise will train the unit in the planning, deployment and command and control of Marines against a near-peer combat force to enhance the maneuver capabilities of an over 20,000 strong ground combat force.  This year’s exercise demonstrates a wide array of Marine Corps capabilities which include: amphibious breaching and landing operations at MCB Camp Pendleton and San Clemente Island; a battalion sized, air assault at MCAGCC Twentynine Palms; and a combined arms assault and Regimental Combat Team combat maneuvers at MCAGCC Twentynine Palms. 
 
Photo, video package, and video B-Roll imagery from all of these events will be released by the 1st Marine Division Press Office and made available for media use. This imagery can be found on the 1st Marine Division page at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/1MD.
 
For additional queries, please contact the 1st Marine Division press officer Capt. Paul Gainey at (760) 212-9823 or email paul.gainey@usmc.mil
 
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