Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Cheers of success could be heard Friday morning on Onslow Beach as Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division dropped their packs and ran into the ocean to complete the battalion’s Endurance Event.
The event went from the battalion’s headquarters and spanned about 12 miles across Camp Lejeune ending at Onslow Beach, said 1st Lt. Kyle Tucker-Davis, Assistant Operations Officer for the battalion.
About 600 Marines and sailors, including support personnel, were in participation. Those running the course were split into groups and competed to finish the event in as little time as possible while carrying packs weighing about 20 pounds each.
“The mission of the event was to improve unit cohesion, physical fitness and the ability to move rapidly under a combat load,” said Tucker-Davis.
Each team had to complete challenges such as a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle push, obstacle course and weapons disassembly and re-assembly.
Throughout the event, each team was required to transport a Humvee tire from start to finish using any means available, according to Tucker-Davis. The goal of this was to promote small unit cohesion, small unit leadership, and constant problem solving.
Once each team reached Onslow Beach, they were required to carry the tire for the final stretch. Teammates encouraged each other to push all the way through to the finish and into the ocean. Once they finished, the Marines were able to relax and unwind at the battalion’s Family Day, located just past the finish line.
Many Marines proceeded to change into beach attire, enjoying drinks, food and music provided by the battalion. Several families came out to the festivities to show support and enjoy the day with their loved ones.
The battalion is scheduled to do another endurance event in July.