Soldiers Fly Into Action At Camp Lejeune

The Bermuda Regiment troops ‘flew into action’ by helicopter to a special combat town for the final phase of their two weeks’ in a purpose-built combat town.

Private Marcus Iris-Simmons, 20, from Sandys, said after the Monday [May 11] flight: “It was a great experience – something I can tell my future children about.”

Private Donald Smith, 23, from Smith’s waits his turn to board a US Marines Sea Stallion helicopter

And Pte Philip Dyer added: “It was my first time on a military helicopter – it was an interesting experience.

“It was like riding waves in the middle of the ocean – except you were in the middle of the sky. I even took video because I wanted to capture the moment and the expressions on the guys’ faces.”

The 26-year-old from Pembroke, who works at the hospital, added: “The troops really enjoyed it – and it’s a lot better than walking.”

Corporal Zelipha Mbugwa, 30, from Warwick, said: “It was an exciting trip for the younger soldiers – it’s not something you get to do every day.”

Regiment soldiers climb aboard a US Marines Sea Stallion for a flight to a purpose-built combat town.

The three were speaking after the US Marines laid on a Sea Stallion transport helicopter to transport them from field operations to the combat town.

The Sea Stallion, which cost $35 million dollars when commissioned in 1980, ran a shuttle service to deliver the troops to a major public order exercise – the climax of two weeks’ intensive training.

Soldiers endured heavy rain and high winds last Sunday and Monday as Tropical Storm Ana passed over North Carolina sleeping, in the field in improvised shelters made using Regiment-issued rain ponchos.

Troops buckle up for their flight on a US Marines helicopter

Pte Dyer said: “It takes a lot of mental toughness – you need heart and a never give up attitude, which you can take into your personal life. It really gives you a sense of pride.”

Full-time soldier Sergeant Major Peter Ramm said the combat town exercise was designed to test everything the troops had learned over the first week of training.

He added: “There will be a number of different scenarios from basic patrolling, vehicle check points and dealing with minor disturbances to major riots.”
Bermuda’s soldiers arrive safely at combat town

Sgt Maj. Ramm added that a six-strong team of Bermuda Police Service officers, who travelled with the Regiment for specialised firearms training in a hi-tech live fire house, would take part in the public order exercise and observe the Regiment troops in action.

He said: “In the first week, the troops had a massive learning curve, but they’ve dealt with it very well and put into practice what they’ve learned.

“All the instructors are very happy with the Regiment when it comes to internal security operations. That will be confirmed over the next few days.”

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