Each line company within a BLT serves as either boat, helicopter or track company. Boat Company Marines are mainly transported via Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts, while Track Company comes by way of Amphibious Assault Vehicles. Helicopter Company uses Ch-46E Sea Knight and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and are trained to fast rope to an objective when landing the aircraft is not an option.

“Helo Company offers a MEU the option to deploy troops in more isolated, inland positions,” said 1st Lt. Jeremiah Adams, Co. C Executive Officer. “Other companies can carry heavier fire power but can only arrive on beaches.”

Marines and sailors from Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted a mock boat raid in support of a MEU exercise, Aug. 10.

Approximately 14 Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Crafts filled with Marines and sailors landed about 2 kilometers from a logistics site they were tasked to take control of. Mock opposing forces took cover on hilltops and in the dense jungle terrain. Co. B surrounded them and successfully secured the objective. They conducted tactical site exploitation and once the mission was complete, made their way back to the CRRCs.