NEW YORK CITY -- The Marines and Sailors of Special Marine Air Ground Task Force-10 have taken to the streets here for the International Naval Review 2000 July 3-7 to display their skills and equipment.
The weeklong event, known as Fleet Week in the past, allows the SPMAGTF-10 the opportunity to demonstrate Marine Corps and Navy capabilities through demonstrations, static displays and ceremonial events in order to support public relations and recruiting programs.
"We're opening our arms to the public and saying 'look at what our military is doing,'" said Lt. Col. Henry T. Gobar, commanding officer, SPMAGTF-10.
The SPMAGTF will also take part in sporting and social events focusing on building community relations.
"I think we'll give them a good representation of what Marines do on a day-to-day business and a good cross-section of the type of equipment we play with everyday and that we'll actually take into a contingency if we were actually called upon," said Gobar, a Breaux Bridge, La., native.
The public and community relations' event displaying Marine Corps skills and gear is held every year. What makes this year's gathering unique is the addition of the international pass and review of naval ships from more than 24 nations. It is only the sixth time an INR has been held.
The majority of Marines that make up the command element are from 10th Marines, but there are representatives from all portions of the MAGTF. The ground command element consists of Marines from 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment. The combat service support element comes from various units within the 2d Force Service Support Group and the air combat element is comprised of aircraft and Marines from the 2d and 4th Marine Air Wing.
More than 5,000,000 visitors are expected to witness the event here.