Major Marine Military Equipment Expo Set for Camp Lejeune, NC, April 11 - 12

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the eastern United States' largest and most comprehensive Marine military equipment expositions of the year, Marine South 2012, will be presented at Camp Lejeune, NC, during April 11 - 12.

Marine South is produced for the men and women whose primary roles in U.S. national security are expeditionary warfare and the conduct of amphibious training and operations around the world. The 2012 edition of Marine South will feature displays of the latest in equipment and technology, and will provide extensive insight into combat technology now in development.

Camp Lejeune is home to America's "Expeditionary Forces in Readiness," which includes the II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2d Marine Division, 2d Marine Logistics Group and several other important combat, combat support and service support units. Held since 1993, Marine South is co-sponsored by and held at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. Marines and other military and civilian personnel from Marine South commands at Camp Lejeune; Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point; and Marine Corps Air Station, New River are among attendees.

Over the years, personnel from those commands have been among the first to respond to international crises. Many of the men and women attending the expo this year will be deploying for combat operations and contingency operations in the near term. Also among attendees will be large numbers who have recently returned from action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Marine South 2012 will give end-users close-up, hands-on perspectives of what the leading defense companies of the United States and allied nations are producing and developing in support of 21st Century equipment modernization programs. The expo is sponsored by the Marine Corps League, a Marine Corps veterans' association, and co-sponsored by Marine Corps Systems Command and Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. Marine South is endorsed by the Marine Corps Aviation Association and the Marine Corps Association.

The exposition attracts several thousand military professionals from all of the Armed Forces. Industry representatives will receive direct feedback from men and women recently returned from operations involving location and engagement of enemy forces. Key decision-makers in the defense equipment and systems procurement chain are among those who attend Marine South to learn about the latest advances in equipment and what can be expected to be available to support and sustain combat operations in the near term. Much of that equipment will be specifically matched to the demands of the Marine Corps' unique amphibious warfare capabilities.

Static displays, video and other presentations will highlight a broad spectrum of small arms, crew-served weapons, indirect fire weapons, fire support coordination equipment, ground and air navigation systems, unmanned ground and air vehicles, and many other types of equipment. All items displayed by defense manufacturers have been designed for improving the overall fighting capabilities of fast-moving, forward-located Marine expeditionary air-ground task forces now engaged, or poised for quick-strike or long-term combat operations. Every phase of ground and air combat will be represented, from pre-engagement planning tools and reconnaissance to close combat, long-range support, and sustained tactical operations, including force protection.

Attendees do not need to register in advance for Marine South 2012. Uniformed Marines may enter the exhibit areas without a registration badge. Other military personnel, civilians and industry representatives will need to register on site and obtain a complimentary attendee badge during the registration open hours. There is no admission fee to attend the event.

The exhibit areas will be open for a Commanders' Preview from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11. The opening ceremony will be held at 9:45 a.m. and the exhibit area will be open to all attendees on that day from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. On Thursday, April 12, the exhibit area will open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 3:00 p.m. Further information on Marine South 2012 and Marine Military Expositions is available on http://marinemilitaryexpos.com and from Mr. Charlie Baisley at 703-812-2741 or [email protected] and Ms. Jaymie Amos-Nielsen at 980-328-8801, [email protected] 

Press Liaison: Carl White at [email protected] (Please use "Marine South" as subject line.)

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SOURCE Marine South 2012