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Marines storm the beach during the 2005 McDonald's Air and Sea show in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The Marine Air Ground Task Force demonstration helped kick off the world's largest spectator event.

Photo by Cpl. Edward L. Mennenga

PHOTO ESSAY- Marines invade Fort Lauderdale

1 May 2005 | Cpl. Edward L. Mennenga II Marine Expeditionary Force

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force and other reserve units conducted a Marine Air Ground Task Force demonstration, or “beach invasion,” as part of the 2005 McDonald’s Air and Sea show April 29 to May 1.

The Marines helped kick off what was tagged as, “the largest spectator event in the world” with low-altitude fly bys by Marine FA-18 Hornets, which showed the crowd that by the time you hear the aircraft; it’s already too late.

After the fly-bys, two AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters escorted two CH-53E Super Stallions as they inserted Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance, Mobile, Ala., at sea.

The recon Marines came ashore into the crowd of more than 2 million people, as Assault Amphibian Vehicles from Company B (-), 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, Jacksonville, Fl., moved in towards the beach.

The AAVs launched a squad of Marines who hit the sand in front of the crowd, then demonstrated what each Marine brings to their fire team.

Two Landing Craft Air Cushions launched from the USS Bataan finished the demonstration, doing a “doughnut” for the crowd.

This marks the fifth year that II MEF has participated in the Air and Sea show.

II Marine Expeditionary Force