RIMPAC 16: Aviation combat element commander interviewed

160716-M-OI464-008 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 16; 2016) – Lt. Col. Eric Purcell is interviewed about the Aviation Combat Element capabilities of the III MEF brigade-sized MAGTF conducting RIMPAC while on the USS America, by Megan Eckstein, a reporter from United States Naval Institute. The Marines are participating in Rim of the Pacific 2016, a multinational military exercise, from June 29 to Aug. 8 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. III MEF brigades can join with expeditionary strike groups and amphibious squadrons and form a Navy-Marine Corps team capable of any amphibious mission. Purcell is a native of New Milford, Conn. and is the ACE commanding officer.