Dec. 11--If Marines deploying next year are ordered to assault an enemy stronghold and capture a high-value target, they can say they practiced at Dodger Stadium.
Dodger Stadium was the site Monday night of a simulated raid by Marines from the Camp Pendleton-based 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
A "raid force" of 75 Marines arrived on MV-22B Ospreys and other aircraft from Fort Hunter Liggett near Monterey, Calif., about 170 miles from Chavez Ravine. The aircraft landed in the stadium parking lot and Marines stormed the stadium, primarily through the stadium tunnels.
Marines breached a temporary door and quickly overwhelmed an "opposition force." Both groups used weapons firing paintball-like rounds. No damage was done to the stadium, Marine officials said.
The exercise was part of the unit's predeployment training that continues through Dec. 16 at various locations.
The Marines are set to deploy aboard San Diego-based ships to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf in the spring, about the same time as opening day for major-league baseball.
