Description Exercise Steel Knight is an annual exercise lead by the 1st Marine Division that spans the western United States and California coast. This exercise is comprised of two main parts: a simulation conducted in a virtual environment and a mission rehearsal exercise comprised of ships from Amphibious Squadrons and elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task-Force designed to prepare units for deployment.
Focusing on ground fires, maneuver warfare tactics and command and control capabilities, this exercise tests Marines and sailors across a range of environments and against a thinking opposing force, which ensures that the 1st Marine Division is the Marine Corps' largest, most capable and most lethal combat force in readiness. The exercise enables Marines to operate in a realistic, combined-arms environment to enhance naval warfighting tactics, techniques and procedures.