Crewmembers of USS Rushmore relax in Darwin

Photo By Cpl. Timothy Childers | Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit pause to snap a photograph while walking in Litchfield National Park, Australia, Oct. 17. Marines and sailors from the 15th MEU and USS Rushmore stopped at their first liberty port in another nation, Darwin, Australia, during the MEU and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group’s Western Pacific deployment.  

DARWIN, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

10.20.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Childers 

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

DARWIN, Australia - Marines decide to join the Corps for a number of reasons. For the adventurous, the chance to travel the world with a Marine Expeditionary Unit can be a deciding factor.

Marines and sailors from the 15th MEU and USS Rushmore stopped at their first liberty port in another nation, Darwin, Australia, during the MEU and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group’s Western Pacific deployment, Oct. 18.

Servicemembers spent three days in the Northern Territory where they rested, shopped for souvenirs, tried unusual foods and explored the Outback, spending their hard-earned money they had been saving since they left San Diego in mid-September.

“This was my first time in Australia,” said Lance Cpl. Bernard Vu, field radio operator, 2nd Platoon, Battery B, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th MEU. “We were able to go to Litchfield National Park and see some of the Outback. I’m thankful the Marine Corps gave me the opportunity to visit these places.”

For many it was the first time they had traveled to another country. They left with a new impression on a spot on the map they had only seen in photographs.

“This is my first time out of the U.S.,” said Cpl. Omar Vegamendoza, motor transportation mechanic, 2nd Plt., Battery B, BLT 3/5, 15th MEU. “I was able to see a culture different than where I’m from.”

There were a number of other activities Marines and sailors did on the island continent. Crewmembers from the Rushmore played a game of soccer with their counterparts, the Australian Navy.

“We went to Larrakeyah Naval Base and played against the Australian sailors,” said Lance Cpl. Joe Hallman, disbursing clerk, Command Element, 15th MEU. “We won 7 to 1 and had a lot of fun. It was a good experience to play against one of our close allies.”

The port stop of Darwin was a welcomed break after the five-day training exercise the servicemembers conducted in Timor-Leste.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2012
• Date Posted: 10.19.2012 23:45
• Story ID: 96492
• Location: DARWIN, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY, AU