Photo By Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank | Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent,...... read more read more
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Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, visited service members here to share their guidance and vision for future operations, June 5.
The commandant and sergeant major spoke to Marines and Sailors at various locations throughout Camp Pendleton. They provided information on topics during their visit ranging from new equipment for combat to overall mission concepts.
"We are extremely proud for what you're doing for the Marine Corps," said Kent, from Memphis, Tenn. "We have confidence in all of our Marines."
The commandant spoke of new gear the Marines and Sailors will be issued for upcoming deployments. He talked briefly about new helmets that would offer better protection against the 7.62-caliber round. The helmets will be molded from the Army's design for Marines to have a wider view when looking through weapon sights. The helmets are still in the developing stage and will be issued to service members as soon as possible.
"We'll be taking new equipment with us to Afghanistan," said Conway, from Walnut Ridge, Ark. "We have a new family of personal protective equipment coming to you."
Conway shared the enemy's views of Marines in Afghanistan and Iraq who've encountered Marines in opposing combat.
"Sometimes the best way to see your service is to see it through someone else's eyes," Conway said. He quoted an Iraqi city mayor who said, "When you ambush the Marines, they'll get out of their trucks, chase you down and kill you."
Conway and Kent took the time to speak with 16 Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group and Marine Corps Base during lunch at the 14 Area dining facility. There they talked with the service members about current operations and what the future holds.
"It's a great opportunity for our Marines and sailors to speak one on one with the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps," said Sgt. Maj. Steven J. Lara, sergeant major of 1st MLG. "It gives them first-hand knowledge that they can share with their fellow Marines," said Lara, 47, from Coolidge, Ariz.
Marines and Sailors were granted the opportunity to speak one on one with the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps after addressing the group at the 11 Area football field.
"It was an honor to speak with the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps," said Sgt. Donald R. Baker Jr., a bachelor enlisted quarters manager with Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st MLG. "It means a lot to me for them to take time out of their schedules and come speak with Marines and sailors on how they're doing," said Baker, 28, from Port Saint Joe, Fla.
After Conway and Kent finished speaking with service members at Camp Pendleton, they traveled to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., and then to Petco Park where they attended a San Diego Padres' game with Marines from the Wounded Warrior Battalion — West.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2009 17:51 |
| Story ID: | 34802 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 207 |
| Downloads: | 156 |
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