Photo By Sgt. Paul Peterson | Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group sign...... read more read more
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ROCKLAND, Maine - They came on gentle, rolling seas. The USS San Antonio’s engine droned calmly as it pushed the ship’s bow through cresting waves on its approach to the coast of Rockland, Maine, the morning of Aug. 1.
Only fog and a short-lived rain hindered the troops’ two-day voyage, a quick endeavor for the Marine and Navy team trained to strike distant, hostile shores. Maine’s coast promised a far warmer welcome for the nearly 100 Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Regiment 27 sent to support Maine’s 2012 Lobster Festival from Aug. 1 to 5.
“These [Marines and sailors] were handpicked from their sections to participate in this event,” said Capt. James Mackin, commander of troops for the regiment’s Lobster Festival detachment. “A lot of people where we are going are unfamiliar with the military. They know the broad brush strokes, but this will give them the opportunity to see the Marines and sailors in uniform with all their gear.”
The regiment’s personnel escaped the blanket heat of Camp Lejeune, N.C., and joined the more than 300 crew and support personnel on the San Antonio at Norfolk Naval Base, Va., July 29.
The unified Marine-Navy team then proceeded north to demonstrate their combined abilities to the people of Maine.
The San Antonio pressed through the telltale fishing buoys that announced their arrival in lobster territory and dropped anchor off of Rockland. Marines and sailors donned their dress uniforms.
Shore parties are scheduled to join the festivities, said Gunnery Sgt. Morris Holliday, the detachment’s first sergeant. Troops will spend the week refurbishing an area lighthouse, assisting in the festival’s beauty pageant and concerts, escorting area officials to events and participating in a 10-kilometer race. Above all, they will meet and interact with the American public.
“It’s definitely a break in the routine, and it lets the Marines see what else is out there,” said Mackin. “People see the uniform, and they appreciate what you do. They thank you for your service. I think it hasn’t really set in for most of the [Marines and sailors],” he added over the competing hum of the living ship. “They’re trying to anticipate what to expect, but it’s going to be a surprise to most of them.”
Maine’s 2012 Lobster Festival is a unique opportunity for the detachment personnel. It is the first sea passage for many of them, and it is a chance to practice the joint service capabilities they are trained to support.
The troops on the San Antonio are not the only ones in for a surprise. Visitors will be able to tour the vessel and experience the sway and sound of the ship for themselves. Marines and sailors will guide the public through displays of their vehicles and equipment, such as the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected – All Terrain Vehicle and different types of crew-served weapons.
Approximately 100 servicemembers are also scheduled to march in the festival’s parade, with more than a few pounds of lobster awaiting their hungry arrival.
“They’ll remember,” said Holliday, recalling a similar venture he took to Puerto Rico as a highlight in his career. “It isn’t often many of the servicemembers get a chance to join the American public in uniform.”
It is a small exercise in the large muscle group of Marine-Navy combined arms to be sure. The talk of the crew, however, has more than a few Marines and sailors ready to challenge the lobsters for supremacy during their sea voyage.
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.02.2012 15:32 |
| Story ID: | 92591 |
| Location: | ROCKLAND, MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 287 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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