NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Marines and sailors welcomed guests with the Carter Foundation as well as former U.S. president Jimmy Carter for a charity luncheon aboard the USS Peleliu at Naval Base San Diego, March 10.
Guests with the foundation received tours by sailors stationed aboard the ship, including the medical bay, the ship’s flight deck with several 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing helicopters, and the lower decks where amphibious vehicles are kept and maintained.
After the tours, guests of honor spoke of the sights they saw and how the Navy and Marine Corps has changed over the years.
The Marines and sailors aboard the USS Peleliu are training to deploy with aircraft such the CH-53E Super Stallion as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Each MEU is an expeditionary quick reaction force, ready for immediate response to national crisis.
“[This] helicopter can carry up to 37 troops,” said Lance Cpl. Dylan Melanson, an airframe technician with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (Reinforced) and a Breaux Bridge, La., native. “We bring supplies, food, water, mail and ammunition to the troops on the ground. We keep everyone in the fight.”
Across the Marine Corps, MAWs provide aircraft and crews necessary for mission accomplishment, ensuring Marines get from ship to shore as quickly and safely.
“The biggest advantage gained from helicopter operations is flexibility and speed,” said Capt. Jason Neas, a CH-53E pilot with HMM-364 (Rein), and a Rockaway Park, N.Y., native. “Shortening the time between objective areas, flying Marines off the ship and getting them onto the shore.”
Deploying on a MEU can be a positive experience, giving Marines a chance to see the world, and to get closer to their brothers and sisters-in-arms.
“Being able to come in and work with Marines on complicated missions is a very rewarding experience,” said Neas. “We’re here to support the missions deemed fit by the Marine Corps. We’re the emergency force that is going to accomplish any mission.”
The aircraft element provided by 3rd MAW to the 15th MEU allows for the fastest transportation of troops, supplies and other valuable essentials that could turn the tide in a fire fight. With an aircraft element like that, there is one less worry on the minds of those in the fight.