The Source for Navy News
Amphibious Assault Adds Atypical Asset to Air Show
Story Number: NNS031031-10
Release Date: 10/31/2003 10:53:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Mike Kramer, USS Bataan Public Affairs
USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Thousands of people cheered from the beach some 4,000 yards away, as 105 fully-armed and camouflaged Marines from Ground Combat Element (GCE) 3/8, Company Lima and 2nd AAV Battalion, Company Delta, deployed from USS Bataan (LHD 5) at the 2003 Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular Oct. 25-26.
“We came out of Operation Iraqi Freedom with a very good reputation,” said Bataan’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Earle Yerger. “So, when SURFLANT (Commander, Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet) was looking for an amphibious ship to come down and support this air show, Commander, Amphibious Group 2 turned to Bataan. It was a good deal for us. We got to show off our professional skills and take some well-deserved liberty in beautiful Jacksonville.”
According to Lt. David Robertson, Bataan’s assistant operations officer, the purpose of the simulated landing was to demonstrate, in a very small way, what an amphibious assault would look like.
“Obviously, a full-scale assault would have involved many more ships, a lot more LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushions) and AAVs (Amphibious Assault Vehicles) and a lot more Marines. But small or not, we were glad to get a chance to show the public a well-tuned orchestration of Navy and Marine Corps personnel and assets.”
Gunnery Sgt. Chris Banus, 3rd platoon sergeant, 2nd AAV Battalion, Company Delta, saw the simulated attack as a rare opportunity to give the civilian community a better understanding of Marine capabilities, amphibious tactics and combined arms. But in his eyes, the demonstration went beyond a mere display of operational aptitude.
“Not only did we get some great training out of it, but we also got a chance to help the recruiting effort for all the services by showing off our equipment and expertise during the event,” said Banus. “I’m very proud of the Marines who participated. Being part of an AAV crew is, I think, one of the hardest jobs in the Marine Corps, and these Marines showed thousands of people how well they can do it.”
During the first day of the Sea and Sky Spectacular, Bataan’s crew welcomed more than 100 guests, primarily from the three Northern Florida U.S. Navy League chapters in Jacksonville, Mayport and St. Augustine, Fla.
“Bataan is a tremendous ship, and it’s a privilege to be aboard,” said Bill McLoughlin, a Navy League national director from the Mayport chapter. “We all enjoyed the ride out in the LCAC, and the ship looks great.”
The guests received a brief on Bataan's mission, capabilities and recent accomplishments, and toured the ship before assembling on the flight deck to watch the air show.
“I’m overwhelmed by what a magnificent vessel Bataan is,” said Tom McSwiney, a member of Navy League Council 469 in St. Augustine. “I was especially impressed by the crew’s hospitality and professionalism. They’re the kind of Sailors who make us proud of the U.S. Navy.”
Instilling pride in the Navy was only part of the reason the guests were invited aboard, according to Yerger. The visit also provided the Navy League chapters in the area with a glimpse of an aspect of the Navy they don’t usually see.
“They don’t have amphibious ships homeported down here,” Yerger explained. “It’s mostly cruisers, destroyers and frigates.”
The Norfolk-based multi-purpose amphibious assault ship Bataan is part of Amphibious Group 2, commanded by Rear Adm. Reubin B. Bookert.
For related news, visit the USS Bataan (LHD 5) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd5.
E-mail this story to a friend | Send a comment about this story
Sea & Sky Spectacular Thrills Jacksonville - 10/29/2003
|
All Any Exact |
|
