15th MEU (SOC) Marines bring steel beach to the field
USMC
Story Identification Number: 2003311231432
Story by Cpl. Anthony R. Blanco
CAMP BULLRUSH, Kuwait(March 10, 2003) -- Withstanding a severe sand storm that toppled down several tents March 8th, Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) reverted back to an American norm by having an outdoor barbeque supported by the Sailors and Marines of the USS Tarawa (LHA-1) on a warm and sunny day March 10.
The barbeque marked the first time since the Super Bowl that Marines and Sailors enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs hot off the grill since landing in country a month ago.
The Sailors on ship are only used to the Marines going the field for only a week or two while they conduct an exercise, according to Cmdr. Clay D. Saunders, 40, a Frankfort, Ill., native, USS Rushmore commanding officer. However with this contingency, the Marines will be gone for much longer and the Sailors really enjoy supporting the Marines. "Anytime we have a chance to boost the morale of the Marines in the field, we're happy to do it," Saunders said.
The Sailors of the USS Tarawa supplied all of the food necessary, while Marines from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (Rein) flew the food in and later served it to their brothers and sisters living in the field.
"I think that it was good that the 'ground pounders' got to see our faces to let them know we support them out here," said Navy Lt. Michael W. Nielsen, 29, a San Diego native, HMM-161 (Rein) flight surgeon. "I've seen smiles and Marines having a good time since we've been out here."
Shortly after the grills were fired up, a line of troops followed the smell of hamburgers and hotdogs. Adding to the experience of the beach party, ice-cold soda was available, instead of the room temperature water, to quench their thirst.
Seeing something familiar from back home being cooked on the grill right in front of Marines is definitely a morale booster, according to Master Sgt. H. Allen Franklin, 40, a Kingston, Tenn., native, and headquarters commandant.
Instead of having the typical Meal Ready to Eat during lunch, the beach party invited Marines and Sailors to enjoy an American barbeque.
"It's good to have a different chow for once instead of having chicken everyday," said Pfc. Ryan K. Bonds, 19, a Toledo, Wash., native, a machine gunner with Weapons Platoon, G Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/1. "As you can see our plates are completely empty."
Sitting outside in the shade enjoying the fresh air, Bonds and his friends reminisced of old days back at Camp Horno located at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.
"It gave us that home feeling that we got back at Horno because we are used to having a barbeque all the time," said Lance Cpl. Derek J. Allen, 22, an Atlanta native, a mortorman with Weapons Plt., G Co., BLT 2/1. "This brought everyone together to give us a chance to sit back and relax."
While Marines are known for being able to adapt to different environments, Navy Captain Ronald Thomas, a Memphis, Tenn., native, Commodore Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, said he was honored to be out with the Marines.
"I'm privileged to be here and see the guys who are actually roughing it," Thomas added. Both Col. Thomas D. Waldhauser, a South St. Paul, Minn., native, 15th MEU (SOC) commanding officer and Navy Capt. Jay Bowling, USS Tarawa commanding officer, came up with this idea to bring a little bit of home to the Marines in the field, according to Franklin.
Since the 15th MEU (SOC)'s arrival in Kuwait, the USS Tarawa has supported the Marines and Sailors by bringing out the ship store and by providing the food for the barbeque.
Since we couldn't be at the steel beach they brought the steel beach to us," Waldhauser said. "This shows the relationship between us and the Navy; Commodore Thomas and his guys are taking care of us."
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