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Sailors, Marines visit Iwo Jima for 58th anniversary

Seventh Fleet

Journalist 3rd Class Alicia T. Boatwright, USS Harpers Ferry public affairs
Posted 03/17/2003

ABOARD USS HARPERS FERRY AT SEA -- The 58th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima commemoration ceremony was held March 12 on the island of Iwo Jima. The battle, which lasted from February 19 until March 26, 1945, was one of the most brutal ever, claiming nearly 6,000 Marine lives and wounding more than 17,000. Sailors and Marines of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) participated in the emotional event.

Lance Cpl. Jolene Sterling, embarked aboard USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) with Marines from the 31st MEU (SOC) said participating in the ceremony was an amazing experience. Harpers Ferry was operating off the coast of the island as a part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group. USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and USS Juneau (LPD 10) complete the ARG.

The ships brought landing craft, amphibious assault vehicles and other equipment to support the event, as well as hundreds of Sailors and Marines eager to visit - up close -- the historic battlefield.

"I never dreamed I would be standing on top of Mount Suribachi," Sterling said. "As a United States Marine, I am honored to be here."

Mount Suribachi is the historic spot captured in the famous picture by photographer Joe Rosenthal where five Marines and one Sailor raised the American Flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

One Harpers Ferry Sailor decided to hold his reenlistment ceremony on the top of the mountain. Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF) Luisto Deguzman said it was something he wanted to do since transferring to Japan nearly three years ago.

"I said [to myself], when my time's up and when I get the opportunity, I will reenlist on top of Mount Suribachi," Deguzman said.

The battle is a significant historical aspect in the corpsman community due to the hundreds of corpsman who died trying to save Marines, Deguzman said. A 19-year veteran, Deguzman has served with the Marines as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman.

"It's a historical event, especially with the corpsman because it's inherited in the corpsman community," Deguzman added.

Even though this was his 3rd visit to the island, Deguzman couldn't shake the feelings the island gives him. "I could still feel the suffering of all those that died," he said.

The visit was an experience many of the Sailors and Marines did not take for granted.

"It's a privilege to be here," said Electrician's Mate 1st Class Noel Corneja.

Deguzman recommended that all Sailors and Marines seize the chance to see Iwo Jima.

"If you have the opportunity, make it happen," Deguzman said. "Not everyone has the opportunity to actually see Iwo Jima."