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31st MEU Returns to Essex

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061003-12
Release Date: 10/3/2006 12:23:00 PM

From USS Essex Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Essex (LHD 2) began the process of onloading 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Marines, Sailors and their equipment Sept. 28 for the annual fall patrol, which includes bilateral training with the Republic of the Philippines’ armed forces.

Nearly 1,200 31st MEU Marines and Sailors consisting of ground, command, air and combat support elements are now embarked on Essex, the flagship for the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group. For many members of the MEU, it is their first time aboard Essex, or any ship for that matter.

Marine Lance Cpl. David Trailor said he’s impressed with the ship and everything his job entails working in Essex’ combat cargo department.

“It’s not too bad; it’s really kind of a fun job,” said Trailor. “And the guys in charge are pretty good to work with. The ship’s flight deck is a fun place to be with lots of fresh air, and I get to drive the forklifts around.”

Many Marines are intrigued by the different shipboard operations and amenities, and most say they are anxiously awaiting to get ashore, in order to do their job and complete the mission.

“I don’t have a job on the ship, so I’m really looking forward to participating in all the maneuvers and operations that we’ll be involved in, once we get there,” said Marine Cpl. Christina Weikert, who serves as a communication technician with the air traffic controllers doing radio repair and maintenance. “While I’m here on the ship, I’m kind of just getting ready, getting excited really.”

Essex Command Master Chief (SW/AW) William T. Etherton said it was great to have the Essex-31st MEU team back together and operational again.

“The 31st MEU always rides Essex, which helps solidify the ‘one team, one fight’ concept and that it is alive and well in the forward-deployed Navy,” said Etherton.

The acting senior enlisted Marine aboard, Master Gunnery Sgt. Mark Holmes, is one of the Marines who is seeing a Navy ship for the first time. He said it has been a positive experience so far.

“Even before the MEU got to the ship, we were asked what we needed to do our job,” he said. “We were welcomed aboard with open arms.”

Essex is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and is the flagship for the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Expeditionary Strike Group, which serves under Commander, Task Force 76. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.