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USMC Commandant visits Marines aboard Oak Hill

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070412-03
Release Date: 4/12/2007 10:37:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan Bailey and Ensign Dan Rogers, USS Oak Hill Public Affairs

USS OAK HILL, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) hosted the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), on April 4 while underway in the Persian Gulf.

Gen. James T. Conway arrived with Lt. Gen. Keith J. Stadler, Commanding General of II Marine Expeditionary Force; Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps John L. Estrada; Col. Gregg A. Sturdevant, commanding officer of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); and Sgt. Maj Andrew L. Yagle, of the 26th MEU.

The commandant kicked off his visit with the promotion of Pfc. Tawnee R. Clark to lance corporal.

“I know that it is a special opportunity and I felt honored to be promoted by the Commandant,” said Clark.

Following the promotion, Conway and Estrada took time to speak with Oak Hill’s Marines about recent operations conducted by the 26th MEU, as well as to answer questions ranging from the Marine Corps’ projected force structure and future promotion opportunities. They also received a tour of the ship and was briefed on the ship’s readiness and capabilities.

“You’re serving your country in very difficult times; you’re right in the middle of the conflict and you should be proud of yourselves,” Conway said. “There shouldn’t be a doubt in any of your minds, regardless of what you read and what you see on the news, your country is behind you.”

Estrada also shared some inspirational words with the Marines, “You’re at the tip of the spear; you’re forward-deployed and you could be called to go anywhere. So, be prepared because your job is to be ready,” said Estrada. “In my almost 34 years of experience, there has never been a better Marine Corps and that is attributed to all of you out here. You are making a difference. I don’t care whether you’ve been ashore or not or whether you’ve been shot at or not, every Marine who’s serving in our Corps today is making a difference,” he said.

Oak Hill is deployed as part of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which is underway conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in support of U.S. 5th Fleet. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.