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Marines rebuild training area after devastating typhoon

US Marine Corps News

12/17/2010 By Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choate, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP GONSALVES, OKINAWA, Japan — Months after Typhoon Kompasu left its destructive mark on the Jungle Warfare Training Center here, Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, helped reconstruct a damaged portion of the center.

Nine 9th ESB Marines stayed at JWTC for a week and a half to rebuild the five wooden structures of Smallville, a section of the five-day jungle skills course, and get hands-on training in their military occupational specialty.

"After the typhoon hit, JTWC asked us if we would come up and help rebuild the destroyed area," said 2nd Lt. Dale V. Querey, an engineer platoon commander with 9th ESB. "It was a great opportunity for our Marines, because this is our job, and it met a lot of requirements on our mission essential task list."

Construction had to be approved and materials bought before 9th ESB could get to work.

During the reconstruction, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officers observed the combat engineers' methods.

"My favorite part of the training was the interaction between the two forces," said Pfc. Andrew Morris, a combat engineer with 9th ESB. "Getting to know them and (showing) them our job skills was enjoyable. It was a great opportunity to work side by side with our (Japanese) brothers in arms."

"I think this was a really good experience for the Marines because they were given the chance to learn hands-on combat engineering in the field," said Staff Sgt. Brian Glory, a combat engineer platoon sergeant with 9th ESB.

"In our day-to-day operations, we work in a shop, so all the supplies are provided for us," said Glory. "Out here in the field, you're on site and have to make every cut count."

"We benefitted from this training because we were doing hands-on training with vertical construction, and we weren't just talking about it like we have in the past," said Morris.

The Marines worked very well throughout the training despite the weather, which tested their construction and teamworking abilities, said Glory.

"Everyone knows their place in our platoon, which helped make this training run smoothly," he said. "I think any time you have the chance to go in the field with Marines, they create a bond and build camaraderie."

The staff at JWTC is grateful for 9th ESB's reconstruction of Smallville, said Staff Sgt. Arthur Ruiz, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge at JWTC. The center will now be able to offer the full five-day jungle skills course to units. After the damage to Smallville during the Aug. 31 Typhoon Kompasu, the course was shortened to four days.

JWTC personnel look forward to 9th ESB Marines returning to reconstruct other damaged areas if their schedule permits, he added.