CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines with various units assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force boarded the USNS Sacagawea Feb. 17 at Tengan Pier, near Camp Courtney.
The ship will transport U.S. Marines and sailors, along with necessary equipment, to the Republic of Korea for participation in ongoing military exercises.
“The exercises are part of an incentive sent down from (Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler) to ensure our readiness for any potential operation involving air, ground or shore,” said Lt. Col. Robert C. Sellers, the III MEF civil affairs officer. “Executing these exercises in the ROK will help strengthen our ties with them, as well as increase proficiency on both sides of the exchange. It’s a good scenario for everyone involved.”
Using a Lewis and Clark-class ship, such as the Sacagawea, allows the Marines and sailors to maintain the expeditionary nature of maritime forces, according to 1st Lt. Maryanne Y. Sheck, an adjutant with 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.
“Marines are an amphibious, ship-to-shore group,” said Sheck. “Being able to use the Sacagawea brings the Marines back to their roots as an expeditionary force and a force of readiness.”
In addition to returning to traditional Marine Corps amphibious practices, being aboard U.S. naval vessels allows Marines to remain an integral part of regional security, according to Sheck.
“Using ships, (such as the Sacagawea), allows us to bring assistance anywhere it’s needed,” said Sheck. “The Sacagawea can carry a large amount of supplies, which means greater sustainment throughout the exercises.”
The central purpose for the departure is to support, directly and indirectly, the numerous bilateral training events scheduled in South Korea under an umbrella exercise known as MEFEX.
The overarching exercise will maintain and build upon skill sets necessary for Marines to operate in many capacities within the region, according to Sgt. Jason J. Shaw, a field radio operator with 7th Communication Battalion, III MEF Headquarters Group, III MEF.
“While we’re participating in (MEFEX), we’ll bring the new (Marines) up to speed, while the more experienced will perfect their craft,” said Shaw.
The exercises within the coastal areas of the peninsula will focus on the maritime aspect of military service, according to Shaw.
“While we’re in Korea, we’ll focus on our amphibious techniques,” said Shaw. “We’ve spent quite a bit of time fighting in a (landlocked area), but we’re shifting back to a state of readiness, which for the MEF means keeping our ship-to-shore techniques up.”