MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- "Mr. Vice! Gunnery Sgt. Bogan requests permission to address the president," screamed the gunny.
"Whisper in my ear too, Gunnery Sgt. Bogan," replied Mr. Vice.
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12's field mess night was the only time Sgt. Victor M. Sandoval, MALS-12 Avionics noncommissioned officer in charge, otherwise known as Mr. Vice, had the pleasure of putting a staff NCO in his place.
"I was a bit power happy," admitted Sandoval. "It was kind of nice being able to tell anybody exactly what you wanted to say."
Sandoval's role as facilitator between the troops and the president of the mess was just one of the time-honored traditions observed May 12.
According to the Department of the Navy's Mess Night Manual, the mess night is a military custom steeped in tradition. These special dinners honor military heroes, customs and courtesies, and other special occasions with strict formality.
"It is a military formation, as old and as rich in tradition as the quarterdeck or the mounting of the guard, and as essential to a close-knit, smooth-performing unit as are drills, inspections and military ceremonies," the manual states.
According to Lt. Col. James P. VanEtten, MALS-12 commanding officer and president of the mess, the squadron hosted the event in order to provide camaraderie and instill a sense of tradition in all the Marauders.
"We went the whole week preparing for it," said Sandoval. "I think the experience as a whole brought camaraderie to the squadron."
The event, attended by 520 service members, was specifically qualified as a field mess. Marines came out with boonie covers, 782 gear, and camouflage paint.
"I had an awesome time," said Lance Cpl. Michael A. Bennett, MALS-12 electronic counter measures systems technician. "The camaraderie of being out there together in the field made it special. We had a lot of good laughs and enjoyed some good times and traditions."
The service members also enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Club Iwakuni, with a beef roast as the main course.
In keeping with tradition, the president of the mess first asked for the beef to be presented. After tasting, he declared it fit for consumption by the members of the mess.
The dinner was highlighted by the presence of special guests, including Sgt. Maj. Ralph J. Guerrero, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing sergeant major, as well as an appearance by comedian Colin Quinn, expressing his appreciation of the service member's service.
"It was an outstanding experience," said Sgt. Anthony R. Merchant, MALS-12 electronic countermeasures technician. "It's something we don't get to do that often. It was a chance to get in touch with our inner warrior."