MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Headquarters Company of Marine Aircraft Group 12 marched their guidon from their old building located on the North Side of the Station, to Building 1, the new South Side location of the headquarters element June 27.
Although the platoon could have easily humped the guidon in about a two-mile straight shot, they decided to tough it out and take the long way.
After stepping off at 5 a.m., the company, clad in flak jackets, kevlars, deuce gear, gas masks, packs and the guidon, traveled around the North Side of the Station, through the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Side, around Penny Lake and finally ended up at Building 1, before morning colors.
Although humping around an air station is a little out of the norm, MAG-12 Headquarters decided to do two exercises along the way to make their hump totally unique.
"About halfway through we stopped and did some Marine Corps Martial Arts sustainment training and about three-quarters of the way we did a Nuclear Biological and Chemical drill," said Gunnery Sgt. Peter Siaw, administration chief. "The training gave the hump a different twist and made it a great way to transfer headquarters."
Before morning colors was posted, the Marines of MAG-12 Headquarters proudly displayed theirs on the parade deck in front of Building 1, and all saluted morning colors together.
After the proper respect was rendered, Maj. Robert Reynolds, Intelligence officer-in-charge, awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Meritorious Masts, five Certificates of Commendation and two tan-belt qualification certificates.
"The hump was motivating because we don't usually get to hump in the wing," said Cpl. Julio Delacruz, Nuclear Biological and Chemical clerk. "Any time you get to do something like this it always lifts the spirit and camaraderie of the troops."