MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Forty-four bodies stand in awe as the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash on the black shores 554 feet below them. The cling and clang of thousands of dog tags draped over The Marine Memorial play melodically with the sound of the tropical breeze. Everyone present is filled with an esprit de corps never felt before, as they attempt to fathom what the Marines of the past accomplished to give them the legacy they carry with them today.
Marines and sailors from Combat Service Support Detachment 36 participated in a battle site professional military education at Iwo Jima, April 28-30.
“We brought our Marines here because Iwo Jima is a vital part of Marine Corps’ history. It was a monumental battle where we displayed our bravery, valor and willingness to win,” said Staff Sgt. Sherrina A. Thomas, CSSD-36 logistics chief and PME organizer. “This trip allowed us to show our Marines how Marines from the past made us what we are today.”
During the trip, Marines were given five classes all in relation to Iwo Jima, explaining events leading up to the battle, Japanese and American strategies and the outcome of the battle.
“This trip had a huge impact on all the Marines, but especially those who didn’t know much about Iwo Jima,” said Cpl. Thomas A. Lanier, CSSD-36 embarkation specialist and PME instructor.
The Marines also received time to explore the island in squads and walk in the steps of their forefathers.
“In order to understand who we are as a Corps, we have to understand our history,” said Lanier. “There is no textbook, history book or movie that can do justice to what took place on this island, but to come and see the island first hand and be able to see where the legendary battle took place is inspiring.”
The first hand experience of climbing Mount Suribachi, to see the spot of the flag raising, walking on the same shore that so many Marines before them had shed blood on, exploring a small portion of the 16 miles of underground caves and seeing the Japanese defenses filled the Marines with admiration at the valor, courage and heroism the Marines demonstrated when taking over the island.
“This trip has left me amazed,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua K. Hesseltine, CSSD-36 Marine integrated maintenance management specialist noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “Being on the beach where the Marines landed and seeing how small the area was and seeing the Japanese defense system and the fact that we were able to take it over has allowed me to see what we did and why we are the greatest fighting force in the world.”