ONE I MISSED

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(The above photo of Mount Suribachi in the distance is by U.S. Navy Journalist 2nd Class Brian P. Biller. That’s the USS Essex in the background)

Though I did note the battle of the ironclads Monitor and Merimack on March 9, I unfortunately neglected to note that March 8 marked the 61st anniversary of the Battle for Iwo Jima.

Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) along with Sailors from USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) paid a visit to the volcanic island of Iwo Jima to support the 61st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima on March 8.

A ceremony was held with veterans of the battle, from both the United States and Japan. Sailors and Marines from the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) used Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 Detachment Western Pacific and helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 262 (Reinforced) to “storm the beach” with equipment and personnel to support the annual ceremony.

Members of the ARG climbed Mt. Suribachi to look down upon the landscape of one of the most storied battles of World War II. Several Marines and Sailors reenlisted upon the famous sands of Iwo Jima, atop the legendary flag-raising mount.

For a full report by Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Brian P. Biller, of the USS Harpers Ferry Public Affairs go to The Navy News Stand