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USS Tortuga arrives at Iwo Jima
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd
Class Daniel Hinton, CFAS Public Affairs, Soundings Online Staff
Posted: March 1, 2010 |
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PACIFIC OCEAN – USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived off the
coast of Iwo To, Japan, Feb. 28 to support preparations for the 65th
anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
The combined Japanese-US ceremony slated to take place Mar. 3 is
called a “Reunion of Honor,” and remembers the sacrifices of both
nations.
Tortuga was chosen to represent the Navy at the ceremony and has
embarked about 250 Marines and their equipment to provide support.
Upon arrival, Tortuga began transporting personnel and equipment
from the ship to the island via Assault Craft Unit 5 Landing Craft
Air Cushions (LCAC).
Preparations require multiple vehicles and additional equipment to
be brought ashore to support the hundreds of people expected for the
event on an island that typically maintains only a small military
population.
The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the most brutal battles of World
War II. More than 6,000 Marines and 17,000 Japanese were killed
throughout the month and-a-half-long battle.
This ceremony is an opportunity for veterans from both sides to
return to the site of the battle and remember those lost.
“To steal a quote ‘We are slowly losing the greatest generation’ and
Marines will never forget Iwo Jima and the sacrifices they made
there,” said Cmdr. James P. Lowell. “So every five years we have a
commemoration for all those who served and died in the battle.”
For many Sailors and Marines the island of Iwo Jima is sacred
ground.
“I have talked to a lot of my Marines and they are very honored and
excited about being able to climb Mount Suribachi and see all the
memorial sites,” said L.t. jg Jennifer Sanders, of the 3rd Marine
Expeditionary Force.
USS Tortuga is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan where she reports
to the Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard
Landolt, whose headquarters is based in Okinawa, Japan.
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