[LonePalm]

There was a tradition that the Marines on a ship would man at least one of the ship's batteries when in combat. You can still see the insignia on the turrets of museum ships.

Here is a Marine 5"/38 turret on USS New Jersey (BB-62) They did more than just shoot it. They maintained it because they were going to be manning it in combat.

WWG1WGA

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

[Melian]

SLIDE / MARINES:

I’ve done some poking around to educate myself. Marines have to know everything about ships, how to maintain and shoot artillery, how to fight on land or sea, can become pilots, maintain a constant state of emergency strike force readiness, guard embassies, and provide security on vessels and navy bases.

I knew they are tough, but I never knew they are so well rounded as warriors.
RESPECT!

The Marine Corps War Memorial in DC is even more meaningful to me now, symbolizing their unique readiness to fight, under any conditions. When I saw it, I thought it was a tribute to their resolve in that particular battle. But now I see it symbolizes their unique mission also.

My next Navy question is this: Given many centuries of history, vocabulary terms, and evolution of ships, how does a sailor learn all the terms/slang/ship layout? Is basic training longer than the other branches? PM me so we don’t clog up the thread. 🍳

[xone]

Ship’s company doesn’t get Marines anymore. Except for a pilot for the Helicopter Direction Center (HDC) if air-capable. Ours was a dick.