Story Number: NNS030321-07
Release Date: 3/21/2003 11:58:00 PM
By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) Roger L. Dutcher, USS Essex Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Essex (LHD 2) Sailors, along with Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), held a ceremony March 12 in the ship’s hanger bay in honor of the 58th Commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Operating off the coast of Iwo Jima, at approximately the same time veterans of the battle were attending a ceremony being held on the island, Essex crew members held a solemn ceremony in remembrance of the men who fought and died there.
There were no enemies burrowed in the volcanic rock, no explosions ripping through the black sand, and no danger awaiting the Sailors and Marines that went ashore to participate in the ceremony on the island. The 880 ships of World War II that delivered the 110,000 Marines gave way to the Essex Amphibious Ready Group that was now steaming off the coast in quiet reverence.
Mt. Suribachi, the historic site where Marines and Sailors raised the American Flag during the battle, loomed in the distance. Seen from the ship’s hangar bay, it set the stage for the ceremony attended by hundreds of Sailors and Marines.
The keynote speaker, Marine Corps Capt. Charles Smith of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Battalion Landing Team, reminded the audience of the inspiring view of Olde Glory on Iwo Jima after the battle had already taken so many lives in just the first five days.
“Seeing the American flag flying over the highest ground on the island boosted the Marines’ morale, and the attack continued,” Smith said. “Despite the horrific conditions that existed, it was the indomitable fighting spirit of our forefathers here on Iwo Jima that added to an already illustrious reputation as being the most feared combat team history has ever known.”
During the ceremony, a file of 10 Sailors and Marines passed the flag to one another, while Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (SW) Vick Smith read “Olde Glory,” a poem as told by the flag, about the wars it has endured and the places it has flown, including “a small hill on Iwo Jima.”
Marine Sgt. Justin Robinson was among the spectators at the ceremony on Essex and said it provided a clear perspective of the sacrifices made on Iwo Jima.
"I’m able to serve because of what they did on this island,” Robinson said. “They put so much on the line; (this ceremony is) a tribute to them for what they’ve done for us.”
The ceremony closed with the haunting melody of “Taps” echoing through the hangar bay, memorializing the era when eight square miles, 36 days and 80,000 men made history.
Essex Commanding Officer Capt. Ronald Evans delivered the closing remarks, reminding those in attendance of their obligation to hold true to the undying spirit of the World War II warriors.
“These patriots fought for the same principles to which we commit ourselves today,” Evans said. “It is our duty as American fighting men and women to honor them by encompassing in all that we do, the same courage and spirit of determination they exhibited 58 years ago.”
The Essex is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, as an asset of Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet.
030312-N-0401E-001 Iwo Jima, Japan -- Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) line the beach below Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima in a static display for the 58th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima Commemoration, March 12. Mt. Suribachi is the historic site where four Marines and one Sailor raised the American Flag during the WWII battle. The AAVs are embarked aboard ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and USS Juneau (LPD 10). Iwo Jima was the largest sustained aerial offensive of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. The U.S. sent over 110,000 Marines in 880 ships in what also became the largest invasion force of the Pacific Campaign. It took 36 days of fighting and more than 25,000 U.S. casualties to break through and bring the island under American control. Today's forward deployed Sailors from the Essex ARG and embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable, continue to sail throughout the Pacific to help promote peace and stability in the region. Official U.S. Navy photograph by Journalist 2nd Class Wes Eplen. (RELEASED)