thedrifter
05-07-03, 09:49 AM
Echo Company’s Return to Tortuga As Good As It Gets
Story Number: NNS030502-22
Release Date: 5/3/2003 2:30:00 PM
By Ensign Justin Cole, USS Tortuga Public Affairs
USS TORTUGA, At Sea (NNS) -- Homecoming scenes are simply unforgettable. Family members and friends line the piers, patriotic music blasts over speakers, and decorations line the streets as loved ones pull up to the pier, home from a long deployment. This may be the typical scene most people picture when they hear the term ‘homecoming,' but not the crew of dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) or the Marines of Echo Company, part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Approximately 200 Marines of Echo Company returned to their home-away-from-home, to a greeting that was deserving of conquering heroes. The Sailors and Marines of Tortuga, part of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Ready Group, have been deployed away from home for more than eight months. Extended to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tortuga offloaded her Marines and vehicles nearly a month ago, delaying their homecoming to an undetermined date.
Already involved in three complete offloads during this extended deployment, the Marines, motivated by their new mission, went ashore in late March, ready to conduct operations in Iraq. Their departure produced a mix of somber and excited attitudes among the crew. Everyone was excited to be involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, but clearly understood the risks associated with war. There was, however, nothing somber about the Marines’ return. The mood was nothing short of exhilarating Arpil 29, as the Marines of Echo Company arrived in the well of Tortuga. As the landing craft made its approach, they were greeted with cheers from a thankful crew.
“The reception was incredible. Just about everyone from the ship was there in some way or another,” exclaimed 1st Lt. Sam Cunningham. “The Marines and Sailors get along great, and they were all happy to see their friends. The banners and the music were awesome. It really felt like we were home.”
Crew members hung motivational signs for the Marines to see, as they returned and crowded in large groups around the well deck to cheer and welcome their friends. “The Marine’s Hymn” was played on the ship’s announcing system as the craft entered the well, and really set the tone for an inspirational homecoming. Later, “We Are the Champions” and “The Boys Are Back In Town,” blasted from the speakers, much to the liking of the waiting Marines. The Marines had to wait on the landing craft as the ship deballasted to dry out the well, adding to the anticipation of the moment. When the ramp was finally lowered, the Marines exited the craft and headed into a crowd of cheering crew members. They were Tortuga’s returning champions.
“The entire time we were in Iraq, we were taking care of business. But at the end of the day, we knew that once we got back to Tortuga, we were one big step closer to going home,” remembers 1st Lt. Jeff Keating. Now that the war is won, the transition to a stable, free Iraq begins. And although there is still much work to be accomplished ashore, it will be for another group of Marines and Sailors. After eight long months away from home, the Marines and Sailors of Tortuga know that they are about to start heading home.
“I couldn’t wait to get them back,” admitted Operations Specialist 2nd Class Paul Malkerson. “I was happy to be doing what we are trained to do, supporting the war effort, but I think we are all ready to head home. And the fact that all of them came back safely, that was the best news of the day.”
Today’s ‘homecoming’ was an excellent example of the Navy and Marine Corps team working, growing and living together, as one giant family.
“You just don’t see this everyday,” commented the craftmaster of the landing craft used to bring the Marines back. “These guys have something special going, unlike anything I have seen. You can tell there is a real bond between the Sailors and Marines on Tortuga - the definition of a team.” A winning team.
The ‘homecoming’ was an excellent example of the Navy and Marine Corps team working, growing, and living together, as one giant family. Though a return date has not yet been confirmed, the wheels are definitely in motion, and another homecoming in North Carolina and Virginia are just around the corner for these well-deserving Sailors and Marines.
Homeported in Little Creek, Va., Tortuga is currently deployed to the Central Command Area of Responsibility.
Sempers,
Roger
Story Number: NNS030502-22
Release Date: 5/3/2003 2:30:00 PM
By Ensign Justin Cole, USS Tortuga Public Affairs
USS TORTUGA, At Sea (NNS) -- Homecoming scenes are simply unforgettable. Family members and friends line the piers, patriotic music blasts over speakers, and decorations line the streets as loved ones pull up to the pier, home from a long deployment. This may be the typical scene most people picture when they hear the term ‘homecoming,' but not the crew of dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) or the Marines of Echo Company, part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Approximately 200 Marines of Echo Company returned to their home-away-from-home, to a greeting that was deserving of conquering heroes. The Sailors and Marines of Tortuga, part of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Ready Group, have been deployed away from home for more than eight months. Extended to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tortuga offloaded her Marines and vehicles nearly a month ago, delaying their homecoming to an undetermined date.
Already involved in three complete offloads during this extended deployment, the Marines, motivated by their new mission, went ashore in late March, ready to conduct operations in Iraq. Their departure produced a mix of somber and excited attitudes among the crew. Everyone was excited to be involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, but clearly understood the risks associated with war. There was, however, nothing somber about the Marines’ return. The mood was nothing short of exhilarating Arpil 29, as the Marines of Echo Company arrived in the well of Tortuga. As the landing craft made its approach, they were greeted with cheers from a thankful crew.
“The reception was incredible. Just about everyone from the ship was there in some way or another,” exclaimed 1st Lt. Sam Cunningham. “The Marines and Sailors get along great, and they were all happy to see their friends. The banners and the music were awesome. It really felt like we were home.”
Crew members hung motivational signs for the Marines to see, as they returned and crowded in large groups around the well deck to cheer and welcome their friends. “The Marine’s Hymn” was played on the ship’s announcing system as the craft entered the well, and really set the tone for an inspirational homecoming. Later, “We Are the Champions” and “The Boys Are Back In Town,” blasted from the speakers, much to the liking of the waiting Marines. The Marines had to wait on the landing craft as the ship deballasted to dry out the well, adding to the anticipation of the moment. When the ramp was finally lowered, the Marines exited the craft and headed into a crowd of cheering crew members. They were Tortuga’s returning champions.
“The entire time we were in Iraq, we were taking care of business. But at the end of the day, we knew that once we got back to Tortuga, we were one big step closer to going home,” remembers 1st Lt. Jeff Keating. Now that the war is won, the transition to a stable, free Iraq begins. And although there is still much work to be accomplished ashore, it will be for another group of Marines and Sailors. After eight long months away from home, the Marines and Sailors of Tortuga know that they are about to start heading home.
“I couldn’t wait to get them back,” admitted Operations Specialist 2nd Class Paul Malkerson. “I was happy to be doing what we are trained to do, supporting the war effort, but I think we are all ready to head home. And the fact that all of them came back safely, that was the best news of the day.”
Today’s ‘homecoming’ was an excellent example of the Navy and Marine Corps team working, growing and living together, as one giant family.
“You just don’t see this everyday,” commented the craftmaster of the landing craft used to bring the Marines back. “These guys have something special going, unlike anything I have seen. You can tell there is a real bond between the Sailors and Marines on Tortuga - the definition of a team.” A winning team.
The ‘homecoming’ was an excellent example of the Navy and Marine Corps team working, growing, and living together, as one giant family. Though a return date has not yet been confirmed, the wheels are definitely in motion, and another homecoming in North Carolina and Virginia are just around the corner for these well-deserving Sailors and Marines.
Homeported in Little Creek, Va., Tortuga is currently deployed to the Central Command Area of Responsibility.
Sempers,
Roger