thedrifter
07-31-09, 08:02 AM
Marines with O.C. ties return home after fighting pirates
Anaheim adopted the 13th Marine Unit two years ago.
By ERIC CARPENTER
The Orange County Register
Comments | Recommend
ANAHEIM A Marine unit adopted by the city of Anaheim two years ago returns home to Camp Pendleton today after what military officials described as an eventful seven-month deployment at sea.
A homecoming festival is scheduled for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit around noon – though times are subject to change because of landing schedules.
The unit is made up of 2,200 Marines and sailors.
During its deployment, the unit conducted a series of missions to combat piracy in the waters off of Africa. It played a role in rescue of hostage Capt. Richard Phillips, whose ship, the Maersk Alabama, was hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
In all, the unit saw action in 13 countries in Africa and Middle East.
Anaheim adopted the unit in October 2007 after Anaheim resident Carolyn Walters, the mother of a Marine who was serving with the unit in Iraq, suggested the idea to the City Council.
Since then, the city has held car washes and other fundraisers to buy supplies for the troops and their families. Members of the unit have returned the favor by coming up to Anaheim to participate in school programs and community activities.
Contact the writer: 714-704-3769 or ecarpenter@ocregister.com
Ellie
Anaheim adopted the 13th Marine Unit two years ago.
By ERIC CARPENTER
The Orange County Register
Comments | Recommend
ANAHEIM A Marine unit adopted by the city of Anaheim two years ago returns home to Camp Pendleton today after what military officials described as an eventful seven-month deployment at sea.
A homecoming festival is scheduled for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit around noon – though times are subject to change because of landing schedules.
The unit is made up of 2,200 Marines and sailors.
During its deployment, the unit conducted a series of missions to combat piracy in the waters off of Africa. It played a role in rescue of hostage Capt. Richard Phillips, whose ship, the Maersk Alabama, was hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
In all, the unit saw action in 13 countries in Africa and Middle East.
Anaheim adopted the unit in October 2007 after Anaheim resident Carolyn Walters, the mother of a Marine who was serving with the unit in Iraq, suggested the idea to the City Council.
Since then, the city has held car washes and other fundraisers to buy supplies for the troops and their families. Members of the unit have returned the favor by coming up to Anaheim to participate in school programs and community activities.
Contact the writer: 714-704-3769 or ecarpenter@ocregister.com
Ellie