USS WASP

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Amie Gonzales

CARIBBEAN SEA – Another year has passed and a new chapter has been written in the deep rooted history of the U.S. Marine Corps. Marines onboard USS Wasp (LHD 1), continue to make their marks in history along side their Navy shipmates. Yesterday they joined to celebrate the Marine Corps' 234th birthday.

"The Marines here on Wasp are celebrating their birthday today, just like their brothers and sisters in every clime and place," said Capt. Rodelio Laco, Commander, Task Group 40 and guest speaker for the Wasp celebration. "Whether it be a grand ball with thousands of Marines, or just a few of them in the dusty wastelands of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, huddled around a piece of vanilla pound cake from one of their MREs [Meal, Ready to Eat]. Whether it be near or far, you can be assured those Marines are celebrating their birthday, just the same."

The Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War formed 234 years ago at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Originally founded to serve as an infantry unit aboard naval vessels, the Marines were responsible for the security of the ship and her crew. Today, the Marine Corps continues to fill a vital role in national security as an amphibious, expeditionary, air ground combined arms task force.

"There is no other way for a Marine to celebrate than to be at sea, on a ship with their Navy brothers and sisters in arms," said Lt. Col. Sean Salene, commanding officer of Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. "Because we are a sea service, we are a part of the Department of the Navy and without a Navy we would not have a Marine Corps."

Tradition calls for the youngest and oldest Marine present get the honor of receiving the first piece birthday cake. Wasp's oldest active duty Marine is Chief Warrant Officer Bryan Simon, assigned to Combat Cargo Department. The youngest Marine is Private First Class Carlos Toranzo, assigned to Fox Company 29th Marines; and oldest, John Manna, part of embarked staff.

"The Marine Corps birthday is special every year. It's very humbling and an honor for me looking back to when women weren't allowed in the services, especially the Marine Corps because it's an elite force," said Gunnery Sgt. Patricia Malone, of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461). "It's a great honor, [on the Marine Corps birthday] to sit back and look or participate in birthday balls. Each year I reflect back on the traditions and the individuals who have gone ahead and the ones who are present now who are paving the way for the future."

In a video birthday message to Marines fleet wide, Commandant of the Marine Corps General James T. Conway, spoke about the nations expectations of its Marines to be ready at all times, even if it means leaving families and the comforts of home behind. Marines should be ready to march into battle, thrive under austerity and come home in victory, said Conway.

"The U.S. Marines represent the best young men and women our nation has to offer. To be a Marine is to be a member of America's warrior class - to be one of the few who steps forward with the courage and conviction to face whatever dangers await," said Conway.

With only two years in the Marine Corps, Lance Cpl. Martin Folsom, flight line mechanic with HMH-461, reflects on the proud military heritage of his family and looks forward to his future contributions to the Corps.

"I'm proud that I'm able uphold the tradition of the Marine Corps like my uncle and great grandfather," said Folsom. "The ceremony went great, it was inspiring and brought me back to when I started, filling out the DD forms to where I am now."

Under its fifth Commandant, Archibald Henderson, the Marine Corps took on expeditionary duties in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, Key West, West Africa, the Falkland Islands and Sumatra. Henderson was credited for halting then-President Andrew Jackson's attempts to combine the Corps with the Army. In 1834 Congress passed the Act for the Better Organization of the Marine Corps, which stated the Marine Corps was part of the Department of the Navy as a sister service.

"We are honored to have served alongside you throughout our proud history and we look forward to our promising future with you, as the sea services of our Nation," said Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, in his birthday message to the Marine Corps.

Roughead added Marines are known around the world for their seriousness of purpose, professionalism, and dedication because of their actions in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond.

As celebrations continue around the world, the message remains the same: remember those who have gone before you and those who continue the fight today. Most of all, remember the love and support families provide giving us the strength to continue each day.

Wasp is currently deployed on Southern Partnership Station-Amphib with Destroyer Squadron 40 and embarked SCMAGTF. Southern Partnership Station is part of the Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy that focuses on building interoperability and cooperation in the region to meet common challenges.

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