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Anberlin visits

Photo By Sgt. John Robbart III | Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Joshua C. Hudson, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine...... read more read more

USAFRICOM, AT SEA

01.21.2013

Story by Cpl. John Robbart III

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

USS PELELIU – Sounds of guitars, drums and vocals filled the air in the hangar bay of the USS Peleliu, Jan. 21.

Anberlin, a rock band from the United States, spent more than 20 hours travelling to perform for the deployed Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group. While aboard the ship, the band was given the opportunity to eat in the mess decks and tour the ship.

“For us, this is the least we can do to show support,” said Nathan R. Young, Anberlin’s drummer. “If we can help the morale around the ship or break up the monotony by coming out and performing then it’s worth it for us.”

The group arrived mid-day and began their sound check before they began.

“It takes a lot of dedication to do what these Marines and sailors do,” said Young. “Seeing it all in action has really been an awesome experience,” added Young, who planned on waking up early the next day to see the sunrise and maximize his time on ship.

Dedication was a feeling that was felt on both sides.

“This really shows dedication on their part,” said Chief Petty Oficer Jason B. Kugler, leading chief petty officer, Food Service, USS Peleliu.

“I hope the crew realizes what it took for this band to come out and perform for us at sea,” added the 36-year-old native of Carson, Calif.
The hangar bay was nearly at capacity with all the Marines and sailors who came to see the show.

“Seeing Anberlin on ship was a really unique experience,” said Cpl. Steven Nelson, utilities chief, 15th MEU. “They put on a really good show, and it was a good way to change things up on ship,” added the 23-year-old native of Fairbault, Minn.

The concert was a unique experience for all in attendance.

“A concert in the hangar bay performed off the back of a [medium tactical vehicle replacement],” said 1st Lt. Matthew G. Dorton, assistant logistics officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th MEU. “You wouldn’t see this anywhere else,” added the 26-year-old native of Hartford City, Ind.

Many service members felt a sense of appreciation in seeing the band come out to perform for them.

“It feels good to know that there are bands that are willing to come out and do this for us,” said Cpl. Kyle J. Reynolds, tool room non-commissioned officer-in-charge, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (Rein.), 15th MEU.

In addition to the concert, Anberlin also hosted an autograph session on the mess decks. The concert was an experience many service members will not forget.

“All in all, it was a really good show,” said Kugler.

The 15th MEU is deployed as part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.