Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Miguel Diaz, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13...... read more read more
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NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy- The Marines take great pride in their history. From uniforms and naval terminology to the fighting tenacity seemingly issued to them at Parris Island, San Diego and Quantico, Marines have stood apart, as the "Marines’ Hymn" goes, “from the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli.”
Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13 made a historic first on the shores of Tripoli in January 2013. They are the first reserve Marines to operate in an official capacity in Tripoli, Libya.
"According to our reference files and aviation historians, no reserve units were involved in actions in Libya," said Beth Crumley, a historian with the Marine Corps History Division in Quantico, Va. “Additionally, a check of command chronologies that cover the Gulf of Sidra operations in 1986 and Operation Odyssey Dawn show no participation by reserve units. Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13 is the first reserve unit to officially set foot on the 'shores of Tripoli.'"
After the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi Sept. 11, 2012, a small force of Marines and sailors have remained in Tripoli, Libya, to allow the embassy staff to safely conduct their diplomatic mission.
“They’re providing an absolutely indispensable function,” said U.S. Chargé d'Affaires for Libya William Roebuck. “I don’t think we would be here if we didn’t have them helping us out with our security.”
Tripoli is an important location for Marines. It is the location of one of the Corps’ earliest conflicts, the First Barbary War.
The first line of the "Marines’ Hymn" pays tribute to 1st Lt. Presley O’Bannon and the eight Marines and 500 mercenaries he led to capture Derna, a city in eastern Libya, in May 1805. The battle was the turning point of the Barbary War and was the first time the American flag had been raised over foreign soil in victory.
Prince Hamet Karamanli presented O’Bannon with a mameluke sword for winning the battle in Derna. The sword style was adopted by Marine Corps Commandant Archibald Henderson in 1825 as the official Marine officers’ sword and remains the oldest weapon in the U.S. military.
Today, the Tripoli monument at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., is the oldest U.S. military monument.
“Tripoli is a major part of Marine Corp history,” said Sgt. Scott Clifton, Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 13 watch officer. “It's been a surreal experience, even from the moment we boarded the C-130 at Sigonella, Italy. I consider it an honor to be here as a reserve Marine doing my job and showing the rest of the Corps that the reserves are capable of taking on a mission of this magnitude.”
While the mission is very different from the Marines who first set foot on Libyan soil in 1805, both were sent there because of events at the U.S. Embassy.
After President Jefferson refused to pay a $225,000 ransom to prevent piracy from Barbary ships in 1801, Yusuf Karamanli, Pasha of Tripoli, declared war on the U.S. by cutting down the flagstaff at the U.S. Embassy, commencing the First Barbary War.
Likewise, after the September attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Marines were once again sent to Tripoli.
“I believe it is fitting that our country has called upon U.S. Marines to secure high-risk embassy locations across the globe, and specifically in Tripoli,” said Maj. Joseph Rodrigues, the detachment team leader. “The name ‘Marine’ means something to the American people. It means, honor, courage, professionalism and a sense of calm in the face of adversity and challenge. Marines have come to symbolize security for civilians and fear for our enemies.”
The reputation of Marines is backed by a long history of success. From Tripoli to Fallujah, Marines have proven their abilities in battle. The history of the Corps’ involvement in major conflicts is taught to every recruit and officer candidate in the Corps.
“I remember my drill instructors speaking of Tripoli as if it were hallowed ground,” said Staff Sgt. Maxwell Foster, Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 13 assistant team chief.
“To be a part of the first group of reserve Marines here is an overwhelming feeling of living a piece of Marine Corps history,” he said. “So much of the heritage we were taught as recruits is derived from where I am right now. This is truly a place that, 50 years from now, I'll be proud to state that I was there, I walked the same ground as my warrior forefathers.”
First Lt. Robert Licalzi, Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 13 assistant team leader, recounted how he learned of O’Bannon and his legacy.
“In Officer Candidate School you learn about O'Bannon, his successful attack into Tripoli and how he was presented the mameluke sword,” said the Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, native. “At Camp Barrett in Quantico, you are reminded daily about O'Bannon's accomplishments as the dining hall is named after him. Yet it wasn't until we finally set foot in Libya that I realized the gravity of these historical accomplishments.”
Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 13 is primarily comprised of reserve Marines and sailors. Licalzi explained how their experience as reservists gives them a distinct advantage that is beneficial to them and the embassy staff they protect.
“I have Marines that are civilian engineers, policemen, EMTs and firemen, they all bring skills to the table beyond those found in an active duty unit,” Licalzi said. “Plus, the maturity level found within the reserves is a force multiplier. Without mature, accomplished Marines, it would be that much more difficult to interact with the different government agencies.”
Living up to the prestigious actions and accomplishments of O’Bannon and his Marines is a real accomplishment for the Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 13 Marines.
“As an officer of Marines, I am humbled and privileged to be serving with these Marines in Tripoli,” said Rodrigues, a Scotch Plains, N.J., native. “They have met the challenge with integrity, professionalism and a sense of pride. They embody our core values and have embraced the mission with the highest level of tactical poise and sense of purpose.
“As Marines, we pay tribute to our history and our fellow Marines that have served our Corps and country before us. My service in Tripoli, Libya, will always hold a profound significance personally and professionally.”
Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa strengthens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command's ability to assist partner nations in addressing their security challenges. The approximately 150 Marines and sailors conduct security force assistance, military-to-military engagements and are trained to provide support to crisis response.
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.14.2013 16:23 |
| Story ID: | 108694 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Hometown: | GUAYNABO, PR |
| Hometown: | SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ, US |
| Web Views: | 1,070 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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