Wasp Celebrates Marine Corps’ 235th Birthday

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Koons | Gunnery Sgt. Rodney Vest cuts USS Wasp's Marine Corps 235th birthday cake during the ship's ceremony on its mess deck Nov. 10. During the ceremony, Vest and his fellow Marines who are stationed on Wasp talked about how the Marine Corps has been an integral part of every major U.S. military operation going back to the American Revolution.  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

11.10.2010

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Koons 

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

NORFOLK, Va. – In honor of the 235th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps, the crew of USS Wasp held a cake-cutting ceremony on the ship’s mess deck Nov. 10.

“Wasp is an amphibious assault ship, and our job is to serve and support our embarked Marines, just as they always come through for us,” said Capt. Brenda Holdener, Wasp’s commanding officer. “Today, Marines are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and are deployed on ships throughout the world. They are the Navy’s brethren in every way.”

Maj. Andrew Smith, who is one of five Marines currently stationed on Wasp, recounted some of the most famous battles the Marines have been involved in, from the Korean War to the current fighting in Afghanistan.

“The efforts of Marines at Busan during the Korean War set the stage for the amphibious landing at Inchon, which turned the tide of the war in our favor,” said Smith, who quoted the words of Gen. James F. Amos, the current commandant of the Marine Corps. “In Iraq, Marines fought valiantly in Anbar province, Fallujah, and Ramadi, which helped to create a brighter future for the Iraqi people. Today, in Afghanistan, Haiti and Pakistan, we continue to defend the interests of our nation.”

It is this illustrious history which continues to inspire young men and women to enlist in the Marine Corps, said Smith.

“Every birthday celebration is a renewal of each Marine’s commitment to the Corps and of the Corps’ commitment to this country,” he said. “Our spirit flourishes from generation to generation, and it will endure as long as we take to the seas and hit the battlefields.”

For Gunnery Sgt. Rodney Vest, the best part of being a Marine is the sense of camaraderie he feels with everyone he serves with.

“I love being able to serve alongside those from other branches of the armed forces,” said Vest. “It doesn’t matter if they’re from the Army, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard, it’s been great working with all of them. I’ve also enjoyed leading young Marines and sailors.”

It is this devotion to a worthy cause that will always earn the Marines a place in the heart of every American, said Cmdr. Michael Hall, Wasp’s command chaplain.

“The Marine Corps has played a crucial role in American history,” said Hall. “Through it all, they have remained faithful to God, their country, fellow Marines, family and friends.”

• Date Taken: 11.10.2010
• Date Posted: 11.15.2010 08:41
• Story ID: 60155
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US