Photo By Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez | Chief Warrant Officer Michael Godfrey, vessel master of the Landing Craft Utility 2011...... read more read more
YORKTOWN, Va. - “I did not know the Army had boats.”
That was one phrase that could be heard strolling through Yorktown this past weekend. Comments came from pedestrians while they were heading to the beach, while other comments came from visitors sightseeing near the port.
Army vessels stole the show as US Army Vessel Small Tug Series 911 (Enduring Freedom) and USAV Landing Craft Utility 2011 (Chickahominy) were docked in Yorktown, June 4-7, as part of the celebration of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and War of 1812 commemoration in this year’s iteration of the Operation Sail 2012.
Operation Sail is a series of sailing events held throughout the country to celebrate and feature sailing vessels from around the world. The two vessel crews were on hand supporting the Army’s long history in boating field.
It was in World War II that the Army vessels made their mark. Approximately 120,000 ships and watercraft moved soldiers from Navy ships to the beaches of Normandy and Japan. To a smaller extent, they were also used during the Vietnam War. Since then the watercraft field has been revamped and is now mostly used for inter-coastal cargo transport, emergency pull or pushing, and other maritime operations as needed. The Army vessels have supported peacetime missions all over the world, crisis situations like Haiti 2010, and during war time deploying to Kuwait. The scope and importance of the Army vessels are almost immeasurable.
As soon as the first group was let on the small tug, it was evident that the crew was very knowledgeable and ready to share it with the public.
“These are Navy ships right?” said one woman.
“No ma’am these are from the Army,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Griffin, vessel master of the ST 911, 7th Sustainment Brigade.
During the OP Sail as a tour guide, Griffin explained the Army mariner's claim to fame.
"When George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1775, Army militia men, mariners from Massachusetts, brought down water crafts to Washington's Army to support the fight against British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Thus the first watercraft specialist were born," said Griffin.
He also explains the naming importance of the ST 911, Enduring Freedom.
"It was originally going to be St. Vincennes in 2001, until Americans gave the ultimate sacrifice during 9/11. So instead of St. Vincennes, it was named Enduring Freedom."
The 7th Sustainment Brigade Army mariners are here to support the OP sail, held annually since 1964. Griffin explains why these watercraft were chosen.
"The purpose today was to expose civilians to Army watercraft, and show the local community where their tax dollars are going and show what the tug boat and other army vessels can do,” said Griffin.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Miller, assistant vessel master assigned to the 73rd Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, explains what visitors can expect to learn from the tour
“Small Tug 913 port operations tug boat is designed for inter-coastal movement. The vessel is both pull and pusher tug," said Miller “It is a 12 person crew that can work 24-hours. We must bring our own food because we do not have a cook. At most we can work 96 hours before we need a resupply."
The other boat on display was the LCU 2011, 97th Transportation Company, 10th Trans. Bn., 7th Sus. Bde, who's company motto is “The Best in the Fleet.” Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Godfrey, vessel master of the LCU 2011, explains what visitors should expect when touring the boat.
"We explain how we operate on the bridge and show them the key pieces of equipment that we use and how we use it. We walk them through the berthing area to show them how we live while under way," said Godfrey. "Then we show them the crews mess and the galley so they can see how we take our down time. Everybody likes to hear about eating and recreation time...the tour will end up in the engine room, the inside of how the vessel operates. "
Some of the soldiers who gave tours were excited to be there and share what they thought about the Army watercraft story.
"We came here to do tours and show them the great things we do for the Army. I love the boat field, it is fun, I get to move around a lot and much of the world,” said Private 1st Class Matthew Kobera, assigned to the LCU 2011.
"I think it is great to be an Army mariner. It lets us do something unique for our country," said Spc. John Rosenberger, assigned to the ST 911 (73rd TC).
Miller adds, "The Army watercraft field is little known, even for the soldiers already in it the Army. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come out here to show people what we are capable of and what the Army has to offer."
The OP sail in Yorktown was only from June 4-7 however the Hampton Roads area, specifically Norfolk will last until June 12.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2012 09:30 |
| Story ID: | 89576 |
| Location: | YORKTOWN, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 444 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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