13th MEU Marines bring historic Carrier to life once more

Courtesy Photo | The USS Hornet (CVS-12) turns into the wind to launch Grumman S-2E Trackers during flight operations Sept. 5, 1967 in the Pacific Ocean. Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit lived aboard the ship during the 2012 San Francisco Fleet Week, which now serves as a museum in Alameda, Calif. From Oct. 3-8, Marines and Sailors of the 13th MEU, I Marine Expeditionary Brigade, participated in numerous community outreach events, including the Italian Heritage Day parade, urban search and rescue demonstration, park restoration projects and hospital visits. (Photo courtesy of USS Hornet Museum)  

ALAMEDA, CA, UNITED STATES

10.07.2012

Story by Sgt. Christopher O'Quin 

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Decades ago, Marines lived aboard an aircraft carrier during such famous battles as Iwo Jima and Okinawa. It now lives on as a museum ship, reminding the public of what American strength once looked like during the Mid-20th Century.

For the 2012 San Francisco Fleet Week, more than a dozen Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, berthed inside the living quarters of the USS Hornet (CVS-12) bringing to life a ship deprived of “Leatherneck” living for more than 40 years.

The Marines used the ship as a living space while they provided security for the static displays nearby on the docks.

“We set up security rotations for the pier and we have been spending our downtime in what I think was once the officer’s quarters,” said Cpl. Juan Arredondo, an operations clerk with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “It’s definitely an honor to be here. At first it felt different coming aboard and seeing everything in this vintage state. But even with the technology our ships now have, some things never change. The ladder wells, the overall design and the feel of being on ship is the same as it is on the [Makin Island].”

Their stay aboard the USS Hornet came about during the planning stages of the 2012 San Francisco Fleet, months prior.

“We knew the Marines were going to be having a static display and suggested the Marines come live on ship during the event,” said Navy Capt. Randall Ramian, chief executive officer of the USS Hornet and member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Fleet Week Association. “We had them stay in the junior officer berthing. They were able to use the head, showers and other accommodations that service members like them once used. We’re very proud to have hosted them and hope we can do something like this in the future.”

One Marine present for the static displays knows this ship as more than a museum but a beautiful monument to his life aboard the Hornet in the 1960’s.

“My Marines were the detachment that was the police force aboard the carrier,” said Geoff Collins, former USS Hornet Marine detachment executive officer and member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Fleet Week Association. “They provided security for the admiral, carried the fleet flag and protected the nuclear weapons aboard the ship.”

With their stewardship of the Fleet Week static displays completed, the 13th MEU left the Bay Area, Oct. 9, 2012 and steamed for home at Camp Pendleton. Many of these Marines will deploy next year with the 13th MEU as part of Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. For several months they will do what men like Collins did, serving at sea, ready to respond to crisis.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world, seeing Marines walk its passageways once again,” said Collins. “You guys are awesome. I love you all.”

The sounds of Marines saying Leatherneck jargon have faded once more. The ship lives on. But for a few days, the Hornet was doing what it did best; providing Marines a place to live, just as it did generations ago.

• Date Taken: 10.07.2012
• Date Posted: 10.31.2012 17:59
• Story ID: 97084
• Location: ALAMEDA, CA, US