2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion learn from their past

Photo By Staff Sgt. Mel Johnson | LVT-1 49 ("My Deloris"), the first vehicle to reach Betio's shore, lies in her final resting place amid death and destruction, including a disabled LVT-2 from a follow-on assault wave. (Photo Courtesy of LtGen Julian C. Smith Collection)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

11.29.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Mel Johnson 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - A crowd of Marines quickly entered the dimly lit auditorium, their chatter quickly filled the lifeless theater.

Waiting patiently for their class to begin, a marine turned to another and asked, "What's this class about?" and was answered with, "I don't know, probably something about nothing."

Little did they know, the two-hour professional military education or PME which they were about to receive would hit closer to home than expected.

After a few short words from the battalion sergeant major, the instructor took the floor and started the class. With a click of the mouse, the 800 Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division was taken back in time to a significant event in their unit’s history.

"The training today was meant to teach some of the history of the battalion within the division," said Gunnery Sgt. Travis P. Mackall, a platoon Sergeant with Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

Fought in the Pacific Theater of World War II from November 20 to November 23, 1943, the Battle of Tarawa made a heavy impact on the AA Bn., of that time.

The 18,000 Marines sent to the tiny island were expected to easily secure it, but problems quickly arose. The Higgins boats used to ferry Marines to the beach could not traverse the coral reefs 500 yards off shore. The antecedent of the modern amphibious assault vehicle, called a Landing Vehicle Tracked or LVT, was used to land Marines on the beach and to rescue Marines stranded offshore on the coral reefs.

What was supposed to be a simple mission turned into a 76-hour battle, during which the Marines suffered many causalities.

"We study the (our history) to learn and see that though our technology and tactics may change, our outcome is still the same," said Mackall, an East Palestine, Ohio native.

Mackall said the training was a nice refresher for the noncommissioned officers as well as the officers. However, he said he thinks those newer to the battalion had the most to gain.

"It's just a good lesson for the junior Marines, a history lesson on what happened," said Mackall. "Some of the same obstacles they face today are the same that they faced 70 years ago."

As the training continued, the details of the battle grew more intricate and in an effort to keep the marines better engaged, they were instructed to imagine what it would have like to have their amphibious landing met with heavy opposition. Marines worked endlessly under constant withering enemy fire to defend a beach, while reinforcements are stuck 500 yards off shore.

Being able to see the challenges the Marines faced at Tarawa was the most impactful for Lance Cpl. Joshua R. Anderson of Coventry, R.I., an amphibious assault vehicle crewman with Headquarters & Support Company.

"How they had to adapt to new vehicles at the last minute, getting stuck on the coral reef, and dealing with the sea walls," said Anderson. "To deal with all that, and still get the job done, I think that's what everyone should take from this. My job could be a lot worse than it is right now," "

As the class ended and the instructor gave his final remarks, the theatre once again became flushed with liveliness. Sounds of motivation resonated throughout the theatre as their battalion Sgt Maj. took to the mic.

Reminding the Marines that before they continue to move forward as a battalion, it is necessary to stop and look, and appreciate how they have grown.

• Date Taken: 11.29.2012
• Date Posted: 11.29.2012 10:52
• Story ID: 98501
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
• Hometown: COVENTRY, RI, US
• Hometown: EAST PALESTINE, OH, US