Marines return to Tahiti after a dozen years

TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

10.02.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

TAHITI, French Polynesia - The dense green jungles, crystal clear water, volcanic mountains, and black and white sand beaches make Tahiti a tempting paradise for any person to want to vacation, but after a dozen years this island provided Marines of KOA MOANA 15-3 a challenging and unique training opportunity with both the French Army and the Tahitian reservists.

As America’s force in readiness, Marines train in every clime and place and recently finished a training exercise in Tahiti on Oct. 2.

After nearly a month at sea, Marines disembarked the USNS Lewis and Clark on Sept. 27 and were greeted by French forces prior to conducting their training. The Marines comprised of a law enforcement platoon and an engineer platoon. The platoons split up to execute similar exercises on separate days of the week. Both platoons were fully integrated with French troops from the 48 Signals Regiment, who provide security for the island nation.

“This was a very impactful step between relations with the United States and France, who have been great allies for a very long time,” said 1st Lt. Bradley Wilson, platoon commander for Engineer Platoon, KOA MOANA 15-3. “The cooperation was great between both countries.”

During one day of the evolution, shots echoed in the valley of the mountains as Marines and French soldiers conducted a live-fire range with their standard weapon systems. They shared tactics and techniques and exchanged ideas to improve each other’s military capabilities.

“Both sides were very respectful to each other throughout the exercise,” said French Lieutenant Romerald Lemoigne, 1st Platoon Commander of 48 Signals Regiment. “Everyone around the world knows who the United States Marine Corps is and so it was great to exchange ideas with them.”

The allies also sweated together as they flew to the island of Moorea and scaled the mountains during a 5 mile hike with temperatures reaching the 80s and humidity at nearly 100%.

“When you sweat a lot together, things start to make sense and it makes the relationship a lot better,” said Lemoigne, who is on a four month tour in Tahiti with the rest of his troops.

With most of the training taking place on land, Marines and French forces still found time to experience outrigger canoeing with the Tahitians. As they guided the Marines and French soldiers through the shores of Tahiti they came within hand-shaking distance of Sperm whales and Black Tip sharks.

A lot of the events Marines participated in were unique, tough and mentally challenging, said Wilson.

The Marines of KOA MOANA 15-3 are all permanently stationed in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and according to Wilson, the environment in Tahiti provided Marines with a training opportunity that California simply can’t provide.

Not all the time during the trip was dedicated to military training. Marines were also there to learn about the Tahitian culture and bond with the local people. The Tahitians taught the Marines how to cook the local cuisine and compete in local sports such as kayaking.

“It was an honor to be in this beautiful country,” said Wilson. “The people here have been very hospitable.”

Many of the Tahitians knew the Marines were in town and several media and key leaders in the community engaged with the Marines, including the Koa Moana staff which attended a dinner at the French Admiral’s house.

“The Marines of KOA MOANA 15-3 have done an outstanding job of taking everything in and giving it their all,” Wilson said.

After a week of training and establishing relationships, leaders of Tahiti, French soldiers and U. S. Marines all agreed that they hope more exercises like this occur in the future to build on the positive influence KOA MOANA 15-3 established in the French Polynesian region throughout the week.

• Date Taken: 10.02.2015
• Date Posted: 10.08.2015 17:17
• Story ID: 178514
• Location: TAHITI, PF