7th Fleet Staff Hike Mount Suribachi

JAPAN

07.07.2016

Story by Joshua Karsten      

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Indra Bosko, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

IWO TO, Japan - U.S. Sailors and Marines from the U.S. 7th Fleet staff
were warned to stay on the trails to keep safe from unexploded ordinance, poisonous snakes and other hazards on the historic volcanic island.

On the island commonly known as Iwo Jima, with a heat index of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, 70 percent humidity and almost no shade, 63 personnel took the roughly 8,500 step journey, July 7, from the airfield terminal to the top of Mount Suribachi where the iconic flag was planted - 3,000 of those steps from the base of the mountain to the top.

"I mainly reflected on what it had been like in 1945," said Chief Religious Program Specialist Alan Grow. "As much as I was suffering in the heat, it is nothing compared to what the Marines and Sailors went through ... the fire ... in the black sand ... in that heavy gear."

The trip took weeks of coordination by Chief Damage Controlman Andrae Sutherland, assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet. "I thought it was important for military personnel to experience one of the most iconic and historical part of American and Japanese history," Sutherland said. He called it a "once in a lifetime experience."

Rusting B-29 propellers, a wrecked ship still grounded on a beach, bunkers, and memorials are among some of the things 7th Fleet staff members saw on the approximately 9-mile trek from the airfield to Mount Suribachi and back.

Marine Cpl. Joshua Anair said he's glad he climbed Mount Suribachi with his squadron. His group was one of the first to reach the summit. "The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima is one of the most iconic photos of World War II, and to be able to connect in that moment in history is - priceless."

For U.S. 7th Fleet Chaplain Capt. Cameron Fish it was a spiritual experience.

"When I was walking, I was praying, fully reflecting on the events that took place there from both sides and offering prayers for peace that this sort of thing does not need to happen again," Fish said.

More than 6,500 Americans and an estimated 20,000 Japanese troops died in the 36-day battle for control of the 8 square mile volcanic island located 575 miles from the Japanese coast.

For more news on Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.c7f.navy.mil

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/

• Date Taken: 07.07.2016
• Date Posted: 07.11.2016 03:03
• Story ID: 203566
• Location: JP