Marines make waves on SMP Caribbean cruise

Photo By Cpl. Terry Haynes | Marines of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort set sail across the Caribbean as part of the Single Marine Program Western Caribbean Cruise, from September 30 to October 7. The SMP serves to support the needs of single Marines and sailors across the Marine Corps.  

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

10.05.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marines of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island set sail on a cruise of the western Caribbean aboard the Carnival Magic from September 30 to October 7.
The cruise was hosted by the Single Marine Program. The SMP provides opportunities and improves the quality of life for single Marines and sailors, besides offering trips the SMP hosts events that help boost morale such as gaming tournaments, Poker and Trivia nights, as well as finding opportunities to volunteer in the local community.
“This cruise feels like the experience of a lifetime,” said Lance Cpl. Dan Phelps, a maintenance technician with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501. “I’ve been able to do everything from explore ancient ruins to zip line around the jungle.”
The cruise embarked from Port Canaveral, Florida and sailed across the western Caribbean stopping at Cozumel, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Costa Maya, Mexico before finally returning to port on October 7.
“We try to come up with fun and creative activities that Marines could participate in,” said Jennifer Petrone, the Coordinator for the Single Marine Program. “Events like this cruise help to promote an atmosphere that brings Marines closer together as well as just have fun.”
The trip offers many different events that Marines can participate in. Activities range from swimming with dolphins, trips to ancient indigenous ruins, tours of historic plazas, as well as visiting restaurants to taste the local cuisine.
“I’ve experienced so much on this trip already in the first three days,” said Sgt. Olivia Ortiz, the Operations Chief for Combat Camera. “I’m so happy I signed up for this trip because it definitely feels like I’m getting my money’s worth.”
While most SMP’s across the Marine Corps have Marines pay in full for the trips since raising funds can be difficult. The Tri-Command SMP helps Marines pay a percentage of the cost for the trip.
“We try to help our Marines in any way we possibly can,” said Petrone. “Out of all the Commands I’ve been with this one really knows how to take care of the Marines.”
The SMP has more trips booked in the near future including a trip to Disney World for Halloween as well as a “Wreaths Across America” trip to Washington D.C. in December.
“We all love what we do at the Single Marine Program,” said Petrone “The goal of the program is to give Marines and sailors opportunities to get out and explore while still having a fun and safe time and I don’t think anyone else does a better job of that than us.”

• Date Taken: 10.05.2017
• Date Posted: 11.13.2017 13:25
• Story ID: 255160
• Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US