10th CST takes in WWII history during staff ride

Photo By Jason Kriess | Warrant Officer Daniel Jones, 10th Civil Support Team, Washington National Guard, observes the remnants of an anti-aircraft gun on the island of Saipan, Aug. 16, 2018. The 10th CST was on the island participating in an exercise from 14-17 Aug. Saipan was the site of a large battle in the Pacific campaign of WWII. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Jason Kriess)  

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

08.16.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jason Kriess 

Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard

SAIPAN -- Nearly 74 years ago, off Kilili Beach, lay the remnants of three Sherman tanks that never made it to shore. It’s a reminder of a major battle between U.S. forces and the Japanese – and a notable memorial for members of the Washington National Guard, who decided to learn the region’s history in a bid to understand what happened here.

Staff rides provide service members insights into the history of our nation’s fighting force and can give them perspective so that they may learn from their actions. These opportunities to learn from previous generations’ hard-earned lessons can be invaluable to today’s leaders as they grow and experience military operations themselves.

When members of the 10th Civil Support Team recently took part in a USARPAC exercise on the island of Saipan, they made sure to take a day to tour the island and take in the rich World War II history that the island provides.

Saipan was the site of a major battle of the Pacific campaign from June 15, 1944 to July 9, 1944, which claimed the lives of 55,000 soldiers and civilians.

“Anytime we can learn more about the people we’re supporting and their history, I think that’s a good thing,” said Lt. Col. Ricky Thomas, the commander of the 10th CST.

Members of the Guard visited the Sherman tanks, located about 300 meters off the shore. On the northern end of the island, the team visited Suicide Cliff, where thousands of Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped to their deaths in order to avoid capture by the advancing American forces. The site is now on the list of U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Below the cliff lies the Last Command Post. The site marks the final spot held by the Japanese when it was overrun by Americans. On display below the bunker are various Japanese relics destroyed in the war.

“I’m fascinated by the difficulty that soldiers went through in World War II,” said 1st Sgt Paul Gautreaux, 10th CST first sergeant. “It’s important for the young soldiers to see what the guys before them had to endure.”

• Date Taken: 08.16.2018
• Date Posted: 08.22.2018 12:24
• Story ID: 289809
• Location: MP