NEW YORK - More than 2,000 spectators of Cranford, N.J., watched as three military helicopters landed in a local field and, like a flash, released dozens of Marines to form a perimeter around the aircraft, May 21.
The Marines of Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-New York put on a spectacle for the residents and visitors of the local Orange Avenue School as part of Fleet Week New York 2015.
“We pretty much demonstrated an assault, and it came out well,” said Roanoke, Va. native Lance Cpl. Brian Howell. “We got great dispersion, and the people really seemed to like the helicopters landing and us rushing out.”
The crowd clapped and cheered as their roar could be heard clear across the large field, showing the Marines their appreciation. Still, the Marines were not done yet.
The fleet week warriors separated into three groups and stood near each of the helicopters as the rotors came to a stop, and awaited the crowd to approach the displayed aircraft. Hundreds of children came rushing toward each of the Marine displays with smiles running cheek-to-cheek.
“The kids just came out, they got look at the helicopters, look at our weapons, and talk to us about the stuff that we do,” explained Sgt. Sam Osborne, a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “My favorite part was seeing all the people coming out, and getting excited about seeing the Marines in town. I was glad to see the people getting all hyped up, and being patriotic.”
Osborne, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, and his Marines exhibited their gear and weapons to those in attendance. Kids of all ages filled the seats of the CH-46 Sea Knight, V-22 Osprey and UH-1Y Huey, while others tried on the Marines’ tactical vests and helmets.
“They came out and showed us their guns, and their equipment,” said Michael Halloren, a Cranford local. “I liked putting the helmets on and sitting in the seats, and going in the pilot’s spot. That was my favorite part!”
Although the young Orange Avenue School student still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up, he did add that he now knows “a whole lot more” about what the Marines do. Fleet Week New York was designed to do just that.
The multi-day event has been long-time occurrence in New York and allows for the public to come and gain a better understanding of the Naval forces, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.