November 10 marked the 242nd birthday celebration for the United States Marine Corps, honoring the Marines’ history and tradition of warfighting excellence.
At the Corps’ founding in 1775, Congress envisioned infantry troops capable of fighting on shore and at sea. Through the toughest battles in American history, the Marines have exceeded this expectation. The Marine Corps became a component of the Navy in 1834 to create a powerful team with the ability to serve all over the world.
The Checkerboards of Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 celebrated their heritage alongside their shipmates aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) with a ceremony on the fo’c’sle.
“The birthday is an annual reminder that our existence in war and peace has had a significant impact on the history of our great nation,” said Sgt. Maj. Marcus N. Fleming, the Checkerboards’ sergeant major. “Furthermore, as we are currently embarked on this historic warship, we are in fact aiding her in creating tomorrow’s history.”
The Checkerboards are embarked with 224 Marines and their F/A-18C Hornets to strengthen Theodore Roosevelt’s mission ready capabilities just as Congress intended 242 years ago.
“As a team, we are far better equipped to serve the American people and all of the many allies in the world,” said Fleming. “We have always had mutually supporting roles from a strategic perspective. Beyond that, our relationship supports that of a humongous family.”
With less than 184,000 active duty members and 40,000 reservists, the Marine Corps is the smallest U.S. military service, but the impact is irreplaceable. The doctrine of “every Marine [is] a rifleman” emphasizes the infantry combat capabilities of every Marine, regardless of military specialization.
Gen. Robert B. Neller, Commandant of the Marine Corps, addressed the Marine Corps for this year’s birthday.
“At places like Trenton, Tripoli, Chapultepec, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Chosin, Khe Sanh, Fallujah, Sangin and so many others, Marines have fought with an inner spirit,” said Neller. “A spirit that bonds us, binds us together as a cohesive team. It’s that intangible spirit that has formed the foundation of our warfighting reputation for the past 242 years. Now it’s our responsibility to ensure we honor and carry on that legacy. The American people expect a Corps of men and women who are committed, selfless, willing to sacrifice, who epitomize honor, courage, commitment, virtue, and character. We owe our nation and our predecessors no less.”
The motto “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “always faithful,” was adopted in 1883 to represent the lifelong commitment to honorably serving the title of United States Marine.
Sgt. Dillon Russell, an ordnance technician assigned to the Checkerboards, found his home in the Marine Corps after meeting with a recruiter and falling in love with the atmosphere and traditions. More than eight years later, Russell continues to dedicate his life to serving loyally as a Marine.
“If you base everything you do on a daily basis off of the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, then you will always be faithful to the Marine Corps,” said Russell.
The Checkerboards filled the fo’c’sle for the birthday ceremony which included a traditional cake cutting. The first piece was passed to the guest of honor, Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, then to the oldest Marine, Gunnery Sgt. Gregory Pegues, and finally to the youngest Marine, Lance Cpl. Bryan Audor. Following the ceremony, Marines gathered for pictures, laughed about old memories and remembered the fallen.
“We must remember who we are, where we came from, and why we’re here,” said Neller. “We must remember the past, honor those who are no longer with us, focus on today’s battles, and get ready for tomorrow. We can and will prevail as we always have, in any clime and place.”