Posted on 06/30/2007 9:05:00 AM PDT by traumer
(June 29, 2007) -- For several months, the Marines and sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepared to take part in Exercise Talisman Saber 2007, a bilateral joint exercise between Australian and U.S. armed forces.
Time drew near for the kickoff of this major joint field training exercise at the Shoalwater Bay training area in Central Queensland, Australia.
The first of two waves of Marines and sailors of E Company filed off into an Australian landing craft resembling a gigantic, oceangoing flat-bed truck and packed it in close for what everyone already knew would be a tight squeeze.
After a few moments into the hour-long transit, the service members’ whispers faded into silence. Almost at once, the light and safety of the USS Juneau (LPD 10) evaporated into a sea of darkness and uncertainty, and voices, quiet in the night, spoke to each other of where they were headed and what was to come.
As midnight approached, the Marines and sailors embarked upon the HMAS Kanimbla, a former American vessel which had been transferred to Australia. It would be at least another week before they would set foot on land again. They would have to become familiar with a new type of shipboard life— the Down Under type.
The Marines and sailors poured into the ship’s living area and began to realize they would be living very close to not only their gear — which was stored wherever it could be — but with the Australian soldiers who had moved in only hours earlier.
“It was pretty much what I really expected,” said Marine Sgt. Levi G. Erickson, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, the ground combat element of the MEU. “I was hoping it wouldn’t be all that bad, and it wasn’t. The racks hanging off the chains hammock style — I was kind of mentally prepared for that, but it ended up being a little bit better.”
Within the next few days and for the duration of the voyage, the dining area and berthing became a mix of various styles of camouflage and gray uniforms. The digital Marines chatted with their Australian counterparts, and the sailors kept their new home functioning and operational.
“I think the thing you expect from a lot of Americans is they’re a fairly loud, good-natured sort of people,” said Australian Army. Lance Cpl. Daniel L. Hewitt, a mortarman with Support Co., 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.
Not only did the Marines and sailors swap stories and compare their services with the Australians, but they shared what was unanimously declared among Co. E as one of the best things about the Kanimbla: exquisite meals — morning, noon and night.
“It’s a lot better than what we’re used to getting,” Erickson said. “Our ships go further, longer, so (the meals) have to be simpler and have a longer expiration date. Here, (the Australians are) closer to home, they’re not going out very long, so they really get the good stuff.”
When they weren’t eating or training, the Australians and Marines did what all people do when faced with long periods of time with nothing to do — attempt to mitigate their boredom.
“The Australians helped keep a good vibe in the air,” said Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin R. Ivey, a Squad Automatic Weapon gunner with 1st Platoon. “They’re good to talk to, and they like to play cards and always have a good time. It makes ship life a bit better.”
The Aussies. One of the few excellent allies.
I’ve met hundreds and hundreds of Australians — found only one I didn’t like.
MARINE DIGGER PING!
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