CHARLESTON HARBOR, S.C. -- Visitors of the USS Yorktown got a glimpse of the Marine Corps’ current set of tactical vehicles at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum at Charleston Harbor, S.C., March 16.
Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, hosted a static display in the historic city to showcase the capabilities of the Marines in the logistics command as well as expose the troops to the general public.
Spectators not only heard stories from the troops, but also took the opportunity to share their own military family history.
“I really enjoyed the visit as well as talking to some of the Marines,” explained Cynthia L. Phillips, a visitor from Concord, N.H. “I think this is a great opportunity for us get to know what [service members] do every day.”
The Phillips family has a military history of its own with members serving during World War II and Vietnam. The opportunity to speak with today’s Marines brought back fond childhood memories.
“I had a great time listening to their stories from Afghanistan,” Phillips added. “This really took me back to when I was young and used to hear my grandfather and uncle tell their war stories.
“We definitely appreciate people who serve in the military.”
Staff Sgt. Orlando J. Girand, a platoon commander with Alpha Company, CLB-8, noted the crowd was very enthusiastic to learn about the vehicles.
“We displayed [Logistics Vehicle System Replacements, Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements, Mine Resistance Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles],” Girand explained.
“I think there was a solid interaction between the public and the [troops],” he concluded. “I confidently say each individual here was fully capable to conduct themselves in a military manner and to fulfill the expectation for the event.”