2. 11th MEU (B Command) Marine Corps Birthday Address, 10 November 2014 - The 239th Marine Corps Birthday
Delivered aboard the USS San Diego - off the coast of Yemen on alert to Reinforce the US Embassy
by Eddy Hansen, Lieutenant Colonel, Executive Officer 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit/Commander of Troops USS San Diego
Good Afternoon Marines, Sailors, Shipmates, it’s an honor to be here celebrating the
239th birthday of our beloved Corps. Today, 11th MEU Marines and Sailors are celebrating
the day on 3 ships and on 3 continents. Throughout the week Marines across the globe
will celebrate.
Personally, the Birthdays I have celebrated in deployed locations have been the most
meaningful. I can think of no greater place to do so, then deployed with a MEU on a Navy
Warship off the coast of a hostile land. As we stand on this ship I think it’s fitting
to discuss the Navy/Marine tradition.
You will remember last month we celebrated the Navy Birthday; the close proximity of the
birth of our services was no coincidence. We have a symbiotic relationship, we share a
common heritage and we could not do what we do without it – from the fist amphibious
expedition in the Bahamas in 1776, through WWII, Korea, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan; the
US Navy has been an integral part of Marine Corps history.
Three quarters of the world’s populous live near a coastline and 4 out of 5 capitals are
w/in 300 miles of the sea. The vital relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps
brings a unique and powerful naval capability that is key to meeting our nation’s
security interests. I will mention a couple examples:
Korea: Sept 1950, 1st Marine Division conducted a surprise landing at Inchon.
Specifically, 1st and 5th Marine Regiments landed only 25 miles from Seoul, which was
already under communist North Korean control. This daring and momentous landing altered
the course of the war, it was supported by 261 US Navy ships.
Afghanistan: Nov 2001, 15th MEU/PEL ARG (looked much like the 11th MEU/MKI ARG today)
conducted a modern landing over 400 miles inland, the farthest to date, re-defining MEU
doctrine. Marines established FOB Rhino south of Kandahar as the first conventional
forces in the country. This landing conducted from the decks of the Peleliu ARG
established the foothold, beginning US and coalition action that finished up this year.
Militaries from around the world want to emulate the Marine Corps and our Navy/Marine
Corps Team. An example of this is the Malaysia/US amphibious Exercise (MALUS AMPHEX
2014), that we conducted on the Island of Borneo a couple of months ago. We demonstrated
modern Amphibious Operations that have evolved since our first landing in 1776, teaching
our allies while developing a strong military partnership.
Marines in combat today, face an enemy who is afraid to meet them on even ground and
resort to cowardly tactics. As Marines we will continue to bring the battle to them with
relentless determination. We will do so while remembering our long and prideful history
and trust in our Brothers to have our backs as we press into the next battle.
I am reminded of my thoughts during our recent 9/11 memorial service, that most of you
volunteered for service during a time of war, when deployment to a combat zone was
likely. I commend your dedication and sacrifice to serve our great nation. Make no
mistake, our enemies are out there and they are determined to kill Americans and end our
way of life. The fluid environment and ever-changing enemy we face requires each and
every one of us to remain vigilant in our efforts. 100 Miles east of here, there are
many scared Americans who sleep each night knowing that we are out here, ready to come to
their rescue.
The Marine Corps’ legacy is one of pride, professionalism, dedication to duty, and
selflessness. We must pay tribute to those who have paved the way for us and honor their
selfless spirit not only today on the Marine Corps’ Birthday, but each and every day.
I am honored to celebrate today with such great Marines and Sailors and look forward to
seeing you all continue the great legacy which has been placed upon us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES!
