MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The Marines of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, are gearing up for the 17th Annual New York City Fleet Week, which starts May 26.
The Marines from A Battery have been preparing for this deployment for a week, getting gear and uniforms ready to show the people what the Marine Corps is all about.
“The Marines will be leaving Thursday, Friday, and Sunday some on busses and others in convoys,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael E. Jones, battery gunnery sergeant, A Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment.
The Marines participating in Fleet Week from A Battery will be setting up a static display of one of the 155-millimeter howitzers, the backbone of 10th Marine Regiment. The patrons coming to Fleet Week will get a first-hand look at the equipment needed to run an artillery battery. The battery will also be conducting marching ceremonies for the public.
“Wednesday morning, there was a walk through of the static display to double check and make sure everything is perfect,” Jones said.
Fun is in store for the Marines as well.
While the Marines have down-time during the week they are there, they will be given the chance to mingle with the New Yorkers. This will be the first time 1/10 visits New York since before the events of Sept. 11.
There will be approximately 3,500 Marines and sailors and an estimated 10 Navy ships participating in Fleet Week 2004. All of the ships have participated in either Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Some information used in this article was obtained from World Wide Web address: http://www.newyorkled.com/nyc_events_Fleet_Week.htm