Two hundred Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, embarked aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) Sept. 16 for training in preparation for TR’s upcoming deployment.
The Marines’ senior enlisted members aboard TR noticed the high level of morale from their crew after observing the enthusiasm and hard work they have displayed since TR got underway.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Charlie Clark, maintenance chief of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 251 said: “We put in a lot of hard work to get out here, so hopefully we see the fruits of our labor and have a successful at-sea period, while continuing with the rest of our work-ups, and then ultimately have 220 to 240 Marines ready to deploy with TR early next year.”
TR’s Sailors are showing Marines how to get around the ship, maneuver aircraft on the flight deck and deal with the challenges of ship life.
“This is an eye-opening experience, but right now we are just training and underway,” said Lance Cpl. Marzel Estes, a Marine underway for the first time. “I am looking forward to our deployment where I can be a part of getting a real mission done.”
The Marines may depart TR when this underway is over, but they will be back as Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group 12 continues to build upon recent training.