Marines demonstrate their capabilities by air, land, sea

News: Marines demonstrate their capabilities by air, land, sea

Marine Week

Subscribe To This Unit

Story by Cpl. Chelsea Anderson Subscribe To This Journalist

Cpl. Marcin Platek

Children in the crowd wave at passing-by Marines during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration here, June 16, 2012. During the culminating event of Marine Week Cleveland, Marines invaded the Burke Lakefront Airport by land, air and sea. Gateway Plaza, Public Square, Voinovich Park and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were some of the venues that displayed Marine Corps vehicles, aircraft and equipment during the week. Marine Week Cleveland celebrated community, country and the Corps. More than 750 Marines journeyed to Cleveland for the event. Ohio has more than 9,000 active and reserve Marines, making it one of the top-five producers of Marines.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - More than 50,000 Clevelanders gathered at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland for a Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration during Marine Week Cleveland June 16.

The Corps pulled out all the stops for the demonstration, which showcased the Marines’ ability to assault from ship-to-shore via ground and air with appearances by multiple Marine aircraft and ground vehicles to include MV-22 Ospreys, a CH-46E Super Stallion, a UH-1N Huey, an AH-1W Super Cobra and amphibious assault vehicles.

The two days of demonstrations of MAGTF capabilities was the culminating event of Marine Week Cleveland and left Clevelanders with something to remember for years to come.

“It was fantastic,” said Cleveland resident Mark Demyan. “It was very, very good. My wife and I learned a lot today.”

In addition to wowing the audience with all the Marine Corps has to offer, the demonstration educated the public about Marines’ capabilities in any clime and place, including Cleveland.

“We’re showing them just a little bit of what the Marine Corps can do as America’s force in readiness,” said Lt. Col. Michael P. Hubbard, inspector instructor for 3rd Battalion, 35th Marine Regiment. “The audience had fun; we had fun. It was a great day all the way around.”

For some members of the audience like 8-year-old Connor Korinek, the demonstration was more than just a good time.

“It was awesome,” Korinek said. “My favorite part was when they dropped the rope and climbed up it.”

Korinek was inspired by the reconnaissance Marines who parachuted onto the grass in front of the crowd and were later extracted by a Special Patrol Insertion Extraction rigging maneuver from a CH-46E helicopter.

“Those techniques are the same we use in combat situations,” said 1st Sgt. Anthony Gabriel, with 4th Force Reconnaissance Battalion in Alamita, Calif. “Parachutes are used for stealth landings, and S.P.I.E. rigging is for whenever we want to get out of somewhere fast.”

The Marines participating felt the show was the least they could do to thank Cleveland for an amazing Marine Week.

“It was a pleasure to show the Clevelanders what we do since they have been such gracious hosts,” said Master Sgt. William D. Burrows, with 4th Force Recon Bn.

The demonstration was about more than providing an awe-inspiring performance. Those in attendance left knowing just how secure the nation is when Marines are present.

“It’s a good thing for the people to see just what’s keeping the bad guys off our front door,” Hubbard said. “When folks come out and see what we are doing and what we have the capability of doing, they’ll walk away with a sense of pride, and they’ll walk away with a better sense that they’re secure.”