Aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD -7) -- As Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit head home to Camp Lejeune aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD -7), they are left with time to reflect on their experiences during Fleet Week New York 2011, which took place May 25 to June 1.
The Marines came from various units from II Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Reserve organized under the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to form the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - New York. The Marines showcased the capabilities of the MAGTF, and also honored those who have served by participating in various events during the Memorial Day weekend.
“It was pretty fun, people in New York really did a great job with us,” said Pfc. Jamie Moreno, tank crew man with 2nd Tank Battalion, currently attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “I’ll go back again someday. I enjoyed the sites, I went to Central Park, and I rode a taxi, which I’d never done before.”
“I went to Ground Zero and got a tour from the construction site lead,” said Sgt. Stephen Boyd, an assault amphibious vehicle repairer/technician with 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion, currently attached to the 24th MEU.
“I just went out and socialized with the people of New York and visited my sister who is a New York local,” said Sgt. Trevon Wilson, an assault amphibious vehicle repairer/technician with 2nd AAV Bn., currently attached to the 24th MEU. “The Empire State Building was pretty cool, it was the first time I have ever been there.”
“New York was a great experience,” said Sgt. David Steiner, a data network specialist with 2nd Combat Logistics Battalion, currently attached to the 24th MEU. “It was good to come up here. I’m glad that New York City welcomed us and supported us.”
“It was fun, the people were very welcoming,” said Sgt. Luke Young, a motor transportation mechanic with the Command Element, 24th MEU. “I went and saw the sites, the Empire State Building, National Museum of Natural History, and Central Park. It was great, one of the greatest experiences of my life in the Marine Corps.”
“I hung out with my family and went out with the guys,” said Cpl. Robert Neubauer, a machine gunner with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, currently attached to the 24th MEU. “I had a great time.”
“It was a good time,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Frend, a Fleet Marine Force hospital corpsman with Fox Co., 2nd Bn., 9th Marine Reg. “I walked around saw the sites, got to live a little of the New York City life.”