Story By: JO3 Jason L. Moore
email: pamoor52@cv62.navy.mil
Date: January 27, 1998
Story By: JO3 Jason L. Moore
email: pamoor52@cv62.navy.mil
Date: January 27, 1998
When transiting the ship, the Marines in their all green camouflage uniforms stand out next to Independence Sailors in their blue dungarees. But lately, it's been hard to find the them on board. 
More than two months ago, the Marine detachment was disestablished. However, with Indy's recent unscheduled deployment to the Arabian Gulf to relieve USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Marines have returned to the ship.
According to 1st Lt. Brian Fulks, Marine Detachment Commanding Officer, the Navy requested a Marine detachment to provide limited security to the sensitive areas of the ship.
The 26 Marines are from the 1st Battalion 3rd Marine division Charlie company stationed out of Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps base, Hawaii. For the past month they have been forward deployed to Okinawa, Japan before reporting to Independence.
As with any new crewmember reporting on board, finding their way around is one of the first obstacles to tackle. Fulks says that over the next week or so, the Marines will be learning their way to the sensitive areas of the ship and training with Weapons department personnel on their responsibilities.
In Charlie company, the Marines role is infantry.
"They are well trained with fire arms and security details," said Fulks. "We are prepared to pull our weight on the ship." This is the first time any of the 26 Marines have ever served on an aircraft carrier.
Independence has made a positive impression on many of the Marines.
"The Sailors are more helpful than on the other ships I have been on. The gyms are bigger and the chow is better," Lance Corporal Michael Boldue said. "I'm glad to be here because it's a nice change of pace." Boldue has served on five ships before Independence.
The Marines will be conducting security alert drills to assure they are effective in protecting the ship against any potential threats in the near future.
Photos by: JO3 Jason L. Moore
Caption 1: Several Marines stand in awe as they wait for the next load of gear to arrive.
Caption 2: This is the first time any of the new Marines on board have ever been on an aircraft carrier.