USS Tortuga Arrives in Iwo To

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Hinton, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

USS TORTUGA, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived off the coast of Iwo To, Japan, Feb. 28 to support preparations for the 65th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The combined Japanese-U.S. ceremony, which is called a "Reunion of Honor," is slated to take place March 3.

Tortuga was chosen to represent the U.S. Navy at the ceremony and has embarked about 250 Marines and their equipment to provide support.

Upon arrival to Iwo To, Tortuga began transporting personnel and equipment from the ship to the island via Assault Craft Unit 5's landing craft air cushions.

Preparations require multiple vehicles and additional equipment to be brought ashore to support the hundreds of people expected for the event on an island that typically maintains only a small military population.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the most brutal battles of World War II. More than 6,000 Marines and 17,000 Japanese were killed throughout the month and-a-half-long battle.

This ceremony is an opportunity for veterans from both sides to return to the site of the battle and remember those lost.

"To steal a quote, 'We are slowly losing the greatest generation' and Marines will never forget Iwo Jima and the sacrifices they made there," said Cmdr. James P. Lowell. "So every five years we have a commemoration for all those who served and died in the battle."

For many Sailors and Marines the island of Iwo Jima is sacred ground.

"I have talked to a lot of my Marines, and they are very honored and excited about being able to climb Mount Suribachi and see all the memorial sites," said L.t. j.g. Jennifer Sanders, from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force.

Tortuga is forward deployed to Sasebo, where she reports to Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet.