Missouri (BB 63) - Naval Cruise Book

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• • ' fm • • • f. • ■: f - f I C4PT David Damm Commanding Officer 1ST LT Brian Tucker Executive Officer 1ST SGT Michael Burgess GYSGTJose Trujillo The USS Missouri Marine Corps Detachment poses for a photograph in Istanbul, Turkey.

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U.S. The Marine Detachment aboard the USS MISSOURI is the latest in a proud line of sea-going Marine Corps units dating back to the American Revolu- tion. On November 10, 1775, four com- panies of Marines were raised to serve aboard warships of the Continental Navy. Since then, Marines have served continuously on ships of the fleet. In the process, sea-duty Marines have won the Medal of Honor 68 times. Tradition has it that the popular name Leatherneck was first applied to sea-going Marines in reference to the stiff collar worn to protect from saber Marine Corps Detachment wounds. The high collared dress blue uniform of today is reminiscent of that time. Additionally, the quatrefoil de- sign worn on the Marine officer ' s white cover may first have been used to dis- tinguish friend from foe when early Marine sharpshooters were posted high on the top masts of early warships. Today, there are 44 Marines in the ship ' s detachment. Their primary mis- sion is to provide physical security for the ship. This mission has taken an in- creased importance given the many acts of terrorism directed at American citi- zens and property in recent years. Ma- rines also provide color and honor guards and perform ceremonial duties. These duties have always played an im- portant part in projecting a positive im- pression in foreign lands. In 1946, when the MISSOURI last visited Istanbul, Marines provided escorts for the body of the late Turkish ambassador. Mount 51 is manned by the Marine Detachment. The distinctive eagle, globe and anchor painted there lets all who see it know that U. S. Marines are a proud part of the Mighty Mo.

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The Marines evening colors responsible tor morning and aboard Missouri. S SGT Robert Mac Lean SGT Nemar Anderson SGT Michael Ellington SGT Timothy Gernhardt SGT Russell Hamilton SGT Leonard Longhenry SGT James Ottens SGT Michael Russell