Randolph (CVS 15) - Naval Cruise Book

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Marine Detachment While not a separate department, the Marine Detachment aboard is an important entity in it- self, assigned to the Weapons Department for administrative purposes. These men are justly proud of their heritage as usea-going Marines. Marine Detachments afloat date back to the earliest days of American history. As early as 1740 Marines were involved in combat aboard vessels in the British West Indies, where they fought with the British Royal Navy. The Colo- nial Marines, as they were known in 1775. served on American ships and participated in numerous overseas expeditions. The first written record of American Marines was included in the payrolls of the American vessel EnterjJrz'se in 1775. When the Continental Marine Corps was founded on November 10 of that year. one of the prerequisites for a Marine to be selected was that he be a Hgood Seaman or so acquainted with marine affairs as to be able to serve to advan- tage at seaf, RancZOQ0his Marines conduct their own train- ing aboard, including daily periods of physical exercise. Training the ship's landing party is a major responsibility of the Detachment. which makes up the nucleus of this organization. This force must be ready at any time to hit the beach if upon the development of an interna- tional crisis. U.S. forces are summoned to pro- tect or evacuate U.S. citizens or even take offen- sive action in an overseas Htrouble-spot. Other duties of the Marines include manning Weapons Department GQ stations. looking after the internal and external security of the ship and participating in honors and ceremonies. It is indeed a tribute to the men of the Detach- ment presently embarked that they can readily engage in the friendly ribbing which has taken place between Marines and white hats over the generations of their existence. maintain their dignity and famed expr!! dc' cozjrs. and still ex- hibit such a high degree of cooperation and amicability with ship 's company.

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.Uenzbers ofRandolph's Mari'neDetaeh- ment are justbi proud ofthe Fleet Ma- rine Foreeis seagoing heritage. Mem- bers ofthe Alarine Detachment guard special designated spaces aboard ship, act as orderlies for the Captain and Executive Officer, perform Honor Guard duties and duties connected with the seeurigi of the ship. The trained Leatherneeks form the nucleus of the ship ,s Landing Force. The hiendby rivalry between the sailors and tllarines hebos keep the Marz'ne Detaehmentis morale high, with a real pride in the fact that they are United States' ,Marines 'i ,- -brb ' I a J A . xr' 1 .fpfdix '- ' ff! , I. ' e ? . f, , . S: X Ce 0