Meet the crews who make sure fellow Marines can fight from ship to shore
SUMMARY
It is a tough job and not everyone is lining up to work at their pace.
Combat cargo Marines have one of the most demanding jobs aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). This is especially evident during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).
Combat cargo's mission is to support the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) logistical requirements across the three classes of ships featured in MEU operations.
"We are in charge of anything and everything that comes on and off the Bataan," said Lance Cpl. Brandon Novakoski, combat cargoman with the 26th MEU.
US Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit move and secure cargo aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan during Composite Training Unit Exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 9, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)
US Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit move and secure cargo aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan during Composite Training Unit Exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 9, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)
US Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit move and secure cargo aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan during Composite Training Unit Exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 9, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)
US Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit move and secure cargo aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan during Composite Training Unit Exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 9, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)
US Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit move and secure cargo aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan during Composite Training Unit Exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, Oct. 9, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tanner Seims)
Combat Cargo Marines with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group wait for a Landing Craft, Air Cushion to give the signal it is safe to board to prepare for training operations during an exercise aboard the San Antonio-Class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York, off the coast of North Carolina, Aug. 26, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia A. Morris)
US Navy Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class James Thomas, with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, signals a Landing Craft, Air Cushion while US Marines and sailors wait to retrieve cargo to prepare for training operations during an exercise aboard the San Antonio-Class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York off the coast of North Carolina, on Aug. 26, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia A. Morris)
Combat Cargo Marines with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group finish off-loading a Landing Craft, Air Cushion during an exercise aboard the San Antonio-Class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York, off the coast of Virginia, Aug. 23, 2019.
(US Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Patricia A. Morris)
"Combat cargo is a vital part of daily ship life," said Novakoski. "If we didn't have Marines to work the long hours in combat cargo, ship supplies would struggle and missions wouldn't be completed."
This article originally appeared on Business Insider. Follow @BusinessInsider on Twitter.
