My name is Chris Marco I made this site to remember the USS BELLEAU WOOD and to try to find any one who was on the ship during these dates Oct 29, 1999 to Dec 1, 1999. As a US Marine Stationed in Okinawa Japan I was on the ship with the squadron HMM-265 REIN Dragons 31st MEU III MEF, I had TAD access to that squadron from MALS-36 for operation Stabilize in Support of International Forces East Timor INTERFET as a aviation maintnace clerk 6046. When I reported to the ship with my squadron I was really amazed at the sure size of the ship I had never seen any thing quite like it in my whole life, I have to admit I was a little worried about being on it, before we left MCAS Futenma we were told not to tell any one where we were going and when we got on the ship that we were to have to contact with any family or friends no email or any thing. I remember the 2nd day underway I was a Pfc and I was promoted to LCpl on the 0-8 level that was really awesome, then I remember going back to my shop for work and my SSgt telling me that I had to report to the Chief of Mess Duty for Mess Duty since I was the lowest ranking Marine in my shop I was chosen. I thought I was in for it but it turned out that I was able to work on the Chief Mess deck and it was pretty easy the food was real good better than what you got on main mess let me tell you, but it would only last a short while I cursed at a petty officer and was put on main mess in the wash room, I wanted to die it was hot in there and we never stopped washing plates and trays but threw all that I did have fun I met a good friend in there he was in the NAVY and him and I had the same job we washed those trays and dishes all day I wish I could remember his name I remember his face. We went across the equator on Oct 28, 1999 at 126 d 45.1' E and I became a Shell Back that was something let me tell you. I rember going to Cebu Philippines on the way back to Okinawa it was great lot of good memories. During my duty on the ship I was awared the Navy Battle "E" Ribon and the Humanitarian Service Medal. My time spent on the USS BELLEAU WOOD LHA-3 was short compared to some but it was sweet and I will never for get it may it rest in peace.
Me then
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