FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Yokosuka, Japan -- FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Yokosuka, Japan-- “The ship life has always been something that piqued my interest,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Julian Martinmar, a native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and an administrative specialist with III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Martinmar is supporting Exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield 23. Unique to this iteration of the exercise, U.S and ROK Marines are training side by side on the U.S Seventh Fleet’s flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). For Martinmar, like many others supporting the exercise, it is his first time aboard a U.S Navy ship.
“During Ulchi Freedom Shield 23 we have been living aboard the USS Blue Ridge and it has been a completely different experience than what I'm used to in garrison,” said Martinmar. “Being here makes you really feel like you are underway, and it enhances the experience while supporting the exercise along with our Republic of Korea Marine Corps counterparts.”
Martinmar serves as the night watch chief for the Combined Marine Component Command’s administration section aboard the Blue Ridge. He also serves as the platoon sergeant for all the U.S Marines supporting the exercise on ship.
Martinmar’s responsibilities during the exercise, along with the efforts of his U.S. and ROK counterparts, is to receive, document and present simulated personnel and casualty data to the CMCCs senior leaders.
“My primary job is to focus on casualties, learning how to monitor and know the whereabouts of all of our Marines. We then take care of the simulated casualties and are able to send more personnel out there for support. While we are only a small piece of the puzzle, we are just as important as everybody else.”
Martinmar came to know ROK Marines who were also experiencing their first time being on ship, and for some their first time being in Japan.
“Having the opportunity to get to know the ROK Marines as individuals has been eye-opening,” said Martinmar. “I have come to realize that, at the end of day, we're all humans and we have like interests and goals. There is a language barrier, but there are interpreters to assist with that. We have been able to interact with them and ask where they are from, what life is like for them in their home country, and share our experiences with each other.”
As Martinmar completes his first exercise aboard the Blue Ridge, he emphasizes how crucial it is to keep an open mind, be optimistic and maintain a willingness to learn. He states that growth in the Marine Corps, and mission accomplishment with our Allies and Partners, is dependent on teamwork.
“During Ulchi Freedom Shield 23 I have had the opportunity to experience a different side of my MOS that I never have before,” said Martinmar. “Never did I think that there was another side to the administrative world where I would be utilized in a simulated combat scenario. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to experience the world, outside of the regular duties of my MOS and I look forward to participate in different exercises down the road, because I know they will bring new challenges and opportunities for development as a leader in the U.S. Marine Corps.”
Ulchi Freedom Shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen the security and stability on the Korean peninsula.