CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed in Okinawa, Japan, have the opportunity to deploy to several countries across the Pacific region, including Korea, the Philippines and Australia.
There are many moving parts that maintain the expeditionary capabilities of the MEF but Marines are the key to keeping these parts on the go, said Cpl. Imani Golden, an embarkation specialist with 3rd Marine Headquarters Group.
“I deal with all matters of logistics,” said Cpl. Imani Golden. “When it comes to expeditionary readiness, that’s my job.”
Embarkation specialists help coordinate flights, motor transportation and food service for Marines when they deploy to another country. Marines with III MEF deploy at a constant rate, but Golden said he looks forward to the fast pace.
“I make sure the movements go smoothly,” said Golden, a Brooklyn, New York, native. “I know other embarkation specialists with other units who don’t get to do what I do.”
Cpl. Misaeo Miranda, a motor transportation mechanic with 3rd MHG, has been deployed to Korea twice and said he enjoyed the travel.
“It was fun going there because you get to see new sights and learn new things,” said Miranda, a Naples, Florida, native.
During his last deployment to Korea, Miranda said the weather was harsh, which made his job harder.
“We are able to do a lot with little resources, however,” said Miranda. “It’s important to have mechanics because if a truck breaks down we’re the only ones who can fix them.”
All of the exercises that Marines participate in while in Okinawa are designed to test the expeditionary skills that are expected of America’s elite military force.
“We learn how fast we are; how fast we can offload, set up and do what we need to do,” said Golden. “I love the forward-deployed nature of III MEF.”