US military completes support to Guam, CNMI after typhoon

Col. Robert Brodie, right, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with Efraim Atalig, left, the mayor of Rota, during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Corporal Joe Junior G. Charfauros Veterans Memorial Park on Rota last Sept. 14, 2018. (U.S. MARINE CORPS/LANCE CPL. HANNAH)

“As we join here today at this memorial, I am not only thankful for Rota’s quick recovery but for the brave men that have given their lives in the name of freedom. I salute them and you all. Semper Fidelis,” reflected Marine Corps Col. Robert Brodie, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Corporal Joe Junior G. Charfauros Veterans Memorial Park on Rota last Sept. 14.

While groups of local police officers, Marines, and sailors stood at attention, Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig hosted the gathering as participants shared mutual appreciation for the positive relationships developed during recent typhoon recovery operations.

The brief observance marked the conclusion of 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron 11 relief efforts during support to federal agencies and local communities in the wake of Typhoon Mangkhut, which swept through the island chain of Guam and the CNMI on Sept. 10.

From Sept. 9 to 14, the 31st MEU and PHIBRON 11, embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp and dock landing ship USS Ashland, provided crucial air support including assistance to civil authorities.

Since Sept. 11, Osprey aircraft, Super Stallion helicopters and Seahawk helicopters completed 63 sorties that facilitated over 550 personnel transfers and delivery of around 29,465 lbs of cargo, including drinking water in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local authorities throughout Guam and the CNMI. 

“Our sailors and Marines came here Sept. 9 ready to help the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” said McGovern. “Plain and simple, USS Wasp and USS Ashland did an exceptional job maneuvering offshore, and the flight deck crews and pilots went beyond the call to get aircraft loaded with food, supplies and water to those in need. The whole team did a fantastic job.”

More than 100 Marines and sailors were sent ashore to assist with debris removal throughout Rota. The troops cleared roadways by hand using chainsaws and axes along nine miles of the island’s main road, ensuring future relief efforts directed by FEMA could continue unhindered.

Capt. Jim McGovern, left, the commander of Amphibious Squadron 11, Efraim Atalig, middle, the mayor of Rota, and Col. Robert Brodie, right, commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stand together during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Corporal Joe Junior G. Charfauros Veterans Memorial Park on Rota last Sept. 14, 2018. (U.S. MARINE CORPS/LANCE CPL. HANNAH)

Brodie was grateful that the MEU and PHIBRON Marines and sailors could make a positive contribution to Department of Defense recovery efforts in support of FEMA, Guam and CNMI civil authorities after Typhoon Mangkhut.

“The citizens of this wonderful community have been exceptionally gracious and it was a true pleasure to partner with them and FEMA,” said Brodie. “To the mayor and all members of the Rota and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands communities: it has been a privilege to assist in restoring Rota after the effects of the recent typhoon.”