Eighth Division
"Second rank . . . at-tennnn-hutt! First rank . . . at ease!" and the daily early morning inspection of HELENA's crack marine Detachment is well underway. The butts of the "pieces" resound against the toughened palms, yet touch the deck ever so silently at the comman "Oah-dah . . .HAHMS!"
Primarily, the Marines form the nucleus of a landing party comprised of both Navymen and Marines, but their duties involve much more. Furnishing security within the ship means guards and sentries, and Marines act as orderlies for the Commanding Officer as well. They man Mount 31, one of the ship's 3-inch batteries, maintain the ship's brig, and form the honor guards needed so often for a flagship. It is in these guards that the many hours of preparation and brass-and-shoe-shinning really show up the readiness of the Corps.
HELENA's Marine Detachment is a combination of "spit-and-polish," together with the knowledge and skill that play such an important role in our state of readiness.
MARINE DETACHMENT . . . . .
the epitome of smartness, yet always combat-ready
From the Helena
1958 cruise book |
Top and bottom from the Helena 1959 cruise book
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