Marine Engineers Rebuild and Improve Security in the Pacific Islands > United States Marine Corps Flagship > News Display
Tori J. Ross
2 min read
U.S. Marines with Task Force Engineer and sailors from 30th Marine Construction Force worked to improve security in several Pacific island nations from Aug. 25 to Oct. 2. This intensive engineering project included the identification and disposal of unexploded ordnance and the construction of critical infrastructure.
TFE is an organized Marine Corps effort to complement the NCF in a joint approach to engineering operations throughout the Pacific. Although operating primarily in Peleliu, the Marines and Sailors upgraded facilities in Timor Leste and Tinian.
“These Marines and Seabees have repaired Palau’s commercial port, improved Timor Leste’s commercial airfield and developed a firing range for Palauan police,” said Maj. Patrick Burns, operations officer for the 7th Engineer Support Battalion. , 1st maritime logistics group.
“Being able to get the engineering communities of the Marine Corps and Navy to talk, work and perform together so that the next time we do it in wartime, it won’t be the first time.” US Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant John Moran, a liaison officer attached to the NCF
Pacific operations also give Marines and sailors a chance to work side-by-side to solve problems.
“Being able to get the engineering communities of the Marine Corps and the Navy to talk, work and perform together so that the next time we do it in wartime won’t be the first time,” said 1st Lt. John Moran of the United States Marine Corps. , a liaison officer attached to the NCF, who facilitates operations between the Navy and Marine Corps.
While building a better future remains a top priority, UXO clearance is an essential step in maintaining public safety.
Since World War II, UXO have been a security hazard to Peleliu Island. With known locations of WWII ordnance lost in time, Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams clear public spaces of deadly UXO.
Partnerships with island nations help ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“This helps improve the host nation infrastructure and our partnership with the community,” said U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Zach Zyburt, engineer officer with 7th ESB, 1st MLG.
Thanks to these efforts during TFE, an entire road on the south side of Peleliu is now safely accessible to residents. Future efforts will focus on clearing the ridges and caves of additional hazards.
The Marine Corps and Navy remain committed to Pacific island nations. TFE and NCF will continue to help partners build infrastructure, ensuring security across the Pacific Islands. The next rotation of Marines and Sailors is expected to deploy in 2023.
