Adjutant, MCL Scuttlebutt Det. #886
Marines will be Marines. And things happen when you unite Marine “plank owners” with retired and former Marines. These groups embarked on a proud mission to leave a Marine footprint to honor the Navy/Marine Corps Team aboard the USS San Diego (LPD 22), which was commissioned on May 19, 2012, in San Diego, California.
“Legacies cost money and that’s when our retired and former Marines gladly stepped in,” said Detachment Commandant Dan Anderson, of the Marine Corps League Scuttlebutt Detachment #886. Scuttlebutt Detachment members provided the necessary funds to help make the Marine plank owners’ dream come true. Under the leadership of GySgt Ricardo Saldana, the Marine plank owners designed an impressive plaque to be mounted on the wall of the Chief’s Mess (dining area) where senior enlisted Marines and Navy Chiefs (E-7’s and above) would always break bread together.
The plaque was ready in time for the traditional Navy Commissioning ceremony which was conducted with pomp and circumstance. The plaque bears the Marine Corps emblem of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor similar to those found adorning the buildings at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, surrounded by the Marine Corps senior Staff NCO rank insignias (E-7 to E-9). Two small brass plates will be attached at the bottom. One will bear the name of the three Marine plank owners. The other will indicate that the plaque was made possible by the Marine Corps League, Scuttlebutt Detachment #886.
At a cost of $1.7 billion, the USS San Diego (LPD 22) is a 684 foot amphibious warship with a crew of about 360 sailors and is capable of transporting 800 Marines and their equipment of tanks and helicopters. The crew includes the three Marine plank owners who work in the Combat Cargo Department. It is one of the stealthier ships in the fleet. This is the fourth Navy ship to bear the city’s name and will be homeported in San Diego.
As this ship sails the seas on our country’s missions, those who dine in the mess hall will be welcomed by the plaque proclaiming the Marines’ pledge of Semper Fidelis … “Always Faithful” to their country and fellow Marines.
