Commandant of the United States Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller visited Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and spoke with Sailors, as well as U.S. Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked with the ship.

During his visit, Neller dined with the crew on the ship’s mess decks, emphasizing how important Trident Juncture 2018 is to the ongoing alliance between the United States and NATO.

“It’s great to be aboard USS Iwo Jima and see the Marines as they participate in Exercise Trident Juncture,” said Neller. “This is a great exercise and opportunity to train with our partners and allies. The weather will be challenging, along with the scenario for the exercise. Everybody will work hard; we’ll be better for this, improve our readiness and be ready for whatever comes our way in the future.”

Marine Corps Cpl. Savannah Crawford, assigned to the 24th MEU and from Uxbridge, Maryland, said her experience having lunch with the commandant was motivating and uplifting.

“Being on the ship you can get really de-motivated, so it’s uplifting to be motivated by a four-star,” said Crawford. “That’s something only the seven noncommissioned officers at lunch got to do. We talked about our personal life, what we’ve been through during Trident Juncture and what we have heard people around the Marine Corps say want to be changed.”

During his lunch, the commandant also took the time to get know a few of the Marines personally.

“He got to know our families; I feel like he looked out for us with our career progression and how he can help,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Alan Wolthekker, assigned to the 24th MEU and from Hudson, Florida.

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group embarks the 24th MEU and is comprised of Iwo Jima and amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21), Fleet Surgical Team 6, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, components of Naval Beach Group 2 and the embarked staff of Amphibious Squadron 8.

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