U.S. Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and U.S. Navy Sailors with the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) invited British Royal Navy sailors from the HMS Lancaster to tour the ship while out at sea April 30, 2015.
During their visit, Royal Navy sailors were able to tour the ship and view static displays Marines prepared showcasing several of their vehicles and weapon systems within their arsenal.
"I can’t believe the Marines have this much equipment,” said British Royal Navy Petty Officer Marine Engineer Elliott Watson, refrigeration engineer with the HMS Lancaster. “This is the first time I’ve ever been on an amphibious craft before and I was amazed at everything the Marines are capable of performing.
“My favorite vehicle has to be the (landing craft, air cushion) because you’re able to load a tank on it,” said Watson. “It’s more so the fact that I’m an engineer and I love that sort of stuff.”
Marines also took advantage of the visit by asking their guests questions about their country, branch of service and just having the opportunity to interact with them.
“It’s a lot fun being able to work with people from different services of different countries,” said U.S Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Byrd, an anti-tank missleman with the 22nd MEU. “I learned a lot from them, plus it’s great teaching other people what I know.”
Once the Royal Navy sailors finished viewing the Marines’ static displays, they continued their tour with the U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the ship.
“It’s quite a rare opportunity to see what other countries do,” said Watson. “You guys do things slightly different from us, but the overall mission is the same."