U.S. Marines stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, and part of the helicopter squadron HMLA-367, arrived this week to conduct aerial gunnery and indirect fire training through June 26. The group of 170 Marines arrived with face masks and sanitization supplies.
The troops will follow social distancing rules while on base, including sleeping areas, dining and all social settings.
“While we are really excited to get back to training here, the most important piece is to ensure it is done safely, and we all continue to adhere to those precautionary measures, so our Soldiers, Marines, and local community stay safe,” said Lt. Col. JR Borce, commander of Pohakuloa Training Area.
All units arriving at PTA are transported from base-to-base via military aircraft. They immediately receive a temperature check upon arrival and a thorough in-brief by the staff regarding the new rules and standards that apply given the COVID-19 environment, including not leaving the base.
The staff at PTA have prepared for the arrival of the units by implementing specific safety measures, i.e., bed space distancing, reducing the number of troops in sleeping areas, and spacing during lines at the Post Exchange, bathrooms and even the USO.
Specific safety measures adopted on base will include, but are not limited to, daily temperature checks, limited personnel in Quonset hut bed arrangements, mandatory face masks, hand sanitizer stations, and spacing lines at congested areas.
For more information or to ask questions, call PTA Public Affairs at 808-969-2411.
All photos courtesy Michael Donnelly, PTA Public Affairs
