WAIKIKI, Hawaii -- As training intensifies, select Camp Pendleton Marines in the Single Marine Program here were afforded the opportunity to take a break from military life and go to Hawaii Aug. 31 - Sept. 8.
The program not only allowed Marines from Camp Pendleton to get some fun in the sun, but also took Marines from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Marine Corps Air Stations Miramar and Yuma, Ariz.
The Marines’ only expense was $40 for a luau, but it was a small price for a free stay at the Ohana Waikiki West Hotel, which was close to Waikiki beach.
Although there are rumors that SMP is a strict program, Alex De Los Santos, SMP coordinator says otherwise.
“Most Marines think it’s a structured program, but it’s not so. We take trips (and) outings,” Santos said.
The Marines boarded a KC-130 Hercules military aircraft Aug. 31 at MCAS Miramar and departed for their island destination.
Snacks and drinks helped the Marines smooth out the bumpy eight-hour plane ride.
When they got off the plane, the Marines stretched to the sky as they disembarked the aircraft.
Before boarding the bus to the hotel, the Marines were hugged by the warm sun, and kissed by affectionate raindrops.
After changing into tank tops and flip-flops, Camp Pendleton Marines took off for Shark’s Cove at North Shore for snorkeling and cliff diving.
The Marines then traveled a short distance to Waimea Valley Audubon Center, there they saw wildlife and splashed under a waterfall.
On the way back the Marines stopped at the Dole Pineapple Plantation for fresh pineapple treats and souvenirs. Despite the juicy treats, visits to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial were the highlights of the trip.
Many Marines were amazed as they toured the memorial above the sunken ship that still lies beneath Pearl Harbor.
“Just hearing thousands of people died is one thing but seeing their names in granite is another,” said Cpl. Zachary M. Foster, a bulk fuel specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Support Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, and a member of SMP executive council.
Where most things in Hawaii would be topped off with pineapple, Marines topped off the trip with a luau-a-night of Hawaiian food and entertainment.
“It’s nice to get away from the workday, especially deployments,” said Cpl. Savanah J. Service, a warehouse clerk with Combat Service Support Group 15 and a member of SMP executive council.
When it was time to get back on the KC-130, the Marines took one last look at paradise before they boarded the plane for yet another eight-hour ride to MCAS Miramar.
“It’s good to have a program like this because the trips (give) us (a chance) to see stuff we’d like to see but can’t afford to,” Foster said.
“I would recommend this program to any Marine who wants to save money and have fun,” said Cpl. Daniel K. Roselli, administrative clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Support Squadron,
MCAS Camp Pendleton and SMP president for Camp Pendleton.
For more information on how to join the Single Marine Program log on to: http://www.mccscamppendleton.com/recreation/single_marine.html Or contact Alex De Los Santos at (760) 725-6722