Marines in Iceland mark anniversary
with 6-mile run, plunge into cold ocean
By Ron Jensen, U.K.
bureau
Photo courtesy NAS Keflavik, Iceland
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Company at Naval Air Station Keflavik,
Iceland, plunge into the icy North Atlantic on Thursday after a six-mile run. |
U.S. Marines celebrated 60 years of the corps’ presence in Iceland on Thursday in
typical Marine fashion — they ran six miles and jumped into the icy waters of the
North Atlantic.
"It was cold, but after the run it felt pretty good," said Lance Cpl. Jacob
Watson, 19, during a telephone interview soon after taking the "polar bear
plunge" into the 41-degree water.
The first U.S. Marines came ashore in Iceland on July 7, 1941, as part of the 1st
Provisional Brigade. Europe was embroiled in World War II at the time and Iceland, hoping
to avoid being pulled into the fray, accepted the American presence because the United
States was not yet in the war and could provide a neutral protective force to the
strategically important island coveted by both sides.
But America joined the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor and is even now the
official defense force of Iceland, which has no military of its own. About 4,000
Americans, including 1,900 active duty service members from all services, are in Iceland
as part of the Iceland Defense Force based at Naval Air Station Keflavik.
The U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Company includes 51 Marines, all of whom are well
aware of the Corps’ history in Iceland.
"Very much," said Maj. Willard Buhl, who has commanded the company for two
years. "I was intrigued by it long before I came here. To be a part of it is a big
deal to me personally."
The traditional anniversary salute was held early this year to accommodate Buhl, who is
leaving the command Tuesday. Maj. Christopher Dixon took command of the Marines in a
ceremony this week.
As Marines are wont to do, the traditional celebration of the anniversary has become
major event.
"That’s all everyone has been talking about for the last couple days,"
said Cpl. Bill Shallies, 27. "It makes you feel pretty special."
Lance Cpl. Charles Rhee, 22, said there was a bit of apprehension before making the
plunge.
"After you do it, you realize it wasn’t so bad," he said.
"It’s good because it’s a tradition."
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