Mud Ops

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo
  • Air Force Print News
MARINE CORPS BASE KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (AFPN) --  Five amphibious assault vehicles from Combat Service Support Group-3 took part in an outreach program on the Nu'upia Pond mudflats to conduct training and to restore the environment.

Started in 1982 the annual three-day Mud Ops allows the Marines to get their much needed land training and opens the mud flats by destroying the pickleweed grass that crowd the habitat of the endangered Hawaiian stilts. The training is the perfect balance between readiness and protecting the environment.

Training with heavy tracked vehicles can sometimes cause unwanted damage to the natural environment surroundings but this training was designed to damage. The heavy tracks of the AAV's easily cut through the invasive plants that threaten the habitat of several of Hawaii's bird species.

"What we are doing is improving the habitat for several of our endangered species and also some protected migratory waterfowl that make Nu'upia Ponds their home," said Diane Drigot, senior natural resources manager for the Marine Corps base.

Conducted every January or February, just before the nesting season, the Marines take to the mudflats breaking up the weeds and opening the habitat for better foraging and ground nesting opportunities for the birds. The checkerboard pattern tracks left in the mud after training create water-filled furrows that form across the mudflat that allows the birds to nest on top of them and also discourages predator access.

"I see it as a win-win situation; driving the AAV has opened up the area for waterfowl and it's training us at the same time," said Lance Cpl. Fernando Paularena an AAV driver. "Driving the vehicles, getting experience and preparing ourselves is always good," he said.

According to Gunnery Sgt. John Duncan, a CSSG-3 platoon sergeant, the land training is limited for the Marines to once a year at the mudflats and on the Pohakuloa Training Area on the big island of Hawaii so anytime they are able to conduct training it helps.

Over the last 25 years of the annual operation the number of Hawaiian stilts has grown steadily from about 60 to 160 birds. The habitat is also utilized by other native and migratory waterfowl protected by federal laws.