Credit: Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen | Date Taken: 02/27/2018
U.S. Marines with Combat Assault Company (CAC) conducted mud operations at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2018. CAC supported the base environmental section by driving their amphibious assault vehicles through various areas of Nu’upia Hema wetlands to increase the vitality of the surrounding environmental reserves, while also producing readiness by providing a training opportunity for the Marines. For over 30 years, Marine Corps Base Hawaii has had a symbiotic relationship with stilts and other endangered water birds that make the adjacent Nuupia Ponds Wildlife Management Area their home. Once a year, the Marines tear around the marshy shoreline in their tracked vehicles tearing out invasive pickleweed, dredging up crustaceans and minnows for the birds and creating mud mounds in the process that are perfect for nesting birds. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen)