Marine Corps reenlistments carry a tradition that underscores a renewed commitment to serve the nation and the Corps. In a striking ceremony held in July 2023, two Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 chose to reaffirm their oaths in an unconventional setting—a swamp at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.
Cpl. Jarrett Cadd and Cpl. Matthew Stone, both water support technicians, waded into the murky waters surrounded by fellow Marines. This choice reflected not only their dedication but also a connection to their military specialty, which involves working with water purification and distribution systems.
Gunnery Sgt. Kaleb A. Skaggs, the utilities operations chief for MWSS-271, remarked on the significance of the location. “It is always significant when a Marine raises their right hand and voluntarily pledges to serve another four years for their Corps and country,” he stated. The swampy waters symbolize the very environment in which these Marines train and operate daily.
The ceremony drew a crowd of 18 fellow Marines, many of whom were nearly submerged in the water. A video shared on social media captured the moment, showcasing the camaraderie and spirit of the occasion.
According to the Military Occupational Specialties Manual, water support technicians, designated as MOS 1171, are responsible for “installing, operating, inspecting, and performing preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, water purification equipment, and water storage and distribution systems.” This background adds a layer of meaning to their reenlistment in a setting directly related to their duties.
Skaggs emphasized the deeper significance of the ceremony’s location, stating, “A reenlistment in the very water they train in holds deeper meaning for a 1171. Their decision to reenlist while standing in murky water is symbolic: This is exactly the kind of environment they are trained to transform to support their fellow Marines.”
The event illustrates not only a personal commitment to the Marine Corps but also highlights the unique traditions and practices that make military service distinctive. As these Marines take their oaths surrounded by the waters they work with, they forge a bond that reinforces their dedication to their roles and to each other.
