News : Vinton native Adam Smith earns 13th MEU Bluejacket Award

The new ship, the USS Green Bay, was chosen to transport the 13th MEU to its new deployment zone.

Adam Smith observes a Marine checking the pulse of another during training.

Adam Smith,, left, gives a Marine instructions on inserting an airway.

It is with a lot of pride and at least a little apprehension that Mark and Lori Smith of Vinton heard the latest news from their son, Adam, a HN (Hospitalman) serving with the 13th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit).

The Smiths have good reason to be proud because Adam was named the Bluejacket of the Year for the 13th MEU. That's Navy lingo for sailor of the year, said Lori. He had earlier been named Bluejacket of the quarter. Lori said she did not hear about the honor from Adam, but from a recent newsletter.

But the Smiths also have good reason to be apprehensive because Adam left San Diego last month, on the USS Green Bay, heading toward the Middle East. His parents think the 13th MEU is heading to Afghanistan, but do not know it for sure. The official description from the U.S. Military is that "the sailors and Marines with the 13th MEU will deploy for several months in support of theater requirements of geographic combatant commanders."

As a Hospitalman, or corpsman, Adam's job includes taking care of sick or injured sailors and Marines, and also teaching other Marines how to treat the wounded and ill. Smith is a 2007Vinton-Shellsburg graduate.

The Green Bay left San Diego Feb. 22; a Marine web site shows photos of the ship being refueled by a Canadian vessel Feb. 27.

The USS Green Bay

The Green Bay is the Navy's newest warship, commissioned Jan. 24, just before Green Bay watched its Packers win the Super Bowl. Green Bay officials sent items from the city for the christening of the ship. A Wisconsin Sailor wore the famous "Cheeshead" with his uniform to celebrate the Super Bowl for his team. The ship's primary purpose is to transport personnel.

Green Bay items now onboard the ship include replica Packers Super Bowl trophies, city street signs in the hallways of the ship, a large mural and photo displays depicting Green Bay scenes.

Photos courtesy of the US Marines by Lance CPL Jesse Leger