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Code Talkers Hall opens annex, Navajo vet attends

4 Apr 2014 | Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Luna Marine Corps Base Quantico

The annex at Code Talkers Hall, home of Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Command, was dedicated to Platoon 382, the original Navajo code talkers who served during World War II, on April 4, 2014.

The annex was built onto building 27410 on Hotpatch Rd. aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, in 2012 because the increase of staff members at Code Talkers Hall  and was named Platoon 382 Hall to correlate with the name of the building.

“Today we’re dedicating the annex that was recently constructed behind Code Talkers Hall,” said Col. David McMorries, the commanding officer at MCNOSC. “We’re dedicating it in honor of Platoon 382, which was the first platoon of Marines who were trained in San Diego in 1942 and became Navajo code talkers to support the war in the Pacific.”

With a few clicks through the web, Sgt. Miguel Sandoval, a network security technician, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Russell, the former senior enlisted advisor at MCNOSC, found a way to contact Chester Nez, the last surviving Navajo code talker from Platoon 382, according to starandstripes.com, and sent him an email.

“His grandson replied that afternoon and said that they would love to be in attendance,” said Russell.

On the day of the ceremony, Nez sat by and watched from a front row seat, and saw how much the legacy his platoon left behind has impacted Marines today. Nez said that he is very proud to be a Marine and a Navajo code talker.

Before the ceremony ended, he demonstrated his very first radio transmission upon arrival at Guadalcanal, on a functioning Navy Type TBX radio, the same type of radio he used in World War II.

“Enemy machine gun nest on your right flank-destroy,” said Nez, in Navajo code.

Russell said it was an honor for MCNOSC to have the opportunity to share the dedication ceremony with Nez.

Correspondent: sarah.a.garcia@usmc.mil


Marine Corps Base Quantico