MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- A copy of probably one of the most iconic Marine Corps symbols, the monument of the Iwo Jima flag-raising, sits, as if a guard, at the main gate aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.
When Marines of the Ceremonial Platoon went to change the monument’s flag on March 30, 2014, they found cracks in the structure.
“I would attribute this damage to normal weathering,” said John Callaway, Public Works operations officer, engineering technician. “The cracks are not large, but they need repair so water damage doesn’t get in the limestone.”
Callaway explained that water in the cracks could become ice, which would further damage the structure.
Although damaged property typically isn’t a positive thing, Elton Rupe, facilities operations specialist, base facilities division, explained that while examining the damage, the inspectors also found other maintenance issues that needed to be addressed.
“[The statue] shows sign of cracking where some repairs were made several year ago after it was vandalized [in December, 2012],” said Rupe. “There are additional cracks including original ones, and a crack in the reattached finger.”
Looking back on the timeline from the date of discovery to the corrective actions that are being made, Rupe noted the level of professionalism and timeliness displayed in the handling of the case.
“It went through the proper channels,” said Callaway.
“The damage was found, reported and acted on in a matter of days,” said Rupe. “It’s been discovered and acted on quickly, and we are hoping to have the repairs done as soon as possible.”
Although a contract package to repair the monument is being developed, there is no set date or cost for completion at this time.
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil