MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014, got a peek into the physical and mental rigors of Marine Corps training March 31 during a visit aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The tour, coordinated by the United Service Organizations and the Miss America Organization, took the New York native through a firefighting mission, virtual convoy combat scenario, marksmanship training and a demonstration of Marine Corps martial arts techniques.
Davuluri’s first stop was the Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, where she learned some of the tools and techniques that are used to put out fires and ensure the safety of Marine Helicopter Squadron One. To her surprise, she got an opportunity to go beyond observation and extinguish a blaze engulfing an airplane fuselage.
“I never thought I’d put out a fire, so that was pretty crazy,” Davuluri said laughing. “I had this huge intense suit on and everything, so it was fun.”
Following the fire exercise, Davuluri, 24, stopped by the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, on the west side of base, where she learned Marine Corps martial arts techniques used by Marine Security Guards who provide internal security at U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities.
But perhaps the area that mirrored closest to what Marines experience in an operational environment was the “Virtual Convoy Combat Trainer” at Camp Upshur. The training center has multiple 53-foot tents outfitted with replicas of Humvees, mounted weapons and a 360-degree screen. It’s an immersive simulator that displays realistic encounter in the Middle East, such as improvised explosive devices, aggressors and road blocks.
Davuluri and visiting Navy JROTC cadets from Stafford County climbed into a Humvee to navigate through a combat patrol. The silent ride was abruptly interrupted by the crack of automatic assault rifles and civilians scurrying about. The scenario depicted the ethical, mental and physical challenges of urban warfare.
“We use this simulator mostly so Marines can develop their skills in a moving situation — so they can make the transition from boots to wheels,” said Scott Armitage, VCCT facilitator.
Marines with Delta Company 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion ended the tour with a tutorial of a Light Armored Vehicle, which can carry communications equipment and Mobile Electronic Warfare Support Systems through land and water. The visit was a learning experience for the reigning Miss America and an opportunity to say “thanks.”
“The entire process of what goes on behind the scenes [at Quantico] is very interesting,” Davuluri said. “[My goal today] is to be here and just thank our troops for everything — for their service to our country and to brighten their day, I suppose, for a little while.”
Davuluri is a University of Michigan graduate with aspirations to attend medical school to become a physician. Quantico is one of many stops along her yearlong tour around the nation.
“It was an honor escort Miss America 2014, not only was she beautiful but she also had a beautiful spirit and heart,” John DeBerry, command visit coordinator, said. “She represents the ‘girl next door’ and embodies the spirit and future of the United States of America.”
Writer: afelton@quanticosentryonline.com