Kelly (Dearstine) Hoffer

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FOUR (NMCB-4), known as the "Pioneers," was first commissioned in 1942 during World War II to support Pacific theater operations. The battalion played a vital role in constructing airfields, bases, and infrastructure across the Pacific islands, enabling Allied advances. Since World War II, NMCB-4 has participated in numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions, including Vietnam, the Gulf War, and disaster relief efforts worldwide. Renowned for their "Can Do" spirit, NMCB-4 continues to provide critical construction and engineering support to the U.S. Navy and joint forces globally.

The 3rd Marine Division, activated in 1942, is a distinguished infantry division of the United States Marine Corps, renowned for its pivotal role in World War II campaigns such as Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. The 3rd Force Service Support Group (3rd FSSG), now known as the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, was established to provide combat service support to III Marine Expeditionary Force units in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the decades, these units have operated closely together, supporting operations from the Vietnam War to humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions across the Indo-Pacific. Today, the 3rd Marine Division and 3rd MLG remain forward-deployed in Okinawa, Japan, playing a vital role in regional security and rapid crisis response.

USS Ashland (LSD-48) is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1992. Named after the historic estate of Henry Clay, the ship has played a vital role in amphibious operations, transporting Marines, vehicles, and landing craft around the globe. Notably, USS Ashland participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing critical support for expeditionary missions. Over its service life, the ship has also been involved in humanitarian assistance and anti-piracy operations, reflecting its versatility and commitment to global maritime security.