Mahalo for your Service - February 15

In preparation for their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 55 members of the Royal Tongan Marines were trained by members of Schofield Barracks' 196th Infantry Brigade.

Royal Tongan Marines participated in live-fire exercises and went through a "crawl, walk, run method of instruction" to learn every facet of room clearing.

Tongan Marines were grateful for the opportunity to train with U.S. soldiers, many of whom had already deployed to Iraq.

"We are going to do a great job over in Iraq," added Tongan Chief Warrant Officer Samiuela Momo Lolomana`ia, platoon sergeant. "We're looking forward to setting a new standard for our Marines."