Sgt. Alfred Miller takes advantage of the rare opportunity to call home from ship. In honor of Mother's Day, USS Iwo Jima's captain set aside time for crew and embarked Marines to use their cellular phones, something normally strictly prohibited while underway. Hundreds of Marines and sailors jumped at the chance to call moms, wives and loved ones. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are embarked aboard the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group for the ESG Integration Exercise, part of the MEU's predeployment workup.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Bryce Piper

Marines, sailors make Mother's Day calls

11 May 2008 | Staff Sgt. Bryce Piper 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

OFF THE COAST OF JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- Sgt. Alfred Miller takes advantage of the rare opportunity to call home from ship. In honor of Mother's Day, USS Iwo Jima's captain set aside time for crew and embarked Marines to use their cellular phones, something normally strictly prohibited while underway. Hundreds of Marines and sailors jumped at the chance to call moms, wives and loved ones. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are embarked aboard the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group for the ESG Integration Exercise, part of the MEU's predeployment workup.