MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Hawaii Gov. David Ige made his first ever visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for a tour, March 16, 2015. Accompanied by Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and Col. Eric W. Schaefer, commanding officer, MCB Hawaii, among other guests, Ige and his spouse, Dawn, were given a tour of the base.
Joseph Sampson, the director of Strategic Engagement at MarForPac, who helped coordinate the day’s events, said Toolan initiated the visit. He said Toolan and Schaefer wanted to update the governor on how MCB Hawaii supports its Marines, sailors and families and how they are a part of and support the local community, local schools and the environment. He said the visit was also an opportunity to discuss “future growth ideas for MCB Hawaii.”
“(Today’s mission was) to escort the governor (during) a tour of (MCB Hawaii) and (learn) the mission of MarForPac throughout the Pacific so that the governor understands more about the Marine Corps and what they do within the state, and within the Pacific (area of responsibility),” said Brig. Gen. Joe Logan, the adjutant general of the state of Hawaii, who attended the tour of the base.
The group met at the Pacific War Memorial in the morning, and headed to Kansas Tower, which boasts an expansive view of the base. They then toured Ulupa‘u Crater, Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, and the new Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay Operations Complex. Ige then ended his visit with lunch at The Officers’ Club.
“I was greatly impressed with the size and scope of the operations on base, particularly the commitment to renewable energy, environmental protections and the preservation of cultural and historic resources,” Ige said. “The visit reinforced my support for the base and the dedicated men and women who serve Hawaii and the United States.”