CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA - After more than a decade of war, the Marine Corps is beginning a new mission oriented towards the Pacific Ocean. But in keeping with its traditions as a desert-deployed force, Marines will be bringing their beloved-Forward Operating Bases (or FOBs) with them, and the key to this new mission is the Aqua-FOB.
"We've had two decades worth of experience building FOBs, from Desert Storm to Afghanistan, and the Aqua-FOB is the culmination of our modern FOB-building technology," said Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck, Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. "Make no mistake. This will not be your father's FOB, or even your older brother's."
Traditionally, most FOBs are built out of available materials, usually sand and earth. Their simplistic design means that they can be constructed rather quickly, but carries some obvious limitations - like their inability to move or float on water. That's where the US military came up with the idea to replace sand with steel.
While a normal FOB is constructed on-site near a piece of key terrain, the new Aqua-FOB is actually assembled thousands of miles away at a US naval shipyard. First, the main berm, or "keel" is laid, followed by the rest of the berm, or "hull". The flight-line, or "flight deck" goes on top, as well as the other buildings, or "decks". Lastly, the ECP, or "gangway" is added to allow Marines to enter or exit the FOB.
