Hough leads Marines of BLT 1/8 home
Sgt. Roman Yurek
Combat Correspondent
USS IWO JIMA- Col. David K. Hough, Battalion Landing Team 1/8?s commanding officer, recently deployed as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), was promoted to his current rank Oct. 1 aboard USS Iwo Jima.
Hough spoke of his Marines when asked to explain the significance of this promotion. ?Officers receive recognition as a result of the hard work and dedication of their men, I am extremely fortunate that I have had the privilege to serve with this outstanding group of professionals.?
For Hough, this is not the first time he has served in this battalion. Twenty years ago, Hough served as a rifle platoon commander with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, BLT 1/8, 24th Marine Amphibious Unit as part of the Multinational Peace-keeping Force deployed to Beirut, Lebanon.
As a result of subsequent Marine battlefield successes, which negated the warring factions? conventional war fighting abilities, the increasingly desperate enemy sought drastic and unconventional measures.
In the early morning of Oct. 23, 1983, an explosive-laden truck detonated the largest non-nuclear blast at that point in history by exploding against the BLT?s command post inside the Beirut International Airport. This terrorist attack, arguably the first one of its kind against Americans, changed the nature of that conflict and foreshadowed the Global War on Terrorism.
Two hundred and forty-one U.S. service members were killed in that attack alone. Before their return to Camp Lejeune Dec. 7, 1983, BLT 1/8 endured a heavy toll of killed and wounded Marines resulting from the combat operation and caused an untold number of dead and wounded enemy.
For Hough, Beirut has many memories, but he summarized them by saying that, ?the battalion?s performance in Beirut joins in history with its efforts in Iraq, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. The Marines and Sailors fought bravely in Beirut and the many who gave their lives for their God, Country and Corps will not be forgotten. The Marines and Sailors of BLT 1/8 carry on the their legacy, taking the fight to our nation?s enemies with the same pride, professionalism, and espirit as their predecessors who served so gallantly from World War II to the present. It was truly an honor to be afforded the opportunity to return to BLT 1/8 and serve as their commander.?
As the 26th MEU (SOC) and BLT 1/8 steam across the Atlantic Ocean en route to a well-deserved homecoming, Hough looks back with pride at the deployment, which started with the MEU and BLT?s participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom, continued to Joint Task Force ? Horn of Africa and culminated with JTF-Liberia.
?During the past eight months, we have traveled more than 40,000 miles and participated in two major operations. BLT 1/8?s Marines and Sailors accomplished every mission assigned to them in those operations with the dedication and skill of true professionals. I could not be more proud of them.? Hough said.
Asked what he believes to be the biggest factor contributing to the successful deployment, Hough said, ?My early experiences as a rifle platoon leader in Beirut molded my approach to leadership. As a commander, I believe that you must concentrate on those things that contribute to the fight and minimize those things that detract from combat readiness. As the MEU?s ground combat element, we concentrated on our ability to shoot, move and communicate effectively.?
Hough has not forgotten where his leadership foundation began nor will he ever forget those who were lost 20 years ago. ?I try to attend some of the ceremonies every year and honor those we lost that fateful day,? he said.
Hough understands the importance of being able to come home when so many have not been able to. And right now Hough said he?s looking forward to being at home with his wife and four children after another successful deployment.
Sempers,
Roger
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