The U.S. Army is reinvigorating its capabilities in the Pacific region by reactivating the logistics support vessel SSGT Robert T. Kuroda. Stationed at Pearl Harbor, this vessel honors a World War II Medal of Honor recipient from Aiea, Hawaii. The soldier, SSGT Robert T. Kuroda, served in the renowned 442nd Regimental Combat Team, known for its bravery in Italy and France. He died in combat near Bruyeres, France, after heroically attacking two enemy machine gun positions.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kyle Nicholas, the captain of the Kuroda, has a personal connection to the vessel’s namesake. “I met my wife here, we met surfing. It’s a unique place,” he said, reflecting on his time in Hawaii. He emphasized the significance of commanding a vessel named after a local hero, stating, “It’s a pleasure having something like this: a boat that’s named after a young man that grew up within eyesight of where this boat’s moored.”
As a logistics support vessel (LSV), the Kuroda is tasked with transporting vehicles, weapons, and other essential equipment across the ocean to support military operations. It is one of two Kuroda-class LSVs in the Army, a modified version of the Besson-class LSV, designed to carry larger loads. The other vessel, named Robert Smalls, is also stationed at Pearl Harbor and is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Army’s maritime presence in the Pacific.
The Army’s renewed focus comes as military leaders shift resources from prolonged engagements in the Middle East to address challenges posed by China. Both the Kuroda and Smalls are now actively engaged in operations, which include testing new boat prototypes in Hawaii.
Historical Context and Modern Relevance
Historically, the Pacific has been dominated by the Navy, with the Pacific Fleet being its largest and most powerful. Since the establishment of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp Smith, Navy officers have traditionally led the command. However, Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commander of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, noted that the Army has always played a vital role in U.S. military history involving watercraft. “Army watercraft systems have been with the Army really since its inception,” Gardner stated, referencing George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River.
The current Army boat operations are staffed by dedicated soldiers who work behind the scenes, often unnoticed. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Micah Innis, who oversees the Kuroda’s engine room, shared his unique journey. After serving in the Navy, he transitioned to civilian life before rejoining the military. “Somehow, God had a plan for me to be back on a boat,” he remarked, highlighting the diverse skill sets required of Army personnel, who must adapt to various roles from hydraulics to engine maintenance.
Staff Sgt. Jessica Howell, a boatswain on the Kuroda, expressed her enthusiasm for the job. “You get to see the world, and you get to do the work. We’re out there for a reason,” she affirmed, emphasizing the importance of their mission.
Strategic Operations and Future Plans
During World War II, older models of the Army’s LSVs played crucial roles in transporting troops and equipment across the Pacific. Today, the Army is reasserting its strategic presence in the region. The concept of a “landpower network” aims to establish strong links between the U.S. and its allies. Despite competition for funding and resources among military branches, recent statements from high-ranking officials have reinforced the Army’s critical role. At the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual Land Power in the Pacific conference, Adm. Samuel Paparo endorsed the Army’s capabilities, stating, “The Army provides the backbone of our ability to sustain combat power across the region.”
The collaboration between the Army, Navy, and Marines is vital for integrating boats into operations. “Sometimes it makes more sense based on the volume of what we’re trying to do to go with a commercial capability,” Gardner explained. As the Army looks to the future, it aims to blend traditional watercraft systems with emerging technologies, including unmanned vessels.
The Kuroda and Smalls were initially part of the Army Reserve in the 2000s but faced potential decommissioning as they became underutilized. Fortunately, the Army opted to reactivate the Kuroda to support Pacific operations, transitioning it from reserve status to active duty. “In that first year, we doubled the amount of service hours that she had in the entirety of its life at the time,” Nicholas reported.
Currently, the Kuroda and Smalls support training operations for the 25th Infantry Division based in Schofield Barracks, facilitating transport between Oahu and the Big Island. Their operations extend beyond Hawaii to locations such as Guam, Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
With an average speed of only 10 knots, the Kuroda’s journey across vast distances presents challenges. “It’s not meant to go fast; it’s meant to carry equipment and beach itself anywhere in the world,” Innis explained. The vessel is designed for versatility, enabling it to create a pier and offload equipment in various theaters.
During recent exercises in the Philippines, the Kuroda played a pivotal role in logistics, showcasing its capabilities in high-stakes operations. “If you’re watching it from the shore, you’re seeing a big ship pull up to another big ship,” Nicholas said, highlighting the complexity of coordinating equipment transfers between vessels.
As the Army’s small fleet endures the rigors of ocean travel, soldiers must constantly maintain the equipment. “One of their primary jobs is really fighting the conditions out here and keeping the rust at bay,” Nicholas noted, underscoring the demanding nature of their work. Despite the challenges, Howell expressed her passion for her role: “I love this boat.”
The commitment of the Army’s boat soldiers, coupled with their strategic operations in the Pacific, reflects a renewed dedication to enhancing military readiness in an evolving global landscape.
