SAN DIEGO -- Before the San Diego Chargers thundered onto the Qualocomm Stadium field at their divisional playoff game against the New York Jets, Marines set the stage during the pre-game ceremony
More than 150 Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar held four U.S. flags, covering the 100-yard field during the last pre-game ceremony of the season. The ceremony also included a flyover by four F/A-18D “Super Hornets” from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121 “Green Knights” from MCAS Miramar.
The Marines have participated in six of the nine Chargers’ home games this season, and have been actively supporting the team since 2007.
“The Marines always set the atmosphere for the game,” said James Garner, a Chargers’ season ticket holder. “They make the ceremony even more special.”
The day started in the early morning for the devil dogs as they loaded several buses to the stadium. Once the Marines got to the “Q,” the Marines practiced unfurling the flag in preparation for the game.
After the practice, the Marines changed into their Blue Dress “C” uniforms, picked up the flags and headed to the tunnel towards the field.
“It’s a really cool feeling to hear the fans screaming for you when we’re in the tunnel,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Isham, a flight planning dispatcher with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Miramar, who has participated in three previous ceremonies. “It’s even more exciting when we get on the field.”
As Katharine McPhee sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the Marines unfurled the four U.S. flags, and waved them for the fans. When McPhee sang the last note, four Green Knights’ Super Hornets roared over the stadium in front of 69,000 amped-up fans, capping off the ceremony.
“We were there to represent the Marine Corps and did it well,” said Cpl. Jorge Alvarez, a San Diego native, and heavy equipment mechanic for Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 aboard Miramar.
After the ceremony, the Marines entered the stadium and took their seats to enjoy some playoff football. Although the Chargers came up short against the Jets, the Marines made presence known and will be back for more when the Chargers begin another season later in the year.
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