Refueling to Recoil: Blount Island Enhances Prepositioning

250729-M-TC037-1011.JPG Photo By: Cpl. Nicholas Martinez

Aug 4, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Merles, commanding officer of Blount Island Command, speaks with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Alexander Woodward, port operations officer in charge, during backload procedures July 29, 2025, aboard the USNS Pililaau at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida. Blount Island Command is continuing to enhance Marine Corps prepositioning programs ashore and afloat, ensuring combat-ready equipment is distributed worldwide. This includes deploying new capability sets for vehicle and aircraft refueling, as well as improved arrival and assembly supplies and technical assistance shelters. A newly fielded recoil exerciser for large-caliber howitzers uses a winch-driven pulley system to simulate the full recoil stroke, allowing for safer, more efficient maintenance and maximizing weapon readiness during long-term storage. (Official Marine Corps Photo/Cpl. Nicholas Martinez)

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