Army’s Pacific Comeback: Kuroda & Smalls Revitalize Maritime Strategy

Amidst the strategic shift of U.S. military resources from the Middle East to the Pacific, the Army’s logistical backbone is gaining renewed focus with the deployment of the logistics support vessel SSGT Robert T. Kuroda. Moored at Pearl Harbor, this vessel honors a World War II Medal of Honor recipient from Aiea, who was part of the celebrated 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Named after a hero who bravely fought and fell in France, the SSGT Robert T. Kuroda stands as a testament to valor and sacrifice. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kyle Nicholas, the vessel’s captain, often reflects on Kuroda’s legacy. “I love Hawaii, I’ve always loved living here. I met my wife here, we met surfing. It’s a unique place,” Nicholas shared, highlighting the emotional connection to the vessel’s namesake.

This vessel, along with its sister ship, the Robert Smalls, both Kuroda-class LSVs, are crucial components of the Army’s strategy to enhance its maritime presence in the Pacific. These vessels, modified from the Besson-class, boast extended capabilities and are instrumental in transporting military equipment across oceans.

Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, leading the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, emphasized the Army’s historical ties to watercraft. He noted the enduring role of Army watercraft, tracing back to George Washington’s iconic Delaware crossing. Gardner’s command provides logistical support across the Pacific, with Army boat soldiers operating under his leadership.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Micah Innis, overseeing the Kuroda’s engine room, brings a unique perspective from his Navy background. He explained the comprehensive responsibilities of Army soldiers on these vessels, noting, “In the Army, my soldiers do everything… They do it all, and they’ve got to have their heads on a swivel.”

The reactivation of the Kuroda, initially moved to Tacoma and considered for auction, signifies a strategic shift back to active duty in Hawaii. This move doubles the vessel’s service hours and facilitates operations extending beyond Hawaiian waters, reaching as far as Guam, Australia, and the Philippines.

During recent exercises in the Philippines, the Kuroda played a pivotal logistics role. Gardner detailed these operations, emphasizing the seamless integration of Army watercraft with larger Navy ships to deliver equipment directly to shore.

Facing challenges unique to the Pacific, such as long voyages at a slow pace of 10 knots, the Kuroda’s crew consistently overcomes hurdles, even rebuilding the engine during an incident in Australia. Despite the demanding nature of their work, Staff Sgt. Jessica Howell expressed her dedication, stating, “I love this boat.”

The Army’s small fleet is at the forefront of developing new maritime tactics and procedures, drawing from the experiences of its Hawaii-based units. As these strategies unfold, the Kuroda and vessels like it remain integral to maintaining and expanding the U.S. military’s presence in the Pacific.