The U.S. Army is reinvesting in its Pacific operations by revitalizing logistics support vessels, specifically the SSGT Robert T. Kuroda, stationed at Pearl Harbor. Named after a World War II Medal of Honor recipient from Aiea, Hawaii, the vessel honors a soldier who fought valiantly with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Kuroda was killed in action near Bruyeres, France, after bravely assaulting enemy positions.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kyle Nicholas, the captain of the Kuroda, has a personal connection to the vessel’s namesake. “I love Hawaii, I’ve always loved living here,” Nicholas shared, reflecting on the significance of commanding a boat named after a local hero. “In 20 years of service, I’ve never had the pleasure having something like this,” he noted. The Kuroda serves as a logistics support vessel (LSV), transporting vehicles, weapons, and equipment to operational shores as needed by the Army and other military branches.
Modernizing Army Naval Capabilities
The Kuroda is one of two Kuroda-class LSVs in the Army, modified from the Besson-class design for increased capacity. Alongside the Robert Smalls, also based at Pearl Harbor, the vessels are part of a strategic push to enhance the Army’s maritime presence in the Pacific. This initiative comes as the U.S. military reallocates resources from prolonged engagements in the Middle East to better confront potential challenges from China.
Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commander of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command at Fort Shafter, emphasized the historical significance of Army watercraft. “Army watercraft systems have been with the Army really since its inception,” he explained, highlighting the Army’s longstanding maritime capabilities.
The Kuroda, under the guidance of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Micah Innis, also showcases the versatility of Army personnel. Innis, who transitioned from the Navy to the Army, underscored the breadth of skills required of his soldiers, who manage everything from engine repairs to electrical systems. “They do everything,” Innis stated, stressing the importance of adaptability in their roles.
Staff Sgt. Jessica Howell, a boatswain on the Kuroda, reflected on the unique experiences that come with serving at sea. “You get to see the world, and you get to do the work,” she said, underscoring the operational purpose of their missions.
Reasserting Army Presence in the Pacific
Historically, Army LSVs played a pivotal role in World War II, facilitating troop and equipment transportation during the island-hopping campaign against Japanese forces. Today, the Army is reasserting its presence in the Pacific, fostering a “landpower network” that connects the U.S. with its allies. At the recent Association of the U.S. Army’s Land Power in the Pacific conference in Waikiki, Adm. Samuel Paparo, the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, reaffirmed the Army’s essential role, stating, “Human beings live on the land.”
The Army is actively collaborating with the Navy, Marines, and allied forces to reintegrate its vessels into operational frameworks, balancing military and commercial maritime capabilities. “Sometimes it makes more sense based on the volume of what we’re trying to do to go with a commercial capability,” Gardner noted, emphasizing a blended approach for effective logistics.
Originally commissioned in the early 2000s and later moved to Tacoma, Washington, the Kuroda faced the prospect of decommissioning due to underutilization. However, the Army decided to return it to Hawaii for 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.
The vessels have already made significant contributions to training operations, transporting equipment between Oahu and Hawaii Island for the 25th Infantry Division. Their missions extend beyond Hawaii, having reached locations such as Guam, Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. “It’s not meant to go fast, it’s meant to carry equipment and beach itself anywhere in the world,” Innis remarked, highlighting the Kuroda’s logistical capabilities.
During recent exercises in the Philippines, the Kuroda facilitated crucial logistical operations as U.S. troops trained across the archipelago. “We demonstrated bringing a very large vessel, a Maritime Sealift Command vessel,” Gardner explained. This operation involved transferring equipment from a Navy ship to the Army’s watercraft, showcasing the seamless integration of joint operations.
Navigating the Pacific presents unique challenges, particularly for the Army’s small fleet. “Our counterparts on the East Coast are just not seeing as much time in the middle of the sea as we are,” Nicholas noted, emphasizing the importance of experience in overcoming maritime challenges.
The Army’s commitment to maintaining its naval capabilities is evident, with personnel taking on demanding roles and often working under challenging conditions. Howell, who sailed from Tacoma to Hawaii aboard the Kuroda, encapsulated the sense of pride that comes with their duty: “While most soldiers prefer staying on land, I love this boat.”
As the Army revitalizes its maritime operations, it not only honors the legacy of soldiers like SSGT Robert T. Kuroda but also reinforces its strategic position in the Pacific region, adapting to new challenges while embracing its historical roots.
