By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne Navy Office of Community
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Marilese Baker, a native of Columbia, Tennessee, assigned to the Wasp-class multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), will travel to White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, from March 19-21 to honor the fallen heroes of the Bataan Death March.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbia.
“I learned from an early age to have a good work ethic and to never limit yourself,” Baker said. “I was also taught that there is always something more out there for you.”
Baker graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 2015 and joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Baker serves as an electrician’s mate.
“I joined the Navy for the new opportunities,” Baker said.
During the three-day namesake visit, the Sailors connected with the local community and paid their respects to the service members who endured one of World War II’s most harrowing events. The visit provided a powerful opportunity for the community to engage with their U.S. Navy and witness firsthand the professionalism and commitment of its Sailors.
The cornerstone of the visit was the crew’s participation in the 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March on March 21. Sailors either ran or hiked the 15.6-mile honorary route across the challenging high desert terrain of the missile range. Other events included visits to local schools and meetings with descendants of Bataan survivors.
The USS Bataan memorializes the valiant resistance of American and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula who, after a brutal three-month battle defined by severe shortages and rampant disease, surrendered on April 9, 1942. The surrender led to the infamous Bataan Death March, where approximately 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners were forced on a torturous 65-mile march to prison camps.
The Bataan’s primary mission is to land, train, and deploy a Marine Landing Force during sustained joint amphibious combat operations. The warship is crewed with Sailors and Marines to support a wide range of joint maritime operations, including humanitarian disaster relief and evacuation missions.
For more information about USS Bataan, visit the ship’s official U.S. Navy page at https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/LHD5/.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Baker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the sailors I’ve helped train and build along the way,” Baker said.
Baker serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It means endless opportunities for constant growth,” Baker said. “My ambition never grows tired.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
Post expires at 2:11pm on Wednesday April 1st, 2026