 More than 1,800 Marines and sailors, 90 vehicles and nearly 120 containers and pallets of gear embark onto two different ships. It's a difficult task. All gear and people must embark within 48 hours, allowing the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to leave port on time. The Mew assisted with five humanitarian aid missions in the last three years. That means unloading the ship at a moment's notice. Assistant logistics officer Marine Captain Robert Schwab explains, The hardest part of the Mew unload is ensuring that we have the proper gear packed in the appropriate location so that regardless of what mission or task we are given, we can respond in the best manner possible. Schwab has a lot of experience. It's his seventh deployment in six years, including four combat tours. Mew officials say they look forward to working with their Australian counterparts. White Beach, Okinawa.