Show vernal youth lands with chinese marines marine pic J mecham son of mr and mrs joseph mecham of vernal took part in a huge amphibious landing exercise march 22 on formosa s N southern coast with units of the okinawa based third marine division the exercise termed op aeration blue star called for the third marine division to assemble in the area on march 20 along with units of the hawaii based first marine brigade and U S republic of china navy marine and air force elements purpose of the operation which comprised over 18 marines and 70 navy ships was to promote closer work ing relations between U S and republic of china forces in practicing the convention al and vertical assault type amphibious landings |