ATC keeps air-traffic flowing

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 24, 2008) – With no guidance from the control tower, landing an aircraft on the flight line would be much like approaching a busy intersection without any stop signs or traffic lights.

The Marines and sailors of Detachment Alpha, Marine Air Control Squadron 1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), are inherently responsible for providing all-weather air traffic control services to civilian, tactical and non-tactical aircraft operating within al-Asad’s airspace.

Air traffic controllers here guide aircraft safely to and from the flight line in a timely manner assisting the Marine ground combat element in the fight, doing their part to contribute to the overall mission in theater.

“The purpose of the air traffic control system is to prevent collisions between aircraft and to expedite the flow of traffic,” said Sgt. Shane Haymon, an ATC Marine with Detachment Alpha, MACS-1. “In the control tower, we provide separation and traffic advisories, operate the airport lighting and initiate notifications for emergencies and mishaps.”

Air traffic control is a vital part of the aviation system, added Haymon.

Weather plays a large part in the job these service members perform.

Although the flight tempo decreases in the event of a sand storm, air traffic control’s job becomes more critical.

“With reduced visibility, the equipment is more vital because the aircraft won’t land, so it’s our responsibility to keep them separated from other aircraft in flight,” said Master Sgt. Jason A. Sunstrom, the maintenance chief for Detachment Alpha, MACS-1. “The extreme environment the equipment is being operated in has an adverse affect on the length of its life cycle and the amount of maintenance required to keep it operational.”

A Marine Air Control Squadron consists of more than just the Marines and sailors in the tower. A maintenance section works with the equipment in the “midfield,” ensuring all equipment is properly maintained.

Each piece of equipment on the midfield assists the aircrafts in flight by maintaining communication with the base and providing pilots with accurate radar readings on the other aircrafts in the area.

To help train these Marines and sailors to work in the climate here, the squadron participates in exercises at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., because those areas mimic the current location.

“We have all the necessary equipment to provide air traffic control services for anything from a forward operating base to a major air facility,” said Sunstrom.

All facets of air traffic control keep the flow of aircraft consistent, ensuring no service member on the ground operates without air support.

Feeding the wolves

Sharpening Tigers’ claws: Marine ordnance, on time, on target

Cpl. Scott T. McAdam Jr.

AL-ASAD, Iraq (March 19, 2008) – Close-air support evolves as military technology continues to improve. Despite the advances, one thing remains constant -- it takes manpower to handle and load each piece of ordnance onto an aircraft.

For the ordnance Marines of Marine Attack Squadron 542, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), ensuring the AV-8B Harrier packs a punch remains mission number one.

The Harrier is capable of flying a wide variety of weapons and provides close air support at low altitudes, explained Cpl. Michael P. Smithwick, aviation ordnance technician, VMA-542.

Without ordnance, the Harrier is just a jet; the ordnance Marines turn the aircraft into a weapon, added Cpl. Douglas G. Koenig, aviation ordnance technician, VMA-542.

Because of the ordnance Marines’ around-the-clock efforts, Marine infantrymen on the ground can rely on added protection from the “Tigers” day and night.

“If I take three or four of my Marines and get a job done correctly and safely the first time, that means we have Marine air support on time and on target,” said Koenig an Erie, Penn. native.

In Iraq, the Marine Corps uses the AV-8B Harrier for a lot of its close air support missions because the Harrier’s capabilities enable it to deliver anything from illumination flares and missiles to large precision-guided bombs.

“I feel like we are doing our job in support of this war,” explained Koenig. “There is nothing more satisfying to an ordnanceman than to see a jet come back without its bombs and to know your hard work saved the lives of ground troops.”

Though the Marines work long hours with thousands of pounds of explosives, the biggest challenge the Marines face is being away from home.

The Marines out here miss their families, but they know why they’re out here and make that sacrifice willingly, added Smithwick, an Eldorado, Kan. native.

“I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we are proud of what we are doing out here,” said Koenig. “We have a lot of pride knowing that we are having an impact on the war effort here.”

3rd MAW assists in IA training

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

Al-ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq (March 18, 2008) – As Coalition Forces continue to operate throughout the Iraqi countryside, training the Iraqi Security Forces to stand on their own two feet becomes an increasingly familiar scene.

Third Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) does their own part in the transition process by participating in training operations involving military in transition team Marines and members of the Iraqi Army.

The most recent exercise, involving the Marine Corps tiltrotor aircraft the MV-22 Osprey, was designed to familiarize the Iraqi soldiers with the capabilities of an aviation element.

Several MV-22s, belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, inserted Marines from Military in Transition Team 0720 and members of the 27th Infantry Brigade, 7th Iraqi Infantry Division to a remote location, where the soldiers were tested on the many skills they’ve been taught.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to be part of this IA training mission,” said Capt. Jonathan H. Brandt, a pilot with VMM-263. “Training the Iraqi soldiers is something taking place all over the country. This exercise was the most direct opportunity I’ve had to support that mission in Iraq.”

The Coalition’s directive to train the Iraqi Security Forces directly impacts both the ground and aviation combat elements.

“Using the assets the wing provides is very vital because it enables us to get the Iraqi Army on objectives in areas that vehicles would possibly not be able to go,” said Gunnery Sgt. Evan A. Good, the operations and training chief for MiT Team 0720. “Any helo-insert enables more of a surprise effect on the enemy.”

Heliborne operation training will greatly help the Iraqi Army’s ability to conduct these types of missions once coalition forces reduce, explained Good, a State College, Pa., native.

After successfully completing their first heliborne insert, the soldiers pursued their objective by searching the buildings in the area and gathering intelligence on possible enemy activity from the locals.

In support of the ground forces, UH-1N Hueys and AH-1W Super Cobras, belonging to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, actively circled overhead, providing perimeter and aerial security throughout the duration of the exercise.

“The aviation combat element exists to support the ground element whether indirectly through routine movement of passengers and cargo around the AO or directly through inserts and extracts such as in this training exercise,” said Brandt, a Lenexa, Kan., native who was one of the MV-22 pilots responsible for inserting the ground units. “If the ground combat elements’ scheme of maneuver makes sense to use aviation assets, our pilots and aircrew are always more than willing to support their mission.”

“The goal is to train Iraqi Army and Police forces to slowly replace the need for our numbers of ground forces, but until they have their own aircraft, the need for air assets to provide support remains,” said Brandt. “We realize that as long as there is a mission to fulfill, we will accept our assignments and continue to support the remaining coalition forces and the increasing number of Iraqi forces as well.”

Feeding the wolves

Lance Cpl. Jessica Aranda

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 21, 2008) – The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) keeps supplies stocked across the area of operations through weekly resupply missions, including deliveries to “feed” the Marines at Combat Outpost Timberwolf.

Located in the mountainous terrain near the Euphrates River, the outpost is supplied by Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and a Helicopter Support Team.

The HST Marines load pallets of supplies, guide the helicopter into the landing zone and externally connect the cargo to the helicopter.

“We assure the Marines working in remote areas have their necessities when they need them,” said Sgt. Eric Solano, the Arrival/Departure Air Control Group staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “Loading the supplies externally ensures the aircrew can fly into a hot-zone and hover overhead without having to touch the deck. Airlifts are faster than convoys and they alleviate the risk of putting Marines in harm’s way.”

“If it takes two hours for a convoy to deliver these supplies, then that’s two hours the Marines are exposed to potential threats,” added Solano, a San Fernando Valley, Calif., native. “We eliminate that risk.”

To rig each external load, the landing support-specialists attached to the HST withstand hurricane-like winds as the massive helicopter hovers above their heads.

While focusing on properly connecting the load to the helicopter, the Marines also focus on the safety of the team.

“As the safety NCO, my main job is to keep an eye on everyone and everything that’s going on,” said Cpl. Michael Hernandez, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 6.
Each resupply is a chance for us to put our training into play, explained Hernandez.

The helicopters most commonly transport pallets of bottled water, food, fuel and mail.

“External lifts are the fastest way to transport equipment,” said Capt. John Mitchell, a pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361. “We can carry larger things which wouldn’t otherwise fit inside the helicopter. By supporting outposts such as Timberwolf, we are giving the Marines the necessary sustenance to maintain their post and do their job.”

Invading the skies: 3rd MAW supports ground assault

By Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AL-JAZIRAH DESERT, Iraq (March 12, 2008) – Fixed and rotary-wing assets assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) participated in a simultaneous three-village assault here today.

The assault was conducted to check the villages for enemy activity and bring a coalition presence to an area where operations have been limited.

“This operation was used to send a message to insurgents that there are no safe places to hide and that we will find you and ensure that you have no safe haven,” said Capt. Danny J. Cohlmeyer, a pilot and quality assurance officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263.

The Marine Corps tiltrotor aircraft, the MV-22 Osprey, tactically inserted ground forces at each site and extracted them at the conclusion of the operation.

“Our squadron’s job is to provide assault support across a spectrum of expeditionary operations,” said Cohlmeyer. “The assault fell under that category by allowing us to provide support to the ground combat element.”

Assisting the aviation combat element, Marines from 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment and components of Iraqi Security Forces, swept through the objective, looking for weapon caches and insurgents hiding in the villages.

An AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey, belonging to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, provided the ground forces overhead security throughout the duration of the operation.

“I think we present a more cohesive fire plan when aviation weapons can integrate with ground teams,” said Lt. Col. Russell W. Mantzel, a pilot with HMLA-773. “I think it deters the enemy from fighting because they know we can strike him from different directions with different weapons. They cannot run away from aviation.”

Close-air support keeps pressure on the enemy so Marines on the ground do not have to expose themselves to risky situations, added Mantzel.

“It’s a critical piece of the expeditionary concept and the way the Marine Corps conducts business,” said Cohlmeyer.

By conducting operations such as this one, the Marine Corps continues to be proactive in the search for the enemy.

“The enemy does not, or cannot show their faces now because their numbers are so few,” said Cohlmeyer. “If we cannot find them, then we can find the places that they consider safe and pull those cards from their hands.”

The combined efforts on the ground and in the air proved worthwhile as the operation was successful in bringing a Coalition presence to the area.

Marines transport precious cargo, reunite healthier toddler with family

Lance Cpl. Jessica N. Aranda

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 7, 2008) – Assets of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) assisted in reuniting an Iraqi child with her family March 7.
Humanitarian assistance missions are just one of the ways 3rd MAW contributes to building a stronger bond between the Marine Corps and local nationals throughout al-Anbar.
“These types of missions demonstrate our willingness to partner with the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col William T. Bufkin, the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) future operations officer. “It shows that we support Iraq as a whole. Anytime the Aviation Combat Element can serve more than a military need, it only strengthens our cause here.”
Three-year-old Amenah Fattah returned from Nashville, Tenn., after receiving open-heart surgery to repair a defect, as there were no Iraqi facilities capable of executing the extensive medical procedures.
The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment first discovered the toddler during a routine patrol through Haditha in 2007. The Marines noticed the girl’s blue lips and fingers and sought help.
“To see someone in need and want to help is human nature, and typical of a Marine,” said Sgt. Maj. Frank Scott, the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) sergeant major. “It was simply the right thing to do. The people are our main focus here, and Operation Amenah shows that.”
After discovering the child’s potentially fatal condition, the concerned Marines raised more than $30,000. The surgery performed at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt came to no cost to the family.
A year after Amenah’s first encounter with the Marines, she arrived home with good health and another chance at life.
A KC-130J Hercules belonging to Marine Aeriel Refeuling Squadron 352 transported Amenah’s father to Baghdad, where he reunited with his wife and daughter. From there, the family traveled to Al Asad, where they boarded an MV-22 Osprey to Haditha.
Utilizing air assets allowed the family to travel with the highest margin of safety, explained Capt. John A. Sax, an MV-22 pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263.
During the flight, the air crew made the voyage as comfortable as possible and succeeded in safely delivering the precious cargo.
“I felt extremely fortunate for the role that we played in delivering this daughter with her family after a successful surgery,” said Sax, a Nashville native himself. “I think it means as much to the Marines who set up the operation and orchestrated the fundraising as it did to the people who know her. We were all glad to bring her home.”

Maintenance Marines ‘make it happen’

By Lance Cpl. Jessica N Aranda

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 11, 2008) – A bird’s anatomy – its feathers, hollow bones and intricate wingspan— enables the animal to take to the skies, soaring hundreds of feet above the earth. Other types of “birds,” like those powered by the ignition of three turbine engines, fly because of the behind-the-scenes work performed by Marines in coveralls.

These often grease-covered Marines continue to meet the daily challenges of keeping the aircraft of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 at the ready.

In conjunction with the other maintenance departments of the unit, the “flight line” crew works an average of 20,000 man hours per month, an operational tempo seven times higher than stateside procedures.

Their efforts keep the squadron at an 88.3 percent mission capability rate, one of the highest in the area of operations, explained Capt. Jason Mitchell, a pilot for HMH-361.

“The maintenance department is the heartbeat of the squadron,” said Mitchell. “You could get rid of every other shop, but without maintenance, we wouldn’t be flying.”

Because of the fast-paced flight schedule, the flight line Marines are constantly on the job, crawling atop the large helicopters to repair and replace anything from gear boxes to rotor heads.

The mechanics work in the desert’s extreme temperatures, turning wrenches until they accomplish their assigned missions. The safety of the aircrew and passengers depends on them, and collateral duty inspectors ensure the integrity of each job.

Before a flight launches, the air crew looks over the aircraft once again, making sure it’s ready to go.

“We are in direct support of combat,” said Sgt. Tony Garavaglia, a collateral-duty quality assurance representative. “These birds are the work horses of the Marine Corps. Whether troops need to be moved or supplies need to be delivered, we have the capabilities to make it happen.”

Other than trouble-shooting and repairing broken parts, the maintenance Marines make it a priority to train their subordinates.

“We teach them to fulfill the roles of the more experienced mechanics so they can take over once we leave,” said Garavaglia, a St. Louis native.

After showing them how to do a job, the senior Marines take a step back in supervision, allowing the newer members of the unit to do the work until they are proficient enough to do it on their own.

“I enjoy being a part of this shop,” said Lance Cpl. William B. Shultz, a CH-53E engine mechanic. “The level of discipline and camaraderie allows us to function like a fined-tuned machine.”

A flying look into women’s history

By Lance Cpl. Jessica N. Aranda

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 13, 2008) – From Amelia Earhart’s solo trans-Atlantic flight in 1932 to Marine Capt. Sarah Deal’s achievement as the first-ever female Marine Corps pilot in 1995, the spectrum of women’s aviation history continues to expand.

Women’s history month celebrates these and other amazing accomplishments with the theme, “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision”.

One Marine’s visions, most commonly viewed through the windshield of a tiltrotor aircraft, contribute to the growing list of women’s firsts.

Captain Elizabeth A. Okoreeh-Baah, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, is recognized as the very first female MV-22 Osprey pilot.

“To be the first female anything is kind of shocking,” explained Okoreeh-Baah, who views all of her successes as an opportunity to give something back to others.

Okoreeh-Baah began piloting toward new opportunities for the generations behind her long before her first MV-22 flight.

The Nashville, Tenn., native graduated from the Naval Academy in 2000, as one of the first females with a Marine Corps aviation contract.

After more than five years flying the CH-46E Sea Knight, including a yearlong combat deployment, Okoreeh-Baah’s unit, then Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, began replacing the CH-46Es with the MV-22s, and she hopped onboard the transition process.

The 28-year-old completed the transition and made her historic flight March 13, 2006, two years ago today.

“She’s an integral part of the squadron, just like any other pilot,” said Maj. Eric Garcia, a pilot with VMM-263. “Being recognized historically as the first female is a big accomplishment.”

Okoreeh-Baah thinks women’s history month is another chance for the future of society to see examples of who they can view as role models.

“It’s good to have individuals who set the bar and encourage us to become better Marines,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeanette Santoro, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) career retention specialist and president of the Women Marines Association here. “It allows us to know what goals we can accomplish and gives us something to strive for. It also shows the billets female Marines are now filling.”

Everything we do affects women’s history, the fact that we’re out here in Iraq easily visible to the international press and other Marines sets an example, explained Okoreeh-Baah.

“People will never know the possibilities if no one ever aspires to do them,” she added.

Marines transport precious cargo, reunite healthier toddler with family

Lance Cpl. Jessica N. Aranda

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 7, 2008) – Assets of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) assisted in reuniting an Iraqi child with her family March 7.

Humanitarian assistance missions are just one of the ways 3rd MAW contributes to building a stronger bond between the Marine Corps and local nationals throughout al-Anbar.

“These types of missions demonstrate our willingness to partner with the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col William T. Bufkin, the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) future operations officer. “It shows that we support Iraq as a whole. Anytime the Aviation Combat Element can serve more than a military need, it only strengthens our cause here.”

Three-year-old Amenah Fattah returned from Nashville, Tenn., after receiving open-heart surgery to repair a defect, as there were no Iraqi facilities capable of executing the extensive medical procedures.

The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment first discovered the toddler during a routine patrol through Haditha in 2007. The Marines noticed the girl’s blue lips and fingers and sought help.

“To see someone in need and want to help is human nature, and typical of a Marine,” said Sgt. Maj. Frank Scott, the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) sergeant major. “It was simply the right thing to do. The people are our main focus here, and Operation Amenah shows that.”

After discovering the child’s potentially fatal condition, the concerned Marines raised more than $30,000. The surgery performed at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt came to no cost to the family.

A year after Amenah’s first encounter with the Marines, she arrived home with good health and another chance at life.

A KC-130J Hercules belonging to Marine Aeriel Refeuling Squadron 352 transported Amenah’s father to Baghdad, where he reunited with his wife and daughter. From there, the family traveled to Al Asad, where they boarded an MV-22 Osprey to Haditha.

Utilizing air assets allowed the family to travel with the highest margin of safety, explained Capt. John A. Sax, an MV-22 pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263.

During the flight, the air crew made the voyage as comfortable as possible and succeeded in safely delivering the precious cargo.

“I felt extremely fortunate for the role that we played in delivering this daughter with her family after a successful surgery,” said Sax, a Nashville native himself. “I think it means as much to the Marines who set up the operation and orchestrated the fundraising as it did to the people who know her. We were all glad to bring her home.”

Raiders bring fuel to fight

Cpl. Scott McAdam

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 02, 2008) – Coalition forces on the ground rely on close air support on a daily basis. Keeping the jets in the air and supporting the troops on the ground is the number one mission for refueling aircraft.

Marine Aerial Refueler Transportation Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, continues to support ground forces in Iraq by bringing fuel to the fight.

The KC-130J Hercules acts as an airborne gas station for other aircraft, supporting the Marine Air Ground Task Force in Iraq.

The Hercules possesses the capability to refuel both helicopters and jet aircraft. However, they mainly support jet aircraft in theatre, keeping them in the sky, poised to unleash close air support at a moments notice.

In-air refueling maximizes speed and efficiency. Instead of landing to refuel, it allows jet aircraft more time in their area of operation and less time in transit. This practice saves time, providing continuous support for the war fighters on the ground, explained 1st Lt. Luke T. Roberts, KC-130J pilot.

Although they’ve trained for this mission in garrison, there is a different sense of responsibility here.

The refuels directly support the infantry. That’s the difference between garrison and Iraq, explained Cpl. Jared R. Fowler, loadmaster, VMGR-352.

“Back in the US we train for war, but back at home we don't have troops on the ground in a hostile environment,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffery Morgan, KC-130 crew chief, VMGR-352.

The Hercules can transfer approximately 5,500 to 11,000 pounds of fuel to either an AV-8B Harrier or F/A-18 Hornet in minutes.

While aircraft are refueling, the aircrew act as the pilot’s eyes and ears in the back, playing an important role in maintaining the safety of all aircraft involved, added Sgt. Eric Hernandez, crew chief, VMGR-352.

“The enlisted aircrew and maintainers know their jobs inside and out,” said Roberts. “Without them, the C-130s would never get off the ground.”

Though VMGR-352 performs refueling operations daily, their mission entails much more.

“We haul cargo and passengers regularly, with our most somber mission being angel flights,” said Morgan, a Hastings, Neb. native.

On an angel flight, Marines transport casualties back to the United States.

“That is the mission that no one looks forward to, but we are willing and ready to get that Marine back to his loved ones,” added Morgan.

Other missions the Raiders execute include: equipment moves, battlefield illumination, aerial delivery and rapid ground refueling, explained Hernandez, a San Antonio native.

“That’s why we are here, to support that young Marine on the ground,” said Roberts. “I hope by doing what we do, we help them accomplish their mission and keep the service members on our side alive.”