3MAW

MWSS-172 armorer keeps mission rolling

2008-12-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

AL ASAD, Iraq – Tucked away in a corner of the Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 armory, Cpl. Christopher Loftin peered intently at the springs and pins of a trigger mechanism in an M-2 .50 caliber machine gun.

A bead of sweat ran down the Valley Mills, Texas-native’s forehead as me made subtle tweaks and nudges to the weapon – ensuring it would fire correctly.
Loftin undertook similar tasks every day while deployed as an armorer with MWSS-172, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). Yet the repetitive nature of the job never dulled Loftin’s concentration. He knew that even in an increasingly peaceful Iraq the weapons he maintained and repaired could still be the only thing between a fellow Marine and an enemy.
“My job kept my unit mission capable in theater,” said Loftin, who recently completed his first combat tour. “Armorers maintain the lifeline of the Corps, their weapons.”

In addition to maintaining, repairing and accounting for the unit’s more than 300 weapons, Loftin dedicated significant time to weapons training.

Some of the Marines and sailors had the opportunity to refine their weapons skills at live-fire shoots at the ranges here, according to Loftin. These refresher courses on weapons employment were critical to mission readiness.

Loftin’s supervisor, Staff Sgt. James Gross, described the 20-year-old as continually focused on his duties and an asset to the unit.

Prior to joining the Corps, Loftin went to college for a year and also worked for his uncle’s construction company. He came to the realization that “something was missing” in his life. Influenced by a friend who had recently joined the Corps, Loftin decided to enlist.

“I joined the Corps for the pride of serving my country,” said Loftin. “In my experiences, I not only have found that pride but have become mentally and physically stronger.”

Buffalo native serves as Huey crew chief in Iraq

2008-12-01T21:54:00.000-08:00

AT TAQUADDUM, Iraq – One Buffalo native may be the only female crew chief with the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 here, but that’s not why she stands out among her peers.

With a commitment to excellence and a strong sense of duty, Cpl. Lisa M. Bodenburg, a UH-1N Huey crew chief, has continually distinguished herself in her two years in the Marine Corps.

“Corporal Bodenburg stands out not because she is a female, but because she is very knowledgeable about the job and her performance speaks for itself,” said Sgt. Daniel Basan, a fellow crew chief with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) squadron. “Any command she goes to in the future will be lucky to have an asset like her.”

After graduating with honors from Kenmore East High School in 2005, Bodenburg excelled at boot camp, graduating as her platoon’s honor graduate and earning a meritorious promotion to private first class.

As she advanced in her Marine Corps career, Bodenburg graduated in at least the top four of all her job training courses. She recently earned her combat aircrew wings, allowing her to serve as the mission crew chief without having a training crew chief on board.

Bodenburg also has a flawless physical fitness resume, scoring perfect on nine straight Marine Corps physical fitness tests. She credits that impressive streak to four years of running high school track and cross country.

Graduating high school at 17 years old, she had some time on her hands before she could enlist. Rather than waiting around, she took some college courses and worked at the police department. As soon as she turned 18, she went to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

Before stepping into the Marine recruiter’s office for the first time, Bodenburg wanted to become a force reconnaissance Marine. Discovering that females can’t fill ground combat jobs, she chose one that allowed her to get close to the action but with a birds eye view – a Huey crew chief.

“Crew chief isn’t a job females can easily obtain and at one point in time, couldn’t obtain at all,” said Bodenburg. “Being a crew-chief is how I’m able to get into the fight and help the ground units.”

Her inspiration to join the Marine Corps came from her brother, a policeman with the Baltimore Police Department, and from history classes that highlighted for her how lucky she is to be an American.

“I remember reading the history books and I came to the realization that being an American is a privilege that we have,” said the 20-year-old. “I chose to serve my country out of respect for those who did before me.”

When she originally told her family about her decision to serve in the Marine Corps, her mother didn’t share her enthusiasm. Over time, she accepted and supported her decision to pursue a career in the military.

“I didn’t want her to join the military at all when she got out of high school,” said Cheryl Bodenburg. “However, I support her in every decision that she’s made and I couldn’t be more proud of her for what she’s doing. She’s come a very long way in a job that is pre-dominantly male.”

Bodenburg and HMLA-367 will wrap up their deployment before the end of the year.

Norwich alumnus takes to Iraq skies during second combat deployment

2008-12-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – When another student mentioned ammunition and weapons in Dustin Blecha’s senior year at Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, Colo., Blecha overturned a desk, took cover behind it and pretended to be leading troops on a battlefield.

Teenage Blecha’s passion for all things military suggested that his future included a uniform and a stint in basic training.

He describes his high school self as aggressive and high-strung – a young man who already knew he belonged on the battlefield.

“I was ‘that guy’, already wearing the cammie clothes and combat boots along with a military haircut in high school,” he said.

Today “that guy” stands tall in his flight suit as a UH-1N Huey pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).

After his high school graduation, Blecha headed to Norwich University, in Northfield, Vt., where he enthusiastically embraced the military world.

“It’s a mindset that drove me to the military,” said Blecha. “A lot of my decision to join the military had to do with perception and the way that I perceived the world and understood things.”

The ROTC scholarship recipient decided that joining the corps of cadets at Norwich would help him develop as a leader and emulate the leaders he read about in history books.

During his first week of college, ‘rook week’, he stood in formation with the other freshmen in their tan slacks, white t-shirts and silly purple hats. For one moment he wondered what he’d gotten himself into and what would happen next.

“Hells Bells” by AC/DC blared from stereo speakers. A canon blasted and the freshmen began their lives as cadets. Cadres, as more senior cadets are known, descended on the freshmen.

“That was one of my most memorable weeks in that school,” said Blecha. “Your whole world turns upside down.”

During his sophomore year, Blecha chose to serve as a cadre.

“I thought training the freshman was awesome,” he said with a smile. “It kept me in line and helped me to develop discipline.

“You have to set the standard with physical fitness and appearance and you have to set the standard with grades,” he added.

Blecha was wearing a drill cover and “Hells Bells” had just ended when he met his future wife, Nicole Babis. Needless to say, the couple doesn’t use words like romantic or sweet to describe their first meeting.

Nicole didn’t care for Blecha much when she first met him.

“He was mean and gave the rooks a hard time,” said Nicole, currently an Air Force first lieutenant serving as an operations officer with 4th Operations Support Squadron at Seymore Johnson Air Base in Goldsboro, N.C.

But he never gave up on the rooks, according to Nicole.

The couple began dating after Nicole had completed her first year at Norwich. Two years later when the couple wed, they walked into the reception hall to the tune of “Hells Bells.”

“It was the first song we heard together,” Nicole explained.
“At Norwich, he was all business and he always talked about military history and past battles,” said Nicole. “After the 9/11 attacks, he talked about the future wars we would all be fighting.”

Blecha graduated from Norwich in the spring of 2003 and earned his commission in the Marine Corps May 10, 2003 and headed to Pensacola, Fla., to train as a helicopter pilot.

The 27-year-old has earned the call sign ‘Francis’ from the character of the 1981 movie “Stripes.” His fellow pilots see Francis’ enthusiasm for battle in Blecha.

“He’s a very professional individual who doesn’t get trapped up in minute details and is functionally-minded as well as mission-oriented,” said Capt. Paul Barron, a friend and fellow pilot in HML/A-269. Barron has twice deployed with Blecha.

Blecha and his wife agree that he’s adapted his aggressive passion for the military from mock battles behind overturned desks to a professional passion for being a pilot. Reining in ‘that guy’ has been no small feat and Blecha attributes much of his success to finding “the woman who could put up with a man like him.”

When speaking of his family, comprised of his wife and their 3-year-old son, Blecha’s pride and dedication is obvious.

When he was a cadre, Blecha believed the conduct of his platoon represented him as an instructor and as a person. He sees a similar connection in the relationship between parent and child.

“If they turned out bad, then I didn’t do my job,” said Blecha. “I would really like my mark on the world to be the conduct of my children.”
Blecha will return home to his wife and child in early 2009.

Bellows Falls native returns home after six-month deployment; sees progress in Iraq

2008-12-01T21:38:00.000-08:00

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Crowds of children playfully surrounded Sgt. Karter Elliott while on missions through small Iraqi villages in al-Anbar Province.

The children knew Elliott, a Bellow Falls, Vt. native, as one of the Marines who brought them small toys and candy while leading security patrols with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). The children’s parents, mostly farmers and herdsmen, also recognized Elliott as he always loaded the unit’s patrol vehicles with extra water and food to share with them.

“I enjoy my job out here,” said Elliott during one of his last deployments outside the gates of Al Asad Air Base. “I enjoy helping the people of Iraq. The more they trust and work with me, the more security we can give them.”

Elliott often focused his attention on the children, believing that their trust will contribute to establishing an enduring peace in the region. The three-time veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom has seen significant progress in the region.
“I like the interaction with the Iraqis,” said Elliott. “It lets me see first hand all the progress that is being made.”

The Bellows Falls Union High graduate followed his older brother, Master Sgt. J.J. Elliott, by enlisting in Marine Corps.

After graduating boot camp, Elliott headed to Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss., where he was trained as a Marine weather observer. Serving as a patrol leader during this deployment took Elliott out of his normal duties, something his brother thinks was good for him.

J.J. Elliott, the operations chief with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, said this deployment helped his brother develop as a leader by putting him in charge at a small unit level.

“It’s important as a sergeant in the Marine Corps to experience leadership at all levels,” said J.J. “This will only develop him as a more well-rounded noncommissioned officer.”

Elliot’s previous combat deployments and his compassion for the Iraqi people set him up for success as a patrol leader, said Gunnery Sgt. Raymond Secoy, Elliott’s supervisor.

“Sgt. Elliott was a great asset to our team,” said Secoy. “He has proven himself as a Marine and a leader.”

U.S. military begins partnership with Haditha Hospital

2008-11-28T02:19:00.000-08:00

HADITHA, Iraq – U.S. military medical personnel from the 345th Combat Support Hospital aboard Al Asad Air Base have taken the first steps toward establishing a partnership with the Iraqi hospital here.

Army personnel from the 345th along with service members from the Navy and Marine Corps headed to Haditha Hospital Oct. 30 to participate in the first key leadership engagement between the two hospitals.

The partnership is designed to increase the capabilities and quality of care available at Haditha Hospital. During the visit, Army doctors met with Iraqi doctors and hospital administrators to gather information regarding what it will take to return the Iraqi facility to its full capabilities.

The biggest challenges will be to increase the quality of basic services and modernize the facility that deteriorated under Saddam Hussein’s regime, according to Col. Dwight Shen, the key leader engagement team leader and the deputy chief of clinical services at the 345th CSH. Shen described the hospital’s current state as “primitive.”

The 2nd Class Petty Officers Association out of Camp Pendleton, Calif. helped to kick start the partnership between the two hospitals by donating more than 200 medical textbooks to the hospital. Petty Officer 1st Class Jesse Tossetti, a corpsman with 3rd Bn. 7th Marine Regt., participated in the initial visit to the hospital and delivered the textbooks for the association.

“This partnership can only benefit the local people of Haditha,” said Tossetti.
Initially doctors and corpsman from the U.S. military will focus their efforts on teaching Iraqi medical personnel about basic hygiene, infection control, preventative medicine and the essential skills of basic life support, according to Shen.

“This program needs to use all resources available and is not branch specific,” said Shen. “Depending on what Navy, Marine and Air Force personnel are available, their expertise will be fully utilized in supporting this partnership.”

As Shen and the other members of the engagement team toured the 110-bed facility, they noted the hospital’s dire need for basic technology. Patient rooms and surgical suites often lacked monitors, IV machines and standard operating room equipment. The shortage of modern medical equipment puts the Iraqi doctors at a significant disadvantage, according to Shen.

“Once they get this technology, then they need the knowledge to operate the technology,” added Shen. The partnership will help the Iraqis learn how to acquire and operate new medical equipment.

On average, the approximately 25 doctors at Haditha Hospital see about 600 patients a day. The doctors are supported by just five nurses, but a nearby nursing school established in 2007 should help improve the deficit of qualified nurses, according to Shen. The school is the first nursing school in Haditha and provides a three-year training program. Two classes of Iraqi women have enrolled at the school since its doors opened, meaning the hospital should have a fresh crop of 46 qualified nurses by early 2010.

“The Iraqi doctors are well-educated and motivated to provide the best care for their patients and to rebuild their healthcare system,” said Shen.
From Shen’s perspective, U.S. personnel participating in the partnership will also benefit as they learn about the Iraqi healthcare system and contribute to strong, friendly relationships between the two countries.

Shen’s team would like to formalize the partnership within the next few weeks and ensure that it is a program that will continue as U.S. units rotate in and out of the combat support hospital aboard Al Asad Air Base. They’d also like to see the benefits of the program filter out to other Iraqi medical facilities in the region.

New York's 2/25 attacks Shadow Range

2008-11-28T01:58:00.000-08:00

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Activated reserve Marines from the Garden City, New York-based Fox Co., 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) tackled the challenges of combined-arms training here Oct. 20 – 25. The Marines were the first to train at the recently completed training facility known as Shadow Range.

As the role of Marines deployed to Anbar continues to shift to advising Iraqi security forces, the facility affords troops a means of maintaining combined-arms capabilities while supporting over-watch missions in the region.

Fox Co. practiced combat scenarios that challenged their ability to communicate and move under fire. Simulated enemies fired at the Marines from trenches. Marines dashed to covered positions and practiced establishing mortar firing points. Squad leaders barked orders into radio handsets setting teams of Marines in motion on the training range.

The company concluded their training with a live-fire assault course in which the Marines put their refreshed combat skills to the test. Squads moved through the course employing a variety of weapons – mortars, rocket launchers, machine guns and their service rifles. During the movement, they engaged a simulated enemy hidden in the desert hills.

“The company hasn’t had the opportunity to do thorough refresher training,” said Maj. Tom Armas, the company’s commanding officer.

“Now that we have the range, we have the ability to get the Marine skills back up to the level they were when they departed from the states.”

The exercises provided the unit an ideal opportunity to refresh ground combat skills and afforded instructors at the range an opportunity to evaluate the new facility and their curriculum.

“The range is still in testing phase right now,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Stuart White, gunner, Advanced Infantry Training Center, Multi National Forces-West. “After the first group goes through, the instructors will look at the reports and make adjustments to the range to get the most out of the training.”

During their six-month deployment, the unit will continue to rotate Marines through combined-arms training at Shadow Range. Marines who have completed the training will return about once a week to maintain their combat skills.

3rd MAW (Fwd.) aircraft refuel

2008-10-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq – A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) receives fuel here Oct. 9. The Super Stallion was preparing for a refueling mission with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), unload refueling equipment from a CH-53E Super Stallion Oct. 9. The Super Stallions flew to a remote helicopter landing pad in al-Anbar Province to refuel vehicles with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – A CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 lands at a remote helicopter landing pad in al-Anbar Province Oct. 9. Two Super Stallions with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) squadron refueled vehicles of the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – A UH-1 Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 touches down at a remote helicopter landing pad in al-Anbar Province to refuel Oct. 9 during a scouting mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

Fightin’ Fox Marines familiarize themselves with new battle space

2008-10-10T02:31:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq – Reserve Marines and sailors with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment officially took over external security operations around Al Asad Air Base Sept. 17.

The company, which is attached to Security Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), replaced an element of Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, who had supported external security operations for the previous seven months.

“Internal security operations could best be described as police work,” said Capt. Darren Wallace, a platoon commander with Company F. “(External security operations) would be considered more of a kind of border security.”

The Albany, N.Y.-based unit conducted three months of pre-deployment training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., prior to heading to Iraq. The training honed their counterinsurgency skills and familiarized them with the cultural awareness required for their missions in Iraq. “The training we received was very comprehensive and the younger Marines learned the skills necessary to complete this type of mission,” said Sgt. Clayton J. Covel, 25, platoon sergeant, 3rd Platoon, Company F.

In addition to security patrols, the Marines of the company will serve as a quick reaction force and support relationship-building activities with Iraqis in local villages.

Cpl. Joseph J. Schiller, a 23-year-old squad leader with 3rd Platoon, Company F, recognizes the security mission as integral to relationship-building.

“We want to deter any insurgent activity that may be happening in the area so that people can continue with their daily lives without any issues,” said Schiller. He would like to see his squad forge strong friendships with the Iraqis in the area and build on the gains made by previous Coalition forces.

Credit for some of those gains goes to members of Company F, as about one-third of the unit supported operations in Fallujah in 2006.

The unit is a unique combination of deployment experience, Marine Corps training and civilian job skills, according to Wallace.

“We bring more than just infantry skills to the fight,” said Wallace. “Every one of my Marines has a job or skill that is unique in the civilian world. I have gunsmiths, police officers, fire fighters, pharmacists, college students, jet engine manufacturers, prison guards, engineering project managers, systems engineers and many other different civilian jobs in my platoon alone.”

He said the mix enhances the unit’s ability to function independently and with limited resources.

2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment currently has several companies operating in al-Anbar province. The units are slated to support operations here through early 2009.

Aviation ‘pit stop’ keeps operations running in al Anbar Province

2008-10-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

MUDAYSIS, Iraq – The Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 recently trekked across the desert to the abandoned remains of an Iraqi air base here to set up an aviation ‘pit stop.’

Called forward arming and refueling points, the pit stop provides Marine aviators a means of supporting missions in remote areas of al Anbar Province.

In a little more than two days, the Marines built a base camp, established air traffic communications and refurbished landing strips to create a fully-functioning refueling point.

MUDAYSIS, Iraq – Heavy equipment operators with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 clear a berm that was obstructing a taxiway here. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) support squadron refurbished the runway and taxiways at the former Iraqi air base in order to establish a forward arming and refueling point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

MUDAYSIS, Iraq -- Sgt. Elmer Sims, an air traffic control navigational aids technician with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, runs function tests on navigational equipment here Sept. 15. Sims worked with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 to set up operations at the refueling point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

MUDAYSIS, Iraq – A CH-46E Sea Knight lands here to refuel during a reconnaissance mission in the area Sept. 12. Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 turned an abandoned Iraqi air base into a forward arming and refueling point in just more than two days. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

MUDAYSIS, Iraq -- Three CH-46E Sea Knights land here Sept. 12 to refuel during a reconnaissance mission in the area Sept. 12. Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 turned an abandoned Iraqi air base into a forward arming and refueling point in just more than two days. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

MUDAYSIS, Iraq – Sgt. Kolton Hayden with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion provides security for a CH-46E Sea Knight here Sept. 12. Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 built an arming and refueling point at the former Iraqi air base. The three Sea Knights were the first aircraft to refuel at the site. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

A Lioness on the Prowl

2008-10-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

Note: The Marine Corps “Lioness” program pulls female Marines from various job fields and trains them to conduct searches of Iraqi women at security checkpoints in Iraq. Muslim culture prohibits men from touching women they do not know. The program is the Corps’ way of being culturally sensitive while improving the security of the country.

The lionesses undergo seven days of intensive training during which they learn how to carry out their specific mission of searching female Iraqis. They familiarize themselves with a broader array of weapons, refresh their Marine Corps martial arts skills and learn basic Arabic. Once the training wraps up, the female Marines are paired up and then attached to units doing checkpoint operations across the Anbar Province.

Lance Cpl. Melissa Tugwell is a 23-year-old, Lake Charles, LA-native. She is a combat correspondent with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). She is currently serving as a lioness and will file periodic firsthand reports about the mission.

At the Karma Checkpoint

After completing training, I was assigned to a security checkpoint in Karma, Iraq, with fellow lioness Seaman Christina Follmer. We fell under the supervision of the infantry staff noncommissioned officers of Weapons Platoon, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines.

I’ve found that our mission as lionesses is different than the mission carried out by the first female Marines who manned security check points in Iraq.

With Seaman Follmer, I have spent most of my time at the Karma checkpoint teaching and supervising Iraqi women as they search the women coming through our security point. This is another aspect of the recent turnover of security responsibilities in al Anbar Province to the Iraqi people.

Through the “Sisters of Fallujah” program, Iraqi women are recruited and trained to work at the checkpoints. The Iraqi court in Karma hired the Iraqi women we work with at the security checkpoint. Each woman had to have the blessing of their tribal chief in order to take the job conducting searches.

The crash course in Arabic we got at Camp Habaniyah was vital to our success in this supervisory role, as Seaman Follmer and I showed the Iraqi women how to search people and maintain security at the checkpoint.

As women and children came through the check point, we stood nearby and watched over the Iraqi women. In simple Arabic, we’d make sure that the Iraqi women took their time and thoroughly searched every woman and child, including their purses and other baggage.

With the help of body language, we were able to communicate with the women conducting searches, as they had essentially no understanding of English except for simple greetings, and “yes” and “no.”

Sometimes the Iraqi women standing post would try to let people pass without a complete and thorough search, i.e. not waving everyone with the security wand or not patting them down all the way. We quickly let them know that they must be diligent, carefully searching everyone. Otherwise, they put us at risk, as well as everyone who lives past the checkpoint.

Overall, the Iraqi women responded well to our guidance and supervision. I believe they understood we were there to help them. These women gave Follmer and me small gifts – simple rings and bracelets - to show their appreciation. I like to think they’ll remember us, as I will never forget working with them. I will leave the security checkpoint feeling as though I’ve made a small yet important impact on the quality of life of Iraqi women.

During this particular time in Iraq, we, as lionesses, get to assist in the turnover of responsibility to the Iraqis by employing the Iraqi women to conduct these critical searches instead of us. One day they will be on their own to police their own.

Marine corporal leads construction of new courtroom

2008-09-30T02:37:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Combat engineer Cpl. John Turpin opened the double doors and took a few familiar steps into the vacant courtroom. Playfully, he said “all rise.”

He moved through the room and looked over the jurors’ box and witness stand, making a few last minute checks. Satisfied, he stood and admired his team’s handiwork.

The legal assistance staff asked Turpin’s team, engineers with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), to construct a courtroom similar to ones back in the United States.

Turpin recently led the team of engineers in turning an empty, dusty 20 x 20 space into a courtroom complete with a judge’s bench, jurors’ box, witness stand and desks for the plaintiff, defendant and the court reporter.

“It will be used for anything to include administrative separations, special courts martial, general courts martial, summary courts martial or anything we will need it for,” explained Navy Lt. Matthew Wooten, a judge advocate for 3rd MAW (Fwd).

Prior to the completion of the courtroom, lawyers and judges found themselves carrying out legal proceedings in makeshift courtrooms that lacked a “certain grandeur,” according to Wooten.

“When you have a courtroom it is easier because you know the needs of the court,” explained Wooten. “Courtrooms are set up the way they are particularly for security purposes and you want to have a certain grandeur to a court proceeding so that all participants understand this is a solemn occasion.”

Creating that atmosphere in a combat zone is not a common task, and the Marines lacked familiarity with the particular carpentry work required. Moreover, the 22-year-old Turpin was put in charge of a new team at the start of the project, and working against a tight deadline, the “getting to know one another phase” had to wait.

“The type of carpentry that was needed we weren’t too familiar with,” said Turpin. “Engineers out here usually fix damaged airfields and such and don’t do many of these projects.”

He and fellow engineer, Sgt. Gabriel Linn, scoured pictures of courtrooms and researched basic woodworking plans to get an idea of how to build it. Turpin familiarized himself with the carpentry and then guided his Marines through the actual building process.
“The entire base will use this courtroom, so it had to be well put together,” explained Turpin, a Shorter, Ala. native.

Turpin, who grew up designing smaller projects to help around the house, used the courtroom project to teach his Marines.

1st Lt. Crystal Serrano, Turpin’s platoon commander, trusted Turpin’s ability to teach the Marines he worked with and drive them to successfully completing the courtroom on time. She knew when she put him in charge of the project that his initiative and resourcefulness would result in a quality product.

Subordinates also shared a faith in his abilities. “Cpl. Turpin is always involving our input into the project so it feels like we are a team and we finished a good project,” said Lance Cpl. Nick Stadler, a 19-year-old combat engineer working under Turpin. “I had a lot of fun working on this project and my skills as an engineer grow everyday that I work for Cpl. Turpin.”

The team cut the first boards and drove in the first nails Aug. 15. Just seven days later, the Al Asad Air Base courtroom stood ready for its first proceedings.

Turpin joined the Corps at the age of 19. He joined for the opportunity to see and interact with different cultures and to become “a more well-rounded person.”

“I extended to make the trip to Iraq,” added Turpin who saw the combat deployment as a unique way to expand his skill set and familiarize himself with another culture.

Turpin will leave Iraq in a few months, but when he departs, his contribution to Al Asad Air Base will remain.

3rd MAW in the News

2008-09-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

Dillow's Iraq: Flyboys of Al Asad are O.C.'s homeboys

"Al Asad, Iraq – I've spent most of my time in Iraq over the past five years with Marine infantrymen, the "grunts," the groundpounders. I've never really had a chance to get to know the guys in the sky."

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/marine-aircraft-osprey-2170004-iraq-lance

3rd MAW in the News

2008-09-19T02:11:00.000-07:00

Another story from Salem-news.com's Tim King.

"(AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq) - For Marines at the Al Asad Air Station in Iraq, running base security is a never ending mission. Calling it serious would be a grave understatement, and anyone who attempts to cross these warriors treads on dangerous ground."

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/september182008/iraq_091608.php

ANGLICO helicopter assault training

2008-09-18T03:37:00.003-07:00

Footage of U.S. Marines executing a helicopter assault mission. Scenes include Marines preparing weapons and the helicopter for the mission, firing weapons from the helicopter, footage of artillery exploding on the ground and night vision footage of weapons being used.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ0bI8jnwC4

Security escorts

2008-09-18T03:37:00.002-07:00

Footage of a security company escorting tankers, a vehicle and barriers. Scenes include Marines preparing their security vehicle and guns for the mission, riding through the city to a checkpoint and loading heavy construction equipment onto flatbed trucks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldF97jnjAE

Marines add security measures to Al Asad Air Base

2008-09-18T03:37:00.001-07:00

Story about U.S. Marines welding material to add better security to Al Asad Air Base.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6m7Lc53cOo

Security Patrol

2008-09-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Footage of Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) conducting mounted security patrols throughout the al Anbar Province to ensure safety and security for local Iraqis as well as provide humanitarian aide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20msIGAxB20

Hometown Hero

2008-09-17T22:48:00.008-07:00

Lance Cpl. Riachard C. Bassitt of Bluffton, Ohio.

http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2008/Sep/12/ar_news_091208_story9.asp?d=091208_story9,2008,Sep,12&c=n

3rd MAW in the News

2008-09-17T22:48:00.007-07:00

The Beafort Gazette covers the homecoming of VMFA-115 and MALS-31 from a seven-month deployment to al-Asad, Iraq.

"Friends, family members -- and even a few dogs -- braved a sweltering Lowcountry afternoon to welcome home a group of Beaufort Marines."

http://www.beaufortgazette.com/local/story/557915.html

3rd MAW in the News

2008-09-17T22:48:00.005-07:00

Salem-News.com's Tim King rejoins his former Marine Corps aviation group to see Marines in Iraq performing a role normally filled by infantry units.

"Marines at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq are on a constant vigil, with combat patrols in their area of operation going around the clock."

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/september072008/iraq_090708.php

“Rhinos” use heavy equipment for bridge construction

2008-09-17T22:48:00.003-07:00

HABBANIYAH, Iraq – Heavy equipment operators and mechanics from Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), assisted in assembling a Mabey-Johnson float bridge over the Euphrates River here Aug. 14 - 22.

The Marines brought their bulldozers and graters to assist Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, known as Seabees, in clearing approximately four acres of land and filling the future site of the bridge’s access road and ramp with more than 30,000 cubic yards of dirt, explained Staff Sgt. Robert Leatherman, the heavy equipment operations chief with MWSS-374.

For eight days, a team of nine Marines went to the work site at daybreak. The Marines worked 10 hours a day in 100-degree temperatures to make sure the project stayed on schedule.

“The job the Marines and sailors were tasked with is important because without this ramp, vehicles won’t be able to enter or exit the bridge,” said Leatherman. “We had a lot of dirt to move and couldn’t slow down.”

A Mabey-Johnson bridge is a pre-fabricated structure comprised of sections that float on pontoons. Construction crews float the bridge sections onto the river, line them up and weld them together. Each supporting pontoon is anchored to the riverbed to help ensure the sections remain aligned. The bridge is designed to go up quickly without the requirement of the permanent foundation pilings required of more traditional bridges.

Currently units who cross the Euphrates at the bridge site must raft vehicles and equipment across the water or travel more than 45-minutes out of their way to cross the waterway.

Once completed, the bridge will reduce travel times for Coalition and Iraqi forces using the supply route in the area, explained Army Capt. Michael Hardy, commanding officer of the 341st Engineer Company.

The bridge will provide a long-term solution for convoys following the supply route. It is schedule for completion later this month.

MACS-1 sailors earn FMF badges

2008-09-17T22:48:00.002-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Six Navy air traffic controllers with Marine Air Control Squadron 1 joined a small group of air traffic controllers Sept. 2 when the squadron commanding officer, Lt. Col. Jeff Kojac, presented their Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist badges during a ceremony here.

Of more than 2,500 Navy ATCs, only about 15 percent have FMF badges, according to Master Chief Petty Officer Jeff Brown, who works at the Navy Personnel Command and manages assignments for Navy air traffic controllers.

Navy ATCs rarely find themselves attached to Marine units. “When I first saw my deployment orders, I was nervous because I had no idea what ‘MAG’ was short for,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Joanne Saalfrank, an FMF badge recipient from Westfield, Mass.

The sailors, whose squadron falls under 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd.), completed a four-month course that taught basic Marine Corps knowledge. During the course, Saalfrank and her fellow sailors not only learned that MAG stands for Marine Aircraft Group, but also gained in-depth knowledge of Marine Corps structure, missions, and combat skills. The sailors had to take their sea legs to the dusty hills of al-Asad to complete a land navigation course, pass the Marine Corps physical fitness test and complete a 150-question comprehensive course exam.

The instructors, primarily Marine NCOs and Navy petty officers who’ve earned the badge, challenged the sailors with an intense physical training program and provided hands-on lessons in combat life saving and weapons handling skills.

Sgt. Emilio Luna, an armorer with Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW (Fwd.), led the sailors through basic weapons handling classes. The classes taught the sailors how to identify weapons conditions, breakdown various weapons for maintenance and cleaning and basic weapons handling.

“They all had a hunger for the knowledge and were eager to get hands-on with the weapons, which motivates me to teach them everything I can,” said Luna.
As the sailors progressed through the condensed curriculum – stateside sailors have up to 18 months to complete the self-paced curriculum – they continued to perform their regular duties.

“The hardest part was balancing demanding work schedules with the course schedule,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Boddie, a badge recipient from Atlanta, Ga.
Sailors do not have to earn the FMF badge to serve with Marine units. The MACS-1 sailors saw earning the badge as an opportunity for professional development that they couldn’t pass up.

“It’s something we wanted to do,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Diaz, a badge recipient from Chicago. “By demonstrating our knowledge of the Marine Corps structure, we become even bigger assets to our commands.”

Once the sailors complete their tour with MACS-1, they will return to their duty stations, ready to pass their knowledge and experience to other Navy controllers.

MWSS-274 provides security, essential services to local villages

2008-09-17T22:48:00.001-07:00

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – For seven months, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274’s security battalion has patrolled the desert outside the gates of Al Asad Air Base 24 hours a day.

While patrolling the area, the Marines of the security battalion do more than look for suspicious activity. They go out of their way to interact with the locals and conduct missions that provide the air base’s Iraqi neighbors with essential services and a jumpstart on developing infrastructure.

Interactions with the Iraqis vary from casual conversations to push-up challenges to playing with bubbles. The actions of the Marines go a long way toward building relationships among the local population. These relationships are essential to the primary purpose of the security patrols – gaining information critical to maintaining security for the air base and the local Iraqis.

The Marines spend time getting to know the locals they meet by inquiring about their culture and way of life, leaving the Iraqis with a sense of safety and friendship when they see the Marines, explained Sgt. Karter Elliott, a patrol leader with the squadron which falls under Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).

Through interpreters, Marines ask simple questions of the farmers and villagers they meet.

Interpreters are essential while on the patrols, according to Cpl. Charles Faust, a patrol navigator. “Sometimes when we don’t have one, we have to use hand gestures making it hard to have a humble conversation without confusion,” he said.

The humble, hand-gestured conversations are often coupled with magic tricks, boxes of soccer balls and the occasional bout of arm wrestling, but not all relationship-building efforts are fun and games.

During a late-August mission to the small villages of Harwan and Sahl, corpsman and doctors from the squadron provided essential, basic medical care to community members.

“The people are typically farmers and sheep herders,” said Staff Sgt. James Altman, the Headquarters and Service Company training staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “They do not have ready access to medical facilities and rarely see doctors for care except when provided by the Marines and sailors of MWSS-274.”

During the visit, corpsmen distributed vitamins and performed cursory health exams. Squadron doctors evaluated medical conditions to identify any potentially high-risk situations that could require treatment at a medical facility.

In addition to providing essential medical services, the squadron has coordinated with stateside organizations to support “Operation Backpack: Kids helping Kids.” The program puts school supplies in the hands of Iraqi children. Through the coordination of Navy chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Robert Vance, and donations from Iverson Elementary School in Las Vegas and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Wilmington, N.C., more than 360 backpacks with school supplies have been handed out to Iraqi children living near the air base.

“They are obviously less fortunate than us,” said Elliott. “I feel bad for the kids because they live a rough life and anything we give them is worth it.”

The security patrols have also presented the Marines of the squadron with opportunities to help the Iraqis of nearby villages build a more solid infrastructure. The Marines have assisted in refurbishing buildings, re-establishing running water and bringing electricity back on line, according to Sgt. Andres Duran, a patrol leader with the squadron.

“At this point in Iraq we are all about helping out in any way we can,” said Vance. “These types of humanitarian missions build morale and trust with the people and help them get on their feet.”

VMU-2 taps out martial arts: 103 Marines advance belt level

2008-09-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

AT TAQADDUM, Iraq- All it takes for a Marine to take down an attacker twice his or her size is a bit of confidence, proper technique and joint manipulation.

Marines with Marine Unmanned Vehicle Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 28, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), took the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program to a whole new level, upgrading more than 100 Marines in the three months they’ve been in theater.

So far this deployment, 21 Marines earned their black belts, 21 Marines advanced to brown belt, 25 earned green belts, and 36 advanced to gray belt.

“Every day there is a class going on,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Martin, the operations chief and martial arts instructor. “At least one hour a day, Marines in the squadron are doing MCMAP.”

The desert environment and the strict physical requirements of the training are a challenge the Marines of the squadron have embraced. They can be found pounding their fists into punching pads and sparring with training partners in temperatures well over 100 degrees.

“I think it helps make us better war fighters,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Diggs, the squadron sergeant major. “You always hope in the time of war or any conflict, resorting to martial arts would not be necessary. However, it’s something that’s great to know.”

MCMAP sharpens a combat mindset and maintains mission readiness, explained Diggs, who earned his black belt after training with Martin during their last deployment.

“If you find yourself in that situation where there’s no other choice, Marines are confident to get the job done,” said Diggs.

Along with helping hone Marines’ skills as fighters, the program includes discussions about ethics and Marine Corps policy. The Corps integrated these discussions into MCMAP to help develop Marines as “ethical warriors.” As a group, the Marines develop character, discipline and a combat mindset through training and studying the Marine Corp’s core values.

In the words of Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, “MCMAP provides leaders at every level with a method for developing all Marines as riflemen and ethical warriors - Marines who keep their honor clean and always stand for something good.”

“Not only was it fun, but I learned more mental and physical discipline than I previously had,” said Cpl. Richard Larkin, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator.
Martin, who has spearheaded the initiative to make one of the Corps’ most deployed squadrons also one of its most comprehensively MCMAP-trained squadrons, said the command’s support of the training has been integral to its success.

He describes a feeling of achievement when witnessing a Marine’s expression when “it finally clicks” and the moves are properly executed.

“The best part of being a martial arts instructor is having the chance to get out and get dirty with the Marines,” said Martin. “My favorite part is seeing when smaller females can take down bigger males by applying the proper techniques,” said Martin.

CG gets bird’s eye view of Harrier operations

2008-09-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq – As the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), Brig. Gen. Randolph G. Alles has visited and flown with every squadron under his command – even those squadrons whose aircraft don’t come with passenger seats.

Through mixed section flights, Alles takes his more than 30 years of experience as an F/A-18 pilot to the air alongside the AV-8B Harriers flown by the “Tomcats” of Marine Attack Squadron 311.

The flights provide the general with an up-close view of day-to-day operations of the squadron while providing the Harrier pilots with a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of the Marine Corps’ other fixed-wing attack jet.

While Alles can settle into the jump seat of an Osprey, strap into the fuselage of a C-130J or hunker down in a humvee, the only way for him to see VMA-311 in action is from the cockpit of a Hornet.

“I want to see how the squadron operates,” said Alles who has flown several sorties during the past month. “I fly to see how the wing does business.”

The squadron sees the CG’s participation in mixed section flights as evidence of his interest in the squadron and how it fits into the wing’s mission.

“This is a great way for the CG to come down, fly with us and motivate our Marines. It shows that he is interested in our squadron,” said Lt. Col. John H. Cane, commanding officer of the Tomcats.

Capt. Mark Ferguson, a Harrier pilot with VMA-311, flew with Alles during an Aug. 21 over watch mission for ground troops patrolling an al-Anbar city. During the flight, Ferguson and the general served as the ground unit’s eyes in the sky, enhancing their situational awareness.

“Anytime as a community we can learn from each other we benefit by finding better or more efficient ways to do things which ties back to why we’re here – to support the troops on the ground,” said Ferguson.

“The mixed flights show how different platforms from Marine tactical air can work together,” he added.

Another Tomcats pilot who’s flown with Alles, Maj. John D. Ferguson, described the mixed section flights as “positive experiences.”

“It’s like the CO walking through his company spaces,” said Maj. Ferguson. “I think leaders need to know what’s going on in order to make informed decisions. Obviously he has a lot of experience, but it’s that extra piece that you know he’s been out here.”

Alles intends to continue to join Harrier pilots from VMA-311 in close air support missions until the squadron heads back to the states.

A Lioness on the Prowl

2008-09-05T02:56:00.001-07:00

Note: The Marine Corps “Lioness” program pulls female Marines from various job fields and trains them to conduct searches of Iraqi women at security checkpoints in Iraq. Muslim culture prohibits men from touching women they do not know. The program is the Corps’ way of being culturally sensitive while improving the security of the country.

The lionesses undergo seven days of intensive training during which they learn how to carry out their specific mission of searching female Iraqis. They familiarize themselves with a broader array of weapons, refresh their Marine Corps martial arts skills and learn basic Arabic. Once the training wraps up, the female Marines are paired up and then attached to units doing checkpoint operations across the Anbar Province.

Lance Cpl. Melissa Tugwell is a 23-year-old, Lake Charles, LA-native. She is a combat correspondent with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). She is currently serving as a lioness and will file periodic firsthand reports about the mission.

Report #1: Training

When I arrived at Camp Habaniyah to become a “lioness,” I felt like I was enrolling at a women’s college in a foreign country, not knowing exactly what I was going to major in. Female Marines of all different ages, races, religions, hometowns and job specialties are tapped for this assignment.

All the soon-to-be lionesses quickly bonded, as we collectively wondered what was ahead of us. We'd heard what it's like being a lioness, but everyone had different stories and no one was really sure.

The training has been a mix of classes with Power Point demonstrations and a series of practical applications of the classroom concepts. We’ve gotten a lot of information in a short period of time. We had just seven days of training before we would officially be lionesses and sent off to different units. Every minute of these seven days of training has been jam-packed to get us completely ready.

Our first subject - Arabic 101. We learned words, phrases and numbers to communicate with the women of Iraq. We also learned how to ask basic questions such as "How are you?", "How many children do you have?”, and "Where do you live?"

Our language instructor was an Iraqi civilian who grew up in Bagdad. He quickly became a friend to all of us. He shared with us his experiences growing up and the changes that have taken place. Talking with him was insightful and gave me a deeper understanding of their culture, religion and way of living.

Everyone displayed a genuine curiosity about the Iraqi culture and language. Bridging the language barrier is critical for lionesses to effectively do our job and show the Iraqi civilians that we care and that we are here to help.

Moving out of the classroom, we conducted a practical application of a security checkpoint where role players pretended to be Iraqi females. As soon as the scenario kicked off, everyone realized just how difficult it is to apply the Arabic we learned in the classroom. There are so many dialects of Arabic and all of them have different slang. Our confidence grew, however, as we repeated the rehearsals. We learned what we needed to get the mission accomplished.

Other topics covered during the training included convoy operations, combat life-saving skills, maintaining a combat mindset, Marine Corps martial arts and the proper ways of searching female Iraqis. We also spent a lot of time at the range shooting our M-16 and M-4 service rifles, the M-240 squad automatic weapon, M-249 medium machine gun and AK-47 automatic rifles. In one day, we shot over 4,000 rounds of ammunition.

By the end of the training, our “cammies” could literally stand up alone from the sweat of training in the desert. 19 female Marines had quickly adjusted to a new environment and a new mission. The days flew by with the fast-paced schedule. I was exhausted at the end of each day, which made showering and brushing my teeth at the end of the day seem like a chore. Some spent their little free time reading and studying. Others, myself included, gathered in the smoke pit to discuss their thoughts about the experience.

Now that it’s time to head off to our units, everyone is excited to put our training to the test of being lionesses.

*Photo courtesy of The Lioness officer-in-charge 1stLt. Jessica Millanes

Laying the ‘ground’ work at Camp Mejid: 3rd MAW (Fwd.) Marines lead basic electrical skills course for Iraqi Army

2008-08-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

CAMP MEJID, Iraq - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 wrapped up a basic electrical skills training course for Iraqi Army engineers at Camp Mejid Aug. 18.

The 14-day course, taught by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) support squadron, covered the fundamentals of interior wiring and grounding techniques.

Through the course, the Marines provided the Iraqi soldiers with basic electrical skills that will help the soldiers improve the safety and function of IA facilities.

The training provided essential knowledge needed to safely ground electrical power sources, how to properly determine what type of electrical load is needed and how to distribute power evenly, explained Staff Sgt. Shane Munoz, the lead instructor of the class.

The knowledge gained through the class is important, according to Munoz, as it empowers the Iraqi soldiers with the ability to fix high-risk situations caused by poorly wired electrical systems.

“It was good to see the interaction with the Iraqi Army and see they were interested in what was being taught,” said Munoz. “It was an enlightening experience.”

When the classes ended, the Iraqi engineers moved quickly to begin their first projects – rewiring a building and restoring a generator to full capabilities.

Under the supervision of the Marines, the Iraqis successfully repaired the generator and upgraded the building, resulting in a significantly improved working environment.

“These guys are great,” said Lance Cpl. Amanda Gambill, a generator mechanic. “They were always open to my suggestions in order to learn. Furthermore, they were always willing to jump in there and do it themselves.”

Marine electricians participate in three months of vigorous studies and hands-on training before heading to the operating forces. Compressing those three months of training into a fourteen-day course with the added challenge of a language barrier tested the mettle of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Hart and the Marines of MWSS-172’s utilities section.

As the utilities officer, Hart pulled key concepts for grounding and wiring from the three-month curriculum. He worked with Munoz to ensure the course would provide the Iraqi soldiers with the basic skills required to allow them to immediately improve the safety of their work space. The skills learned also have applicability in the Iraqi civilian job market.

“The training was excellent. My soldiers learned a lot about electricity that they didn’t know before,” said 2nd Lt. Fawzi Ahmed, commander, Support Platoon Commander, Engineer Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

“They had tools but didn’t know how to use them. They had no clue about phases of electricity. In the future they will be able to solve problems and fix electricity for the division,” he added, referring to the Iraqi Army’s 7th Infantry Division which his platoon supports.

Colonel Daniel Elzie, commanding officer, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, described the training as “very important” and noted that the training provided a unique opportunity to further enhance the relationship between the Marine Corps and the Iraqis.

After the classes ended and electrical repairs were completed, it was all smiles and handshakes between the Marines and Iraqi soldiers, but Hart noted that this wasn’t the last time the squadron would provide electrical training to the Iraqis. Additional classes are scheduled throughout the remainder of the squadron’s deployment.

“Our end goal with this training is to ensure the Iraqis have a solid foundation of electrical skills so that they can maintain and grow their facilities,” said Hart. “Being able to manage their logistical infrastructure is a huge step toward independence for them. Electricity is a key element of this infrastructure.”

HMLA-167, 1st ANGLICO light up desert during live-fire exercise

2008-08-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq – Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) conducted training with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Aug. 6 to enhance the squadron’s ability to work with ground forces.
Marine light attack helicopter squadrons primarily provide close air support for units on the ground as ANGLICO acts as a liaison between ground units and incoming aircraft used for close air support.

The live-fire training exercise provided both components of the Marine Air Ground Task Force an opportunity to practice offensive air support, explained Capt. Caleb Nimmo, a pilot with the squadron.

“The training keeps everyone up to speed and hashes out any problems we may have to endure when lives are on the ground,” said Nimmo. “This ensures we are proficient.”
The two aircraft, a UH-1 Huey and AH-1 Cobra, flew patterns around targets, awaiting target coordinates from ANGLICO. When the air support was requested, the two aircraft flew in with machine guns and rockets effectively destroying the training targets.

AL ASAD, Iraq – An AH-1 Cobra streaks through the sky above Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 6. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 conducted a combined exercise with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company to enhance their close air support skills. Throughout the flight the Cobra flew in formation with a UH-1 Huey to conduct offensive air support training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

AL ASAD, Iraq – Cpl. Casey Feasby, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 conducts a reload of the M-240G medium machine gun aboard a UH-1 Huey Aug. 6. The crew of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) squadron conducted training with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company to keep the Marines up to speed with close air support skills. During the training, Feasby fired more than 500 rounds at various ground training targets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

AL ASAD, Iraq – The M-240G medium machine gun aboard the UH-1 Huey is sighted in by aircrew from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 Aug. 6 while conducting training with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. The training enhanced the air and ground skills needed to provide close air support. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

AL ASAD, Iraq - An AH-1 Cobra streaks through the sky above Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 6. The Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 conducted a combined exercise with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company to enhance their close air support skills. During the training, the aircraft from the squadron deployed multiple types of weapons with the aircraft such as the M240G machine gun and rockets. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

AL ASAD, Iraq – Prior to take off Aug. 6, Cpl. Casey Feasby, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 monitors the runway. The squadron participated in training with 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company to enhance the skills needed to provide close air support during combat operations. During the training, Feasby manned the M-240G medium machine gun. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. George J. Papastrat) (Released)

Yuma, Ariz., native takes charge as convoy commander

2008-08-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

AL-JAZIRAH DESERT, Iraq — A Yuma, Ariz., native led a five-day convoy of more than 50 vehicles and 100 Marines from the gates of Al Asad Air Base across the sands of al-Jazirah desert in Iraq to dismantle an expedient repair and replenishment point.

Sgt. Carlos Canez, a motor transport operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), took charge of the mission that began July 23, serving as the convoy commander, a billet normally held by a staff noncommissioned officer or commissioned officer.

During the mission, Canez brought his Marines to repair and replenishment point San Francisco, a site established several weeks prior to afford units operating in the region a location to refuel their vehicles and aircraft. The replenishment point also gave units a place for personnel to take a break and refresh before heading back into Iraq’s unforgiving desert.

“RRPs are designed to go up and down quickly because they are expeditionary – expedient fueling and repair sites for units supporting missions away from a base,” Capt. Chris Eyre, the detachment commander for RRP San Francisco.

For six days, Canez managed the Marines while they worked to load generators, food, water and other supplies onto the vehicles, effectively dismantling the refuel point.
When the Marines had everything packed and were ready to roll, Canez led the return convoy back to the air base, wrapping up his sixth mission as a convoy commander during this deployment.

By taking command of convoys and accomplishing the mission, Canez proved himself as a leader with abilities beyond his rank, according to Staff Sgt. Herbert Ochoa, the motor transport staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and Canez’s supervisor. It’s because of this leadership that Ochoa selected Canez for the challenging yet rewarding duty of leading convoys in Iraq.

Canez’s dream of leading Marines began at the age of 14 when the Mexican-born Marine moved to the United States and began to see commercials on TV for the Marine Corps.
As a child he saw Marines in various movies, TV shows and commercials and it was then he decided his destiny — to become a Marine. It’s a decision he has never questioned or regretted.

“I love what I am doing,” explained Canez, serving his 3rd deployment to. “I just get that feeling of satisfaction from doing my job.”

Shortly after his unit returns to Okinawa, Canez will head to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., where he will attend drill instructor school.

EOD, Engineers level city block

2008-08-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq (July 30, 2008) – When Marines leave the wire carrying nearly a ton of C-4, the result is sure to be explosive.

Explosive ordnance disposal technicians, engineers and heavy equipment Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), leveled the equivalent of an entire city block here July 30.

The aptly named, long deserted “Pancake Village,” dubbed so due to the high amount of demolition the village saw during previous engagements, had become a jump-off point for insurgent activity, as well as an eyesore to local Iraqis. Graffiti, uncertain structural integrity and strategic location made the town a growing danger to Iraqis and Coalition forces; so, the Marine Corps turned it into dust.

“We have 247 120 mm rounds, 80 (Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided) missiles, and 1,288 blocks of C-4,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ralph G. Morlang, officer in charge, EOD, MWSS-374. Morlang said the ammunition they used to flatten Pancake Village was H-ammo, or unserviceable rounds. The engineers and HE operators appreciated the help afforded from the old ordnance.

“We couldn’t safely level the buildings with vehicles,” said Sgt. Benjamin T. Miller, 26, New Plymouth, Ind., HE operator, MWSS-374. Miller said that maneuvering a bulldozer around the buildings would put the operator in an unsafe position.

The operation was too big and too dangerous for HE operators and engineers alone, so EOD answered the call.

“(This mission) is good for operational security,” said Sgt. Gary T. Jackson, EOD technician, 25, McAlester, Ok. “Now, we won’t have to worry about people living out here and planting (improvised explosive devices) or setting up an ambush on one of the main roads.”

Despite the work it took to wire up a city block’s worth of C-4, EOD seemed happy to participate.

“Anytime the engineers need help with a project,” Jackson said, “EOD is more than willing to grab the pack straps and help them charge into the fight.”

MWCG-38 Marines conduct force protection training with Army unit

2008-08-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (July 24, 2008) - Marines from Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), participated in a force protection and anti-terrorism exercise here July 24 with the soldiers of the Army’s 507th Corps Support Group from Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Marines and soldiers rehearsed establishing fields of fire, setting up perimeter defenses and manning firing points within a secured area. The training afforded the 507th and the Marines the opportunity to practice protocols for identifying suspicious activities and securing suspect vehicles and individuals.

“This is good training for the Marines in learning the protocols for identifying and securing a suspicious vehicle,” said Staff Sgt. Sara McTeigue, the intelligence officer and force protection/anti-terrorism officer with MACG-38. “With the Marines in a deployed environment, it’s good for them to refresh the skills taught to them from Marine Combat Training.”

The sergeant of the guard continually relayed information to the other Marines participating in the exercise.

“The Marines performed very well during the exercise,” said Sgt. Angel Santoyo, sergeant of the guard for MACG-38. “The idea of the training is to keep Marines up to speed on what could happen while deployed and ensure they know what to do if a suspicious vehicle situation were to ever come up.”

The exercise isn’t the first time the Marines have worked with 507th CSG, according to Army Capt. Mary Rummery, the safety officer with the unit. The Marines have previously assisted in improvised explosive device exercises and medical evacuation training, added Rummery.

“We have learned a lot from working with the Marines,” said Rummery. And both units look forward to future joint training exercises.

“Red Lions” on prowl in OIF; K-BAY squadron arrives at Al Asad

2008-08-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (July 26, 2008) – Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), also known as the “Red Lions,” roared into Al Asad Air Base in July.

The squadron of more than 180 Marines and sailors from Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, will provide assault support and transportation of troops, supplies and equipment with their CH-53D Sea Stallions, according to Red Lions commanding officer, Lt. Col. Hugh V. Tillman.

The squadron received their aircraft after HMH-463 completed a successful Western Pacific deployment, explained Tillman.

“The Marines from 463 did an excellent job of giving us ready-to-fly aircraft,” said Tillman. “Our Marines here work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the aircraft are mission ready.”

The CH-53D, which made its first flight in 1964, was adopted by the Marine Corps in 1966 to satisfy the need for a heavy-lift helicopter, according to Tillman. The aircraft performed this duty until the introduction of the CH-53E Super Stallion in 1981. With the introduction of the CH-53E, the Sea Stallion transitioned to supporting medium-lift operations along with the CH-46E Sea Knight.

The CH-53D took on the role of medium lift helicopter because the CH-53E Super Stallion could haul up to 10,000 pounds more then the Sea Stallion, according to Capt. Peter Stachowicz, a pilot with HMH-363.

“The aircraft still brings a lot to the fight,” said Tillman. “The helicopter can support almost any mission that’s required. From aerial scouting to raids, this aircraft can do it all.”

Scheduled for replacement by the MV-22 Osprey, the Sea Stallion has proven to be a reliable asset during operations in the blistering cold of South Korea through the sweltering heat of Iraq.

Linden native fills essential security role in Iraq

2008-08-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (July 22, 2008) - One Linden, Ala., native plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of personnel as they oversee transition projects here.

Sgt. Joshua Aldridge, a squad leader with a quick reaction force from Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) recently escorted representatives of the Coalition Army Advisory Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, during their visit to Hawran, Iraq.

While the group toured the future weapons and leadership training site of the 7th Iraqi Army Division, a squad of Marines, led by Aldridge, provided security.

Quick reaction forces respond to situations that require immediate attention such as search and seizure of personnel, VIP escorts and detainee pickup.

“The best part of my job is the interaction I get to have with my Marines and with the locals where I am deployed.” said Aldridge, who strives to have a positive impact on the Marine he serves with and supervises. “My job is to set the pace for the team leaders within the squad.”

After Aldridge graduated from Marengo Academy in 1998, he joined the Marine Corps. Since joining, he has participated in more than seven deployments and numerous humanitarian operations through out the world.

“Every deployment has been a different experience,” said Aldridge. “I have helped build schools, hospitals, parks and houses for many towns and villages around the world. I get a great sense of pride when I am able to provide somebody with something they wouldn’t have had if it weren’t for me and the Marines I’ve served with.”

During his time in the Corps, Aldridge has continued his college education and hopes to one day work as a chemist for the Centers for Disease Control at the end of his Marine Corps career.

Aldridge will return to the U.S in September when his unit wraps up its current deployment to Iraq.

‘Iraqi First’: Iraqi contractor to build flight line chapel aboard al-Asad

2008-08-05T23:39:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq (April 2, 2008) – A ground-breaking ceremony held today marked the beginning of construction for a new chapel on the south side of the base here.

The $280,000 contract, part of the ‘Iraqi First’ program, marked the first time an Iraqi construction company has performed work aboard al-Asad since the war began. The program started last year and has contracted dozens of projects aboard U.S. installations throughout Iraq.

“The U.S. government is reaching out and trying to help the Iraqi companies and people find more work and stimulate their economy,” said Navy Cmdr. Roland Mina, the public works officer for al-Asad.

The program has provided work for many Iraqi craftsmen across the country and has a far-reaching impact on the communities surrounding the bases.

“The program allows me to help my people,” said Ali Faris, the owner of al- Folatheya, the company contracted to build the chapel. “I have fulfilled 12 contracts on American bases and the work provides money for my workers and their families and also to the markets where I buy my material and machinery.”

The concept of building a chapel on the south side of base began as a request from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Sadlo, a former operations officer of al-Asad.

“The request couldn’t be filled while 2nd MAW was here, but the Base Command Group made sure it wasn’t forgotten as they changed places with 3rd MAW,” Sadlo explained. “The BCG took on a lot of responsibility in order to help the two wings focus on their turnover.”

The turnover was the first of many hurdles to overcome before construction could begin.

“We were in uncharted water when this started,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Leininger, a contractor accountability assistant for the BCG. “Basically, we had to figure out how we were going to get all of these Iraqis and their equipment on base. In the end, we coordinated with the provost marshal’s office and developed a plan for moving the material and getting the appropriate security for the workers and the construction site.”

The provost marshal’s office performed background checks, issued badges to the workers and will inspect all equipment and material coming aboard the base, according to Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Pritchard, anti-terrorism force protection officer, Marine Wing Support Group 37, and native of Dallas.

The combined efforts of the personnel who made the construction possible will benefit the morale of the flight line personnel, said Navy Lt. Frank Riley, a chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 16.

“Right now, we have a very small chapel for the flight line service members and some have to travel across base for their services,” explained Riley, an Orange, Calif. native. “The new chapel will really help them out.”

With the construction underway, the chapel will not only be a welcome improvement for the service members, but also strengthens the bond between the air base and the surrounding community outside the gates.

“As the owner of an Iraqi construction business, I look forward to building a reputation for quality work,” Faris added. “So that the U.S. will have greater trust in Iraqi companies and will do more business with them in the future.”

Backpacks full of hope: 3rd MAW (Fwd) opens Iraqi and American Friendship Project Logistics Center

2008-08-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

AL-ASAD, Iraq (May 27, 2008) – Over 1,000 Iraqi children may soon have school supplies thanks to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) with the launch of the Human Unity Begins project and the grand opening of a logistics center at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron here May 19.

The Iraqi and American Friendship Project Logistics Center will serve as the supply warehouse for HUB, a humanitarian mission which provides backpacks and school supplies to children in need.

The HUB program, started by the 3rd MAW (Fwd.) chaplains, draws inspiration from Operation Backpack, an annual back-to-school program organized by Volunteers of America to provide backpacks and school supplies to children in need, according to Navy Lt. Frank Riley, a chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 16.

“We use the acronym HUB, which is also the Arabic word for love,” said Petty Officer First Class Lori Ihli, a religious programs specialist with MAG-16. “Through this program, we will be able to provide basic school supplies to Iraqi children. We will use the friendship center as an assembly line for the project.”

With the help of MAG-16 and various religious congregations in the U.S., the chaplains have collected enough supplies for 1,000 backpacks, which will be packed full of school supplies, such as paper, pencils and safety scissors, by volunteers from various commands aboard Al Asad Air Base.

“Our goal is to create a program that is sustainable and can be carried on for a long time,” said Riley, an Orange Calif. native. “We’re starting small, with the friendship center, in order to see what kind of need there is for school supplies in the local area. From there, we may open this project up to more sponsors and expand our efforts.”

Once the supplies are packed and ready for distribution, the organizers will pass the backpacks on to the local schools and to the Iraqi Police, who will then deliver them to the children.

“The idea is to help the people of Iraq strengthen their faith in their schools and their police,” Riley added. “The project is about empowering the children and the community as a whole.”

The initiative is also a chance for those Marines who may spend their deployment working on base, to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people, Riley said.

“The whole experience of being involved with the opening of the friendship center has been motivating and inspirational for me,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua Wynn, a HUB volunteer and supply clerk from MALS-16. “It feels great to be a part of something that will benefit so many people and it’s nice to really get this project rolling.”

The HUB volunteers hope to have the first 1,000 backpacks ready for distribution by the end of this summer.

Silver Eagles take MCMAP to the flight line

2008-08-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq (March 26, 2008) – Whether it be the dry midday heat, the unrelenting sandstorms or the nonstop maintenance schedule of a deployed squadron, nothing stops Marines from sharpening their combat skills.

Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Lutz, the squadron gunnery sergeant of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, the Silver Eagles, has taken it upon himself to train approximately 20 students of various belt levels in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

The students come from different workspaces within VMFA-115, as well as Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, the Sea Hawks, and range from basic tan belt to the more experienced green belt.

“I started the classes to help the Marines push themselves further toward their goals in the MCMAP program,” Lutz, a black belt instructor, explained. “I opened the classes up for the other squadrons on the south side of base because I wanted to help their Marines as well. It doesn’t matter to me where a Marine comes from as long as they are serious about training, I will teach them.”
Assisting Lutz is Gunnery Sgt. John Dalton, the Powerline division chief of VMFA-115. Dalton is a black belt and has been involved in MCMAP for more than six years.

“It is the responsibility of everyone, especially black belts, to help out whenever MCMAP classes are given,” Dalton explained.

Lutz teaches the classes back-to-back from grey belt all the way to brown belt.

“I am training for my brown belt, but I try to go to all of the classes,” said Cpl. Raymond Bryant, a data networking specialist with the Silver Eagles. “It helps me prepare for the more challenging moves taught during the brown belt class.”

As the Marines progress through the techniques, they gain confidence in their ability, according to Lutz, an Elkader, Iowa native.

“We are learning some cool techniques,” said Sgt. Carlos Guitron, the Sea Hawks’ career retention specialist. “As we move through the classes, some of the techniques become very easy. I have noticed how quickly and without much effort, you can take your opponent to the ground.”

Though the training is tough and is normally stacked onto a long workday, it gives the Marines something to look forward to everyday besides taking a shower and going to sleep, Lutz said.

“This is what Marines do,” Dalton added. “We adapt to our environment and use it to our advantage while accomplishing our mission. Conducting MCMAP benefits the Marines by teaching them the disciplines of martial arts, instilling a sense of pride in accomplishing a new belt level and keeps them from sitting in their quarters getting homesick.”

No matter the clime or place, whether through close air support or lethal hand-to-hand combat skills, the Silver Eagles are training to be prepared for whatever comes their way.

Silver Eagles honor former CO during 65th anniversary

2008-08-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 3, 2007) – The Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) celebrated their 65th anniversary here July 1.
The squadron was originally organized July 1, 1943 as Marine Fighter Squadron 115 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Major Joseph Foss, an ace who held the World War II Marine Corps record for shooting down 26 enemy aircraft, took command 16 days later.

Foss, who had recently received the Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made an impression on the pilots of the newly formed squadron, who quickly decided that VMF-115 would be known as “Joe’s Jokers.”

Joe’s Jokers joined the Pacific campaign in May 1944 where the squadron distinguished itself during the battle of Leyte Gulf and in the Sulu Archipelago, where they provided close air support, fighter cover and deep air strikes against enemy positions despite adverse weather conditions.

Having flown more than 18,000 flight hours in 5,856 sorties, the Marines of VMF-115 contributed to the success of the American campaign in the Philippines, according to Capt. Owen Smith, the VMFA-115 historical officer.

In celebration of their squadron’s heritage and 65th anniversary, The Marines of VMFA-115 painted one of their aircraft with the Joe’s Jokers insignia. The insignia also adorns the squadron members’ coveralls and flight suits.
Walt Disney studios created the original insignia, a stack of playing cards with a cartoon F4U-1 Corsair smoking a cigar on the top card, in the late 1940’s to represent the squadron’s balance of aerial combat prowess and high spirits, Smith explained.

“During this time of combat operations, it is only fitting that we paint a jet to represent our proud and distinguished history,” said Maj. Michael Juenger, VMFA-115’s executive officer. “I think the aircraft is something our squadron can be proud of and represents the Marines and sailors of VMFA-115 who served together here and have worked so hard to ensure their fellow warriors on the ground had air support overhead.”

The Joe’s Jokers emblem now resides on the tail end, while Foss’ name and Medal of Honor are printed beside the cockpit. The Marines added a South Carolina flag to the speed brake to represent the squadron’s current home, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

“We put a lot of thought into how we would be able to keep the originality of the old logo, while adding a little twist to represent the current squadron,” said Staff Sgt. Waldemar Velazquez, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of VMFA-115’s airframes division.

As the Joe’s Jokers jet took to the skies July 2 on its first combat mission since it was re-painted, it took part in the squadron’s historical deployment as the first single-seat forward air controller-airborne capable F/A-18 squadron deployed on Iraqi soil.

“The squadron honored its birthday as we have in every conflict we have fought in,” Juenger added. “That is by flying combat missions in support of the Coalition forces on the ground.”

Marines melt through problem; weld solution

2008-08-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (July 25, 2008)- For two Marine welders with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), creative thinking had a significant, positive impact on security measures here and could continue to benefit both the Corps and the welders in the future.

Sergeant Jason Walsh and Cpl. John James, metal workers with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, put their heads together and modeled a bracket piece needed to mount security equipment on perimeter tower buildings aboard the air base.

The bracket solved a problem security forces ran into when they attempted to mount cameras, satellites and other security equipment on the rooftops of the towers. The tower tops were made of a thin metal which gave way when heavy equipment was mounted on it.

When approached with the problem, Walsh and James measured the rooftops, gathered data about the weight of the gear needing mounted, analyzed the information and chalked up a design on the welding shop floor.

The Marines had to take into consideration the positioning on the tower, strengths of the tower, how to brace the brackets along with many more factors, explained Walsh, a 23-year-old native of Pomona, N.Y.

In a day’s worth of brainstorming, they created a solution to the problem.

“I let my Marines think outside the box, I encourage them to use their own brains and not think that they can’t make it work,” said Gunnery Sgt. Fredrick Moyer, heavy equipment staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “They’ll make it work.”

With the walls of the towers made of steel, Walsh and James determined “A” and “T” shaped brackets which stretched across the roof would effectively distribute the weight of the gear and allow for mounting on the towers.

“These brackets are extremely important because if they didn’t have them, then they wouldn’t be able to put the radars and cameras on top of the towers which would extremely weaken base security,” said James.

Along with the ten brackets the welders have made so far, they also constructed stairs to facilitate access to the roofs for contractors who must mount and maintain the security equipment.

James’ experience with welding prior to joining the Corps lends to his excitement about his job as a Marine.

“We work with many kinds of metal from steel to aluminum,” said James. “We make repairs to anything made out of metal and we can fabricate almost anything out of metal.”

Welding requires metal workers to be knowledgeable in the areas of geometry for cutting shapes and configuring lengths and angles. Also, different metals require different degrees of heat in order to weld to other metals and materials, explained Walsh, so welders must have an understanding of the chemistry involved with manipulating metal.

“I like being a welder because I get to work with my hands and make anything I want out of steel,” said James. “My imagination is my limit.”

While both of them enjoy their job, both knew in high school they wanted to join the military.

“I was set on joining the Marine Corps,” said James. “It’s a sense of honor and I wanted to make myself better.”

Walsh claims his promotion to sergeant as his greatest professional achievement thus far.

“I always aspired to be in the military,” said Walsh. “Having responsibility makes you strive to be a better person and take on new challenges.”

The Marines expect to return to Okinawa, Japan in October.

With the encouragement of the contractors and the squadron, the welders look forward to patenting their idea.

San Francisco goes retro; MWSS-172 completes retrograde mission at RRPv

2008-08-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

REPAIR AND REPLENISHMENT POINT SAN FRANSISCO, Iraq (July 28, 2008)- Early in the morning before the moon settled and the sun rose above Al Asad Air Base, Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 began a convoy to the northern area of Iraq to start the retrograde process of a repair and replenishment point.

The squadron, belonging to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), traveled more than 100 miles through the sandy terrain, arriving at RRP San Francisco in the Al Jazirah desert of Iraq, July 23. For more than five days the Marines worked countless hours to load up vehicles, generators, food, water and other supplies and other gear, effectively dismantling the RRP they had built four weeks prior.

“RRPs are designed to go up and down quickly because they are expeditionary – expedient fueling and repair sites for units supporting missions away from a base,” Capt. Chris Eyre, the detachment commander for RRP San Francisco.

While in operation, the RRP facilitated logistical support for tank and aviation operations in support of Operation Defeat al-Qaeda in the North. The Marines dispensed more than 96,000 gallons of fuel and supported repair and logistical needs for more than ten tanks and numerous other vehicles.

Along with ground equipment, the squadron refueled aircraft flying missions in the area.

Traditionally, aviation support squadrons like MWSS-172 build and man forward arming and refueling points specifically designed to support aviation squadrons, according to Sgt. Maj. Roger E. Jenness, the sergeant major of Marine Wing Support Group 37, under which MWSS-172 falls.

The Okinawa-based squadron had the capability to support the helicopter pads and repair needs of aviation assets as well as the skills and the equipment to support the needs of the tanks and ground vehicles operating in the area, explained Eyre.

In addition to logistical support for the RRP, Marines from the squadron’s incident response platoon, supplemented by Marines from the squadron’s companies, provided security for the replenishment point day and night to ensure the safety of all those working within the area.

All around, “We were the right fit for the mission,” Eyre added.

Sergeant maintains network of ‘cups and string’

2008-08-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (July 22, 2008)- Sergeant James Hainer has once or twice thought of his job as merely a complicated version of connecting cups with string.

The cups – several hundred PCs. The string – thousands of feet of network cables, power cords, and USB lines.

Currently deployed to al-Asad, Iraq, Hainer spends his days in the communications section of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) working with his fellow computer systems specialist to maintain connectivity among thousands of computer users. For personnel within the wing, loss of connectivity equals loss of precious work hours.
“Computers and network connectivity are essential to mission accomplishment,” said Chris Porter, the help desk lead administrator.

The 3rd MAW (Fwd.) communications section Marines and civilians manage all Marine computer helpdesks aboard al-Asad, acquire and install software applications and provide technical support.

“This office is at the highest echelon of help desks at the entire base,” said Porter. Hainer, a Kent, Wash. native with seven years of experience in his job field, describes the current mission as familiar, but riddled with issues unique to the combat environment.

“Working in theater has certain difficulties we have to overcome that are different from working in the states,” said Hainer.

Day-to-day, the 27-year-old completes connectivity checks on computer networks, logs trouble tickets and gets computers that have gone offline back on the net. On occasion, Hainer and his fellow techs ensure frustrated computer users don’t launch their PC out of the nearest window. When users go from red in the face to bringing cookies to the help desk, Hainer knows he has contributed to mission accomplishment and possibly prevented the untimely demise of a computer or two.

“Hainer displays outstanding communication skills,” said Gunnery Sgt. David Lynch, the data network chief and Hainer’s supervisor. “He is a very important piece of this puzzle that is constantly changing.”

Hainer’s communication skills and outgoing personality serve him well when dealing with frustrated computer users. These same traits will benefit him in his pursuit of becoming a teacher. Hainer credits his high school American History teacher, Mike Shepard, at Kentlake High School for inspiring him to become a teacher.

“He would teach long hours while still finding the time to help his son who had multiple sclerosis,” said Hainer of Shepard who still teaches at Kentlake.
While following in his father’s footsteps to the Marine Corps, he hasn’t lost site of his dream of teaching. He plans to attend college and earn his teaching degree when he leaves the Corps’ ranks.
Hainer will return to the U.S. in February of 2009.

Ceremony marks significant step toward independent operations for Iraqi Army 7th Infantry Division

2008-08-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

CAMP MEJID, Iraq (July 24, 2008)- The Camp Mejid-based Location Command of the Iraqi Army’s 7th Infantry Division held a ribbon cutting ceremony July 24 to officially open the doors to new facilities here.

The ceremony consisted of speeches by unit commanders and an Iraqi Army salute, also known as the janoud creed. The official opening of the facilities represents a significant milestone in the process to establish an infrastructure from which the Location Command can provide logistical support.

“Four buildings on Camp Mejid have been completed. This is the first of many more buildings to be turned over to the IA,” said Staff Col. Esahel Hatem Abdel Haleem Elaannie. Civilian construction crews began construction on the facilites in November 2007. The project is slated for completion in the near future.

The most recently completed buildings house a medical facility and a gymnasium. IA commanders dedicated the new buildings to fallen Iraqi soldiers, Martyr BG Muthanna Fa’ep Abd Al Razzaq and Martyr Warrant Officer Abbas Fadel Abid.
The Location Command continues to evolve with increasing personnel to provide logistic, supply and maintenance support for the division. In addition to filling these support roles, the LC will oversee all base functions to include sanitation, electrical generation and distribution, food preparation, and base security. Medical staff assigned to the Location Command will operate the newly completed medical facility.

Colonel Khaled Noori, Camp Mejid Location Command commander, thanked the division and the Location Command for working so well together and so tirelessly to achieve this milestone. Other key note speakers in attendance echoed Noori’s sentiments.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be here representing the coalition,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Motsch, Location Military Advising Team senior advisor. “These buildings we dedicated today will enhance the logistic and medical support for the IA 7th Division and once the LC project is complete, it will help the overall sustainment capabilities for the 7th Division. I look forward to our continued partnership with the 7th Division to support Iraqi’s freedom.”

The opening of this facility represents an important step toward independent operations for the Camp Mejid Location Command and enhances the command’s ability to support the soldiers of the 7th Iraqi Army Infantry Division.

Comedians keep service members laughing in Al Asad

2008-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq (July 23, 2008)- Hundreds of service members joined together in the theater here as Scott Kennedy, Kenny Kane and Ron Morey, comedians from Los Angeles, took the stage July 23.

For more than two hours, the comedians kept the audience laughing as they poked fun at the challenges of long-distance relationships, working out at the gym and military customs.

“Believe it or not, we save lives,” said Kennedy, who has performed five times this year at bases in Iraq.

Kennedy sees these performances as beneficial to boosting morale and breaking the monotony of long deployments.

Service members who had seen Kennedy perform in Iraq before, approached him throughout the evening to thank him for the repeat visits by the comedians.
“I honestly miss not being here,” said Kennedy. “I’m pretty committed to all of the armed forces,” he said as he stuck out his arm lined with patch looking tattoos representing all branches of the U.S. military.

Following the show, each comedian took the time to personally meet, shake hands and take pictures with audience members.

“My friends and I attended the show and it was a blast,” said Staff Sgt. Brian Lambert, a career retention specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). “It brings ‘home’ to us here and allows all of the branches of the military to get together in one spot and enjoy some laughs.”

MNSCT-I representatives visits future Iraqi training facility; signs of transition continue to show

2008-08-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

AL ANBAR, Iraq (July 27, 2008) - Army Brig. Gen. Steve Salazar, deputy commanding general of Coalition Army Advisory Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq visited the future training site for the 7th Iraqi Army Division near Al Asad Air Base July 20.

A quick reaction force from Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), provided security during the visit for Salazar and several other service members from MNSTC-I.

The facility, large enough to train more than 300 Iraqi troops, will feature 600 and 300-meter ranges with 200 individual firing points. The facility will provide Iraqi trainees the ability to train with crew-served weapons such as the M240G medium machine gun and .50 caliber machine guns. 100-meter ranges will serve as zeroing and small-arms ranges which will allow trainees to participate in numerous courses of fire.

“The whole idea is to develop the abilities of the Iraqis to train themselves. It starts with us helping to train them and developing a ‘train the trainer’ capability,” said Salazar. “We are at a point in time which the operations allow us to focus some energy into conducting training.”

The facility will have the ability to support three noncommissioned officers schools and a prior service course for those returning from the old Iraqi Army, according to Army Maj. Bennett Eckert.

The range is scheduled for completion some time in 2008.

Commander of troops in Iraq reenlists 3rd MAW Marines and sailors

2008-07-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

BAGHDAD, Iraq (July 4, 2008) – The commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq, Army Gen. David Petraeus, reenlisted more than 40 Marines and sailors assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) during a ceremony at Al-Faw Palace here July 4.

The 40 Marine and sailors stood along side more than 1,200 of their fellow service members and raised their rights hands during the largest reenlistment ceremony in history.

The MNF-I commander, along with Command Sergeant Major Marvin L. Hill, the MNF-I command sergeant major, led the event, addressing the service members with motivational words and praise.

“It is great to celebrate our nation’s independence here with you and it is a true honor to preside over this reenlistment ceremony,” said Petraeus, who received a standing ovation from the audience upon his introduction. “There’s no place I’d rather be to celebrate America’s birthday than right here with you in Iraq.”

The sound of battle cries and service songs rang off the marble walls after Petraeus noted the dedication each individual exemplified with their recommitment and expressed his gratitude for their service.

“You understand the service and the sacrifice to which you are committing today,” said Petraeus. “It is impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country.”

Raising their right arm and repeating after the MNF-I commander, each service member sited the Oath of Enlistment for at least the second time in their military career.
“These service members are great Americans recommitting themselves to their nation and to their brothers and sisters in arms,” said Hill. “We’re celebrating 232 years of a free nation and 35 years of an all-volunteer military with the recommitment of these great warriors to their nation and to each other.”

Service members found the opportunity to reenlist in such a unique location exciting and vowed they would never forget.

“For someone who’s been in as long as I have, to reenlist in one of Saddam’s old palaces makes this extremely special to me,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jarred Rendon, the squadron gunnery sergeant for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, 3rd MAW (Fwd.), aboard Al Asad Air Base. “There were more than 1,200 of our fellow brothers and sisters in arms for this mass reenlistment and to see the joint-service camaraderie was extraordinary.”

The service members had the chance to take a picture with Petraeus and also received a complimentary American flag as recognition of their accomplishment and to remember their journey to the capital city of Iraq.

Hill and Petraeus agreed the size of the ceremony sent a strong message to the opposition that U.S. Armed Forces will be here until the job’s complete.

: Lone Tree native reenlists during mass ceremony in Baghdad

2008-07-13T09:04:00.000-07:00

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 11, 2008) – A Lone Tree, Colo., native recently participated in a mass reenlistment ceremony at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad July 4.

Marine Sgt. Bryna R. Morris, a career retention specialist and aerial observer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), was one of more than 1,200 service members who reaffirmed their allegiance to their nation by raising their right hands and once again stating the Oath of Enlistment.

Led by Army Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq, the largest reenlistment ceremony in history took place in one of Saddam Hussein’s old palaces.

“This [reenlistment ceremony] illustrates a true success story,” said Morris. “To do it on Fourth of July with 1200 other people who feel the same way I do.”

The MNF-I commander, along with command Sergeant Major Marvin L. Hill, the MNF-I command sergeant major, lead the event b addressing the service members with words of motivation and praise.

“It is great to celebrate our nation’s independence here with you and it is a true honor to preside over this reenlistment ceremony,” said Petraeus, who received a standing ovation from the entire audience upon his introduction. “There’s no place I’d rather be to celebrate America’s birthday than right here with you in Iraq.”
Petraeus noted the dedication each individual exemplified with their recommitment and expressed his gratitude for their service.

“You understand the service and the sacrifice to which you are committing today,” said Petraeus. “It is impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country.”

Morris took all that into consideration when making her decision to reenlist.
“The Marine Corps has been my home and family for eight years now and I am not sure that any other job could offer the pride and satisfaction I feel coming to work everyday,” said Morris. “It is more than just a job for me.”
As a career planner, Morris supports Marines by facilitating their requests and helping them meet their career needs.

Her second job as an aerial observer in the CH-53 Super Stallion used by her unit, affords her the opportunity to travel throughout the country.

“It has been the highlight of my deployment,” said Morris. “We assist on the troop movement, delivery of supplies and the biggest morale booster in Iraq – mail.”
She has been deployed to Al Asad Air Base in the western Anbar province of Iraq since March 2008 and is scheduled to return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., sometime in October.

Houston native reenlists during mass ceremony in Baghdad

2008-07-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 9, 2008) – A Houston native recently participated in a mass reenlistment ceremony at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad July 4.

Marine Sgt. Patsy M. Lee, an imagery analyst with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), was one of more than 1,200 service members who reaffirmed their allegiance to their nation by raising their right hands and once again stating the Oath of Enlistment.

Led by Army Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq, the largest reenlistment ceremony in history took place in one of Saddam Hussein’s old palaces.

“This was a totally awesome way to reenlist,” said Lee. “I wouldn’t have chosen any other way. Being one of the 1,215 people to reenlist on the Fourth of July by General Patraeus felt like being a special collector’s item.”
The MNF-I commander, along with Command Sergeant Major Marvin L. Hill, the MNF-I command sergeant major, kicked off the event by addressing the service members with words of motivation and praise.

“It is great to celebrate our nation’s independence here with you and it is a true honor to preside over this reenlistment ceremony,” said Petraeus, who received a standing ovation from the audience upon his introduction. “There’s no place I’d rather be to celebrate America’s birthday than right here with you in Iraq.”
Petraeus noted the dedication each individual exemplified with their re-commitment and expressed his gratitude for their service.

“You understand the service and the sacrifice to which you are committing today,” said Petraeus. “It is impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country.”

Lee took all that into consideration when making her decision to reenlist.
“If you had asked me to reenlist a year ago, I would have said ‘no way’ because of the amount of time I have spent away from my family,” said Lee. “However, since being on this deployment I have seen my work in action and how much I affect the overall state of this war. It is an awesome feeling to know that I greatly contribute to the safety of our Marines.”

As an imagery analyst, Lee provides important feedback on imagery collected throughout the country.

The imagery helps mission commanders in planning and carrying out operations.
“While looking at pictures for most people is more about memories and capturing special moments, I look at pictures to help save the lives of our personnel,” said Lee. “My job requires keen observation of imagery to ensure the safety of our pilots and ground troops.”

She has been deployed to Al Asad Air Base in the western Anbar province of Iraq since January of 2008 and is scheduled to return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., in early 2009.

Golden Eagles celebrate 57th

2008-07-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq (July 10, 2008) - Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), shut down an MV-22 Osprey after a mission July 10. The "Golden Eagles" recently celebrated their 57th birthday June 30th while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Marine Corps first employed the MV-22 Osprey to Iraq in 2007. Its responsibilities primarily focus on assault support missions while deployed to Iraq.

Ground and air elements unite for jump training

2008-07-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Al Asad, Iraq (July 3, 2008) – Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 Detachment A, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) supported a training evolution here July 3 for the Okinawa-based reconnaissancemen of 2nd platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 1.

The Marines of the reconnaissance battalion took to the sky aboard 352’s KC-130J cargo and tanker aircraft to participate in a static-line day jump and combat jump.

The reconnaissance battalion rotates their Marines through al-Asad to take advantage of the unique training opportunity available due to the location of the air base and the support of 3rd MAW’s (Fwd.) squadrons. The static line and combat-jump training ensures the Marines of the battalion maintain their certifications and familiarity with various methods of getting from the sky to the ground in a combat zone.

“This is a method of insertion,” said Gunnery Sgt. Tim Parkhurst, paraloft chief with 3rd Recon. “We want this to be comfortable for them so it becomes second nature so they can put all their effort and all their thoughts into the mission at hand.”

The Marines of the KC-130J squadron, nicknamed “The Raiders” must modify their aircraft prior to supporting these types of training exercise. As the KC-130J is most commonly used for aerial refueling, cargo and troop support, crewmembers must add gear and reconfigure rigging to ensure the safety of jumpers and the success of the training.

The biggest adjustment, according to Cpl. John Carroll, a loadmaster with the squadron is the addition of static lines and retriever cables. The loadmasters work the adjustments into their preflight preparation. The conversion from aerial refueling, cargo and troop transport to a rig ideal for skyborne insertion methods takes anywhere from ten minutes to an hour depending on the type of jumps the Marines will practice. The time and effort does not go unappreciated by the Marines who rely on the squadron to take them into a combat zone.

“These guys are phenomenal,” said Parkhurst. “Everything they have done for us, they have gone way above and beyond and were extremely flexible when issues would arise unexpectedly.”

This training evolution illustrates how Marine Corps ground and aviation elements work together to “become stronger as an elite fighting force,” said Carroll.

Redwing Marine supports recon jump training

2008-07-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 5, 2008) – A Redwing, Minnesota native, assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), plays a vital role in ensuring his counterparts in Marine ground units maintain their jump certifications.

Cpl. John Carroll, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 Detachment A, assisted the Marines of Okinawa-based 2nd platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 1, in a static-line day jump and combat jump in the Anbar province July 3.

As a loadmaster for the KC-130J, a medium-sized tanker and cargo aircraft, prepping the plane for missions and overseeing all cargo and passenger loading and weight distribution falls to Carroll and his fellow loadmasters. Constantly monitoring and managing load balance is essential to a safe, successful flight, according to Carroll.

The loadmasters must take additional steps to prepare the plane for static-line and combat-jump training. The addition of static lines and retriever cables added extra time to pre-flight procedures, according to Carroll.

The training evolution is a prime example of how ground elements and the aviation elements work together to “become stronger as an elite fighting force,” according to Carroll.

3rd Reconnaissance Battalion rotates Marines through al-Asad to provide them an opportunity to participate in insertion methods training in a combat environment. The squadron, who facilitated the training, ensure the reconnaissancemen maintain their jump certifications and skills they need to focus on their mission once they have boots on the ground.
“This is a method of insertion,” said Gunnery Sgt. Tim Parkhurst, paraloft chief with the battalion. “We want this to be comfortable for them so it becomes second nature so they can put all their effort and all their thoughts into the mission at hand.

“These guys are phenomenal,” added Parkhurst referring the Marines of the KC 130J squadron, nicknamed “The Raiders.” “Everything they have done for us - they have gone way above and beyond and were extremely flexible when issues would arise unexpectedly.”
Carroll has been in al-Asad since February 2008 and will be returning home to Redwing in the upcoming months.

Marines awarded for heroism

2008-07-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq – Two Marines from Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron 367, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (fwd), earned Navy and Marine Corps Medals for their heroic actions during a January 2007 building fire at Forward Operating Base al-Qaim.

Sgt. Scott K. Piccoli and Cpl. Joshua S. Ybarra received the medals during a ceremony here July 1.

Their award citations detail the heroism and bravery of Piccoli and Ybarra as they rushed to the aid of Marines struggling to get free of a burning building. Without hesitating, Piccoli ordered Ybarra to alert a Crash, Fire and Rescue unit, then charged into the smoke filled structure.

Ybarra ran more than half a mile to notify emergency responders of the fire, then raced back to assist Piccoli’s efforts to evacuate the living quarters.

While dashing through the building, Piccoli discovered a Marine sleeping. As ammunition and cases of aerosol cans began to ignite in the blaze, Piccoli evacuated the Marine from the structure, but when he sought to re-enter the building to ensure everyone had escaped safely, firefighters denied reentry to the building

“It was the type of situation where any Marine would do what he was supposed to do,” said Piccoli, a native of Durango, Colo. and an airframes mechanic for the squadron.

The award citation was signed by Gen. James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps, on behalf of the President of the United States.

“I never thought I’d get something like this,” said Ybarra, also an airframes mechanic and a Phlugerville, Texas native. “We just happened to be at the right place at the right time.”

Silver Eagles honor former CO during 65th anniversary

2008-07-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 3, 2007) – The Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) celebrated their 65th anniversary here July 1.

The squadron was originally organized July 1, 1943 as Marine Fighter Squadron 115 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Major Joseph Foss, an ace who held the World War II Marine Corps record for shooting down 26 enemy aircraft, took command 16 days later.

Foss, who had recently received the Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made an impression on the pilots of the newly formed squadron, who quickly decided that VMF-115 would be known as “Joe’s Jokers.”

Joe’s Jokers joined the Pacific campaign in May 1944 where the squadron distinguished itself during the battle of Leyte Gulf and in the Sulu Archipelago, where they provided close air support, fighter cover and deep air strikes against enemy positions despite adverse weather conditions.

Having flown more than 18,000 flight hours in 5,856 sorties, the Marines of VMF-115 contributed to the success of the American campaign in the Philippines, according to Capt. Owen Smith, the VMFA-115 historical officer.

In celebration of their squadron’s heritage and 65th anniversary, The Marines of VMFA-115 painted one of their aircraft with the Joe’s Jokers insignia. The insignia also adorns the squadron members’ coveralls and flight suits.

Walt Disney studios created the original insignia, a stack of playing cards with a cartoon F4U-1 Corsair smoking a cigar on the top card, in the late 1940’s to represent the squadron’s balance of aerial combat prowess and high spirits, Smith explained.

“During this time of combat operations, it is only fitting that we paint a jet to represent our proud and distinguished history,” said Maj. Michael Juenger, VMFA-115’s executive officer. “I think the aircraft is something our squadron can be proud of and represents the Marines and sailors of VMFA-115 who served together here and have worked so hard to ensure their fellow warriors on the ground had air support overhead.”

The Joe’s Jokers emblem now resides on the tail end, while Foss’ name and Medal of Honor are printed beside the cockpit. The Marines added a South Carolina flag to the speed brake to represent the squadron’s current home, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

“We put a lot of thought into how we would be able to keep the originality of the old logo, while adding a little twist to represent the current squadron,” said Staff Sgt. Waldemar Velazquez, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of VMFA-115’s airframes division.

As the Joe’s Jokers jet took to the skies July 2 on its first combat mission since it was re-painted, it took part in the squadron’s historical deployment as the first single-seat forward air controller-airborne capable F/A-18 squadron deployed on Iraqi soil.

“The squadron honored its birthday as we have in every conflict we have fought in,” Juenger added. “That is by flying combat missions in support of the Coalition forces on the ground.”

Team Black Rhino charges through desert

2008-07-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

AL-JAZIRAH DESERT, Iraq (June 26, 2008) – The Incident Response Team of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, patrols the northern Iraqi desert as a security measure for all Marines operating in the area.

Named Team Black Rhino, these 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) Marines have become the first wing support squadron to fill the role of a mounted combat team in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Marine Wing Support Squadrons frequently travel around the Anbar province, providing aviation ground support for the flying squadrons operating in country. The team operates on a different level, providing a ground combat component like that usually found in infantry units.

While patrolling, team members speak with locals to gather information that helps the Coalition gain a better understanding of the area.

“When we’re on patrol we’re investigating our area of responsibility for any enemy activity by speaking with the local Iraqis and driving designated routes based on information gathered,” said Cpl. Joshua A. Bugg, a turret gunner for Team Black Rhino. “Some of the most beneficial information can be received by speaking with the locals.”

For the first several weeks in country, Team Black Rhino’s duties entailed providing convoy security and explosive ordnance disposal escort services to the Marines aboard Camp Taqaddum. Now, their job consists of sending several search teams to assess the local area and provide site security for their location in the Jazirah Desert.

While most of the team members consist of military police officers trained in security operations, the rest are comprised of Marines from various military occupational specialties.

“We’ve got a very unique opportunity out here,” said Cpl. Julio C. Navar, a motor transportation operator with Team Black Rhino. “We’re out here with a number of assault vehicles and infantry units and we’re equally patrolling the area. It’s great for a wing support unit to be filling this role.”

MV-22 Osprey continues successes in Iraq

2008-07-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq (June 5, 2008) – As the second MV-22 Osprey squadron to deploy to a combat zone, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), continues to build on the Osprey’s strengths and versatility in Iraq.

The MV-22 Osprey is the Marine Corps’ newest airframe and is poised to shoulder the responsibility as the Marine Corps’ sole medium lift helicopter platform in the future.

“When you have an aircraft with the lift capacity that the MV-22 has, and that can move troops or cargo in a safe and timely manner to your entire area of responsibility, your stock value tends to go up exponentially,” said Maj. Craig Leflore, MV-22 pilot and aircraft maintenance officer, VMM-162.

Staff Sgt. Ted Karp, MV-22 crew chief, VMM-162, attributes a large part of the Osprey’s success to its extended range and speed, completing the same amount of work as traditional medium lift helicopters over a greater distance in less time.
“It combines the capabilities of a turboprop airplane and the versatility of a conventional helicopter,” said Karp, a Crawford, Colo., native. “I like the fact that it will get Marines to and from the fight faster.”

Leflore, a Tyler, Texas native, has a laundry list of reasons he likes the newly fielded airframe: the ability to use high altitudes as a tactical advantage, staying above the threat of small arms, increased reaction time and the aeronautical advantage of increased options when dealing with weather.

“It (the Osprey) expands our over-the-horizon launch capability and enables us to take the fight to our enemy’s front door wherever that may be; a runway, landing zone or the middle of the desert,” concluded Leflore.

Docs celebrate 110th Birthday in Iraq

2008-07-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

AL-ASAD, Iraq (June 17, 2008) – Navy corpsmen served alongside Marines storming beaches, tucked in trenches, raiding houses, and raising an American flag on Mt. Suribachi. Their eyes see a grueling side of war and their skillful hands provide critical interventions that save lives.

Today marks the 110th anniversary of the Navy Hospital Corps, a day to reflect on noteworthy accomplishments of the medical personnel both home and abroad.

“The Navy Hospital Corps’ birthday is special to me in a number of ways,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Rodrick Jones, a corpsman with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, Marine Central Command (Forward). “The Hospital Corps’ history is incredible and being here in Iraq and doing what we are supposed to do makes this day great.”

Corpsmen have contributed during peacetime emergencies and conflicts dating back to the early 1900s.

“Any place Marines go, beside them you will find a Navy corpsman: into battle, a night on the town or just hanging out at the barracks,” explained Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Dustman, a corpsman with Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW (Fwd.). “With us beside them, they know they have someone at their back to take care of them no matter what. And in return, they take care of us.”

According to http://www.corpsman.com. these heroes have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 174 Navy Crosses, 946 Silver Stars, 1,582 Bronze Stars and 31 Army Distinguished Service Medals.

“Some of the best Marines I have ever served with, have been Navy corpsmen,” said Sgt. Maj. David Devaney, the sergeant major for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, Marine Central Command (Fwd.).

In some cases, such as the Battle of Iwo Jima, the corpsmen casualty percentage tallied more than that of the Marines in their care. Nonetheless, they continued to answer the call of “Corpsman up!” According to www.hotym.org/ymnavy.html, During World War II, 97 out of every 100 wounded men recovered due to corpsmen involvement.

“Whether I’m performing basic sick call or ensuring the daily health of the Marines, I like being there for them when I’m needed,” said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Locke, a corpsman with Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd MAW (Fwd.). “Simply being called ‘Doc’ really gives me a sense of pride.”

Ironmen ensure safety of Al Asad Air Base through mounted security patrols

2008-07-01T01:54:00.001-07:00

AL ASAD, Iraq (June 13, 2008) – With guns mounted and engines idling, the Marines of 2nd platoon, Bravo Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), prepare to roll out on a mounted security patrol.
MWSS-274 conducts mounted security patrols to ensure hostile activity never reaches the protective wire around the air base and surrounding local villages.

The patrols are designed to create a constant Marine presence in the surrounding area, deterring insurgent activity and protecting the personnel stationed aboard Al Asad Air Base, explained Sgt. Aaron W. Baisden, squad leader, 2nd platoon.

During their patrols, the Marines cover different sectors outside al-Asad, attaining maximum coverage of the area of operation. The Marines watch for anything unusual, from hostile threats to Iraqi civilians traveling through the desert.
When Marines come across Iraqi civilians, they use the opportunity to gather information.

“Every time we come across a local national, we ensure they don’t have weapons, and we ask them if they’ve seen any problems,” said Cpl. Aaron Payne, assistant patrol leader, 2nd platoon.

Marines use the time with the Iraqis to deter insurgent activity, provide impromptu humanitarian aid and search for contraband. Once cleared, the Marines provide medicine, food and water, explained Baisden, a Milton, Fla., native.

“We will also give the children candy, soccer balls or toys -- anything to make their day better,” added Baisden.

For Payne, every person his platoon comes across provides an opportunity to improve the relationship between Coalition forces and the Iraqi people.

“I like going out and interacting with the Iraqis,” said Payne, an Asheville, N.C., native. “Most of them are very friendly. I enjoy trying to learn a little about their culture and teach them a little about our culture.”

Marines learn skills to save lives

2008-06-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Jessica Aranda

AL ASAD, Iraq (June 14, 2008) – Marines deployed with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) recently became certified lifesavers after completing a class hosted by Navy corpsman here June 13.

The combat lifesaver skills course is designed to train non-medical personnel the basics of emergency care, enabling them to step in and provide assistance to patients and corpsman in a combat environment.

“While conducting combat operations, there could only be one corpsman assigned to an entire unit of Marines,” explained Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Rodrick Jones, the course instructor and corpsman with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3, 3rd MAW (Fwd.) “So when an emergency arises, these combat lifesavers become integral to stabilizing patients and assisting the corpsman.”

During the 40-hour course, instructors teach students enhanced first aid, such as clearing an airway and maintaining breathing and circulation. With hands-on activities, Marines learned how to stop bleeding, start an IV, stabilize patients with spinal injuries and treat heat casualties.

“This course gave me the confidence to help my buddies should any emergency situation arise,” said Cpl. Fabian Reynolds, a communications and navigations radar technician with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4. “I now have a better chance of saving their lives instead of running around frantically wondering what I need to do.” explained Reynolds, a native of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

At the conclusion of the course, Marines had the opportunity to apply all the procedures they learned during a mock-casualty drill. During the drill, students arrived on scene to find simulated patients with unknown injuries. With assistance from instructors, students had to assess injuries and decide how to treat victims based on the care methods they learned during class.

“I am hoping that each student takes away a general knowledge of how to treat injuries,” explained Jones, a native of Gaston, Ala. “Not just emergencies that could happen in Iraq, but emergencies that could occur in the home or in a traffic accident they may happen to arrive at. If they apply what they learned in this course, they could make the difference between life and death for a patient.”

‘Purple Foxes’ add fourth deployment to squadron history books

2008-06-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq (June 13, 2008) – Currently on their fourth deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), provides important services to Marines and service members throughout the Anbar Province.

As the only CH-46 Sea Knight squadron operating in country, the “Purple Foxes” provide key support functions such as command leader transports, troop inserts and extractions and cargo transport.

“On previous deployments the squadron has been the primary means for casualty evacuations, but we’re not doing that anymore,” said Sgt. Brian Dinning, a CH-46 crew chief with HMM-364. “It’s a sign of good improvement in the province now that there are less and less evacuations necessary.”

The Foxes know the level of support they bring to the war effort and take pride in everything they do.

Their efforts in getting the aircraft flying directly correlates with how much support the unit can give to each Marine, sailor, soldier, airman or coalition partner out on the ground, explained Lt. Col. Mark G. Schrecker, the squadron’s commanding officer.

Although CH-46 squadrons are being phased out to make room for the Corps’ newest medium-sized aircraft, the MV-22 Osprey, the Sea Knight continues to serve as a valuable asset.

“Right now, we have the oldest aircraft in country and we’re arguably carrying the highest maintenance readiness percentage. That’s simply due to the Marines’ efforts,” said Schrecker.

As a reminder of the age and history behind the aircraft and the squadron, painted on the side of each CH-46 is an exact replica of the logo used during its tour in Vietnam.

“The squadron history reminds the Marines how important our job is,” said Schrecker. “My Marines are awesome and absolutely blow me away everyday. It’s amazing how hard they work and how motivated they are.”

‘Say hello to my little friend’; Scarface assets keep Baghdad streets safe

2008-06-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

BAGHDAD, Iraq (June 10, 2008) – Soaring hundreds of feet above the capital city of Iraq, Marine attack helicopters poise ready to respond at a moments notice.

Directly supporting U.S. and Iraqi Army units, the UH-1N Huey and AH-1W Super Cobra circle the Baghdad sky, keeping a watchful eye on ground operations on the streets below.

Armed with a variety of weapon systems, this security detail is a frequent mission for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).

“Our mission was to provide on-call close air support as well as aerial surveillance in the area of Baghdad,” said Capt. Eric Mitchell, a UH-1N Huey pilot. “We’re tasked with looking at different points of interest and checking on friendly convoys but also providing support to Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police check points in the city.”

Providing as much aviation support as possible, the Marines assist the ground combat units by responding to their requests and reacting immediately in support of their needs.

“When we’re supporting a convoy, we’re looking ahead of their path for anything suspicious,” said Mitchell. “We relay information to the convoy and to the joint tactical air command to let them know what we see and gain clearance to fire on the threat before it harms anyone.”

Like most operations in Iraq, the aircraft face dangers during their mission. Surface-to-air weapons could engage them at any moment. The pilot and aircrew rely on their defense systems to react appropriately in the event of an enemy advance.

“The mere presence of HMLA rotors deters the enemy from doing anything while we’re out there,” said Mitchell. “The ground commander knows they have an aviation asset on their side that can deliver fire against the insurgency.”

HMM-364 Purple Foxes video

2008-06-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Aviation logistics; a key to flying success

2008-06-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq (June 14, 2008) – With detachments throughout the Anbar province, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), works diligently to keep aircraft in the air and in the fight.

One unit in particular, Detachment A, MALS-16, keeps the CH-46 Sea Knight, UH-1N Huey and AH-1W Super Cobra flying in support of the Coalition effort through maintenance and routine inspections aboard Camp Taqaddum.

“Our key mission is to provide an intermediate level of maintenance support to the Marine flying squadrons here,” said Gunnery Sgt. James E. Peeler, the Detachment A staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “When components break on the aircraft here, we’re the first ones to obtain the part and try and fix it.”

Along with providing maintenance on aircraft parts, the squadron possesses a number of ground support equipment used by squadrons throughout the flight line. This gear includes portable lights to allow illumination throughout the night and machinery for loading and unloading cargo from aircraft.

In addition to providing squadrons with equipment, the MALS-16 Marines use their capabilities to conduct in-depth aircraft inspections.

“We have the gear to visually inspect the high-stress areas of the aircraft,” said Sgt. Kenneth Hudson, a non-destructive inspector with Detachment A. “It allows us to see what the naked eye can’t reveal. We use a standard procedure so we can properly inspect the aircraft and its parts.”

These inspections take place after a pre-determined number of flight hours to ensure the safety of the pilots and crew.

The avionics Marines troubleshoot and repair the aircraft survivability equipment on each Marine Corps aircraft, as well as the Army UH-60 Black Hawk.

The 3rd MAW (Fwd) Marines fill an important role, reacting to all situations and ensuring the aircraft are able to continue supporting ground elements at a moments notice,” said 1st Lt. Alexis F. Vogelgesang, the Detachment A officer-in-charge.

“I’m proud of all the Marines under my charge,” said Vogelgesang. “We have augments from several units that team together to get the job done safely and in a timely manner. Our detachment’s cohesion is thriving and will continue to do so for the duration of our deployment.”

Brothers distance goes from entire continent to 200 ft

2008-06-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq (June 14, 2008) –Sergeant Jason White, a Marine assigned to Detachment Alpha, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), and Spc. Wesley White, a soldier with Bravo Company, 1-52 Army Aviation Regiment, have the luxury of a having a brother around to help them through their deployment.

“I still can’t get over it,” says Jason, the younger brother at 27. “We both joined the military and got stationed on completely different sides of the country, now we’re both deployed at the same time, to the same location in Iraq; it’s just amazing.”

Stateside, Jason is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., while his brother Wesley, 29, is on the opposite side of the U.S. at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

With the deployment to Camp Taqaddum, the nation-wide gap between the two brothers is now closed to no more than 200 feet.

The Hopewell, Va., natives, conveniently have work stations facing each other on the Camp Taqaddum flight line, allowing for a quick walk to meet one another.

“Having my brother here has definitely made this deployment more tolerable,” said Wesley.

The two often meet at the chow hall to eat with one another, or stop by each others living area at the end of shift to talk, explained Jason.

Sharing more than just a blood line, the brother’s work in the same occupational field for their respective services. Both are hydraulic mechanics; Wesley on the CH-47 Chinook and Jason, trained on the MV-22 Osprey.

“It’s been an awesome experience to see the similarities and differences in the way the two services do similar jobs,” they both explained.

Though they’re not sure when or how often they’ll get to see one another once the deployment ends, the two are enjoying each other’s company and value the time they spend deployed together.

Lioness Program

2008-06-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

Navy docs extend treatment to local village

2008-06-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Jessica N. Aranda

AL-ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq (May 15, 2008) – Medical personnel attached to Marine Wing Support Squadrons 172 and 274 visited a local village to participate in a cooperative medical engagement here today.

CME missions are dedicated to providing health care to local nationals who lack adequate facilities while simultaneously raising awareness on the people’s health conditions to the Iraqi government.

“The Marine Corps is often involved in special task forces, so humanitarian efforts like this one are not a foreign concept to the military,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christina M. Williams, the medical officer for MWSS-274.

We go to the community to screen patients, share resources and report our findings back to the Iraqi Minister of Health, explained Williams.

During the mission, personnel set up a clinic at the town’s school where locals met with medical staff to discuss health issues.

While examining more than 30 Iraqis, doctors discovered a myriad of illnesses ranging from hypertension and respiratory infections to intestinal diseases, a consequence of drinking unsanitary water.

To treat these illnesses, the medical personnel distributed bottled water and antibiotics. The CME team also passed out toiletries, demonstrated how to brush teeth and taught locals the importance of proper hygiene.

“I think the people were very happy to see us here,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Traci Inniss, the senior petty officer for MWSS-274. “We brought them medicines they can’t afford or they don’t have the means to get because there is no local doctor.”

The long-term goal of CMEs is to give the Iraqi people a sustainable medical program of their own.

“We do not want the communities to become dependent on us because they will feel abandoned after we leave,” explained Williams. “We are assisting them in assisting themselves. We are teaching them to take care of their own so the Iraqis see their own people as a source of help.

“Like the saying goes, ‘If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.’ We are doing just that,” added Williams.

The medical personnel plan several follow-up CME visits to the village in the future.

VMAQ-4 trains quick reaction forces of al-Asad

2008-06-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Scott McAdam

AL-ASAD, Iraq (May 18, 2008) – More than 40 Marines and soldiers from various 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) units participated in a Quick Reaction Force Instructor Course hosted by Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 here May 11-17.

In case of an emergency, each flying squadron aboard Al Asad Air Base employs a quick reaction force to provide immediate security for their aircraft and personnel in an expedient manner.

Because each flying squadron aboard Al Asad Air Base has a quick reaction force, having instructors at each squadron passing on the skills and techniques taught at the course improves the security of each squadron and the air base as a whole, explained Lt. Col. Thomas A. Bruno, commanding officer, VMAQ-4.

Squadrons here requested quick reaction force instructors from VMAQ-4 to train their Marines. Instead of lending out instructors to multiple units, VMAQ-4 decided to host a week long instructor’s course, allowing other units the opportunity to acquire their own instructors, explained Staff Sgt. Barry M. Worley, chief instructor, VMAQ-4.

During the course, Marines and soldiers learned a myriad of techniques, from basic weapons handling and safety rules to room clearing, urban tactics, vehicle assaults and detainee handling.

“The Marines have different training than the Army,” said Army Spc. Gregory A. Strasser, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment. “We’re going to take that training and put it together with ours.”

According to Sgt. Matthew Clark, QRF instructor, VMAQ-4, a quick reaction forces’ role is to respond quickly to any incident that may occur within a squadron’s area of responsibility.

Quick reaction forces can be activated for a number of reasons; an intruder in a squadron, indirect fire or low visibility. When the QRF is activated, they are not only responsible for securing the headquarters element of the squadron, but also the hangars and planes, added Worley, a Lafayette, Ind., native.

Because the officers in flying squadrons spend most of their time in the air on missions, the quick reaction force falls on the shoulders of the enlisted Marines and soldiers explained Bruno a Philadelphia native.

“This (QRF) is run by staff noncommissioned officers and noncommissioned officers,” added Bruno. “This is gunnys, staff sergeants, sergeants and corporals running the show out there, not supervised by anybody but themselves.”

Worley foresees the students applying the skills learned at the course throughout their Marine Corps career.

The training received by the newly appointed instructors reinforces combat marksmanship and infantry tactics and can be a vital asset to any Marine outside the wire, added Worley.

Marines, IA Give School Back to Children

2008-05-25T03:17:00.000-07:00

Airframe Marines Help Keep Osprey Flying

2008-05-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

Okinawa MWSS puts boots on deck for first time

2008-05-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

CAMP FIREBIRD, Iraq (May 15, 2008) – Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, currently assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), is the first III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) Marine Wing Support Squadron to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The deployment allows most of the Marines a chance to conduct operations in an environment they are not accustomed too.

“We wanted to give our Marines and sailors the opportunity to make a global impact,” said Lt. Col. Matthew R. Crabill, the commanding officer for MWSS-172. “They’ve been all over Asia during the past year, and when asked to deploy here they said ‘yeah, I’ll do that too.’”

The decision to send a 1st MAW support squadron was designed to reduce the deployment rate between squadrons in the other Marine Aircraft Wings.

Until the “Firebirds” transferred authority with MWSS-473 last month, the support duties were upheld by 2nd, 3rd and 4th MAW squadrons respectively; all headquartered in the United States.

Working with foreign militaries and breaching the language barrier is a familiar task to the Okinawa-based Marines.

“Coming from Pacific Command, the Marines are familiar with working with engineers from other countries,” said 2nd Lt. Crystal Serrano, the combat engineer platoon commander with MWSS-172. “The big difference now is we’re in a combat environment and we’re always maintaining a constant state of awareness.”

An MWSS is a multi-facetted unit, capable of many different jobs and missions.
Each day brings something new for the squadron as the Marines perform many functions of aviation ground support aboard Al Asad Air Base and throughout the Anbar Province.

“This is a highly technical unit with 40 to 50 (military occupational specialties) pulling together to complete several functions of aviation ground support,” said Crabill. “Everyone has to be professionally competent in their field, yet ready to become a part of a mission-tailored team at a moments notice.”

The squadron has a command structure focused on small-unit leadership by noncommissioned officers, which along with dedication to complete the mission, is a large part of their success.

“Almost every Marine who had to extend their contract with us in order to make this deployment did so,” said Crabill. “Most of our leaders are Iraq and Afghanistan war-veterans who wanted to be with their Marines and sailors during this deployment. These are all measures of the command’s collective commitment.”

HMH-462 delivers raid to al-Anbar

2008-05-19T02:52:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Scott McAdam

AL-ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ (May 8, 2008) – Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), inserted and extracted a raid force here, today.

The “Heavy Haulers,” escorted by attack helicopters from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 3rd MAW (Fwd), transported more than 40 service members to an Island in the Euphrates River to locate and seize weapons that could potentially be used against Coalition forces.

“Overall I think the mission went really well from the aviation perspective,” said
Maj. Michael A. Carter, director of safety and CH-53E Super Stallion pilot, HMH-462.

The Super Stallion is a vital asset in Iraq because it is the biggest helicopter platform. The CH-53E has the ability to transport a large amount of weight; transporting troops and equipment in combat operations or moving supplies around Iraq, explained Sgt. Keith M. Flick a weapons and tactics crew chief instructor with HMH-462.

“I am truly blessed to be able to do this, to be able to not only serve my country like this, but to serve other Marines,” said Carter. “It’s important to stop and
take a moment to think about how connected we are on a day-to-day basis to the security of our nation as well as security of the region.”

Marines prepare al-Asad for future

2008-05-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

Marines, IA give school back to children

2008-05-10T00:16:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

BAGHDADI, Iraq (May 8, 2008) – A multi-unit task force recently participated in a construction project here which will soon allow local children to return to school.

Combat engineers with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), teamed with Alpha Company, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion and the Engineer Company, 7th Iraqi Infantry Division, to construct a new site for the Iraqi Army soldiers in town to conduct their military operations.

For more than two years, 3rd Battalion, 27th Brigade, 7th Iraqi Infantry Division, has occupied the town’s school house while maintaining security and controlling traffic in the local area.

The situation has prevented the children from using the building and has forced an over-population of students in the town’s other schools.

The project will allow the school house to be used for its original intent – teaching the young generation of Iraq.

“This is a great opportunity for the Marines and IA to give something back to the town,” said 2nd Lt. Crystal Serrano, the combat engineer platoon commander with MWSS-172. “We’re directly working with the IA engineers for this project and it’s important for them to help build this location in order for the children and local community to have the school back.”

While 3rd CEB heavy-equipment operators fortified the new site, strategically placing barriers, guard houses and concertina wire at the location, MWSS-172 and IA engineers built several Southwest Asia huts for the IA battalion to use, making the site a solid military location.

Leading up to the mission, MWSS-172 Marines and IA engineers pre-fabricated most of the large pieces of the SWA huts aboard Al Asad Air Base, in order to complete the construction in a timely manner once out in the field.

Because of MWSS-172’s high operational-tempo, assets were limited in moving the equipment for the mission.

According to Serrano, the operation would not have happened if the IA engineers didn’t use their trucks to help bring the gear and pre-constructed components to the site.

Once on location, the teams worked day and night, carefully calculating all measurements and dimensions to ensure the longevity of the structures.

“The quickest way al-Anbar province can be prosperous is if we get the Iraqi Army and people in Anbar to work at it,” said Chief Warrant Officer John H. Walter, the support platoon commander for Alpha Company, 3rd CEB. “It’s comforting to know they’re willing to change and they want to change.”

The difference in their attitudes from the beginning of the conflict to now is overwhelming, added Walter.

“By helping these children get back in the classroom, it will further their education and help them learn why the Coalition is here and why we’re helping,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth W. Cumper, the engineer platoon staff noncommissioned officer in charge with MWSS-172. “Making a difference to the children now, will further our relationship with them in the future, when it’s their generation leading the country.”

The final step in the project is to de-militarize the school, which is scheduled to be completed before the start of the next school term.

Ten to one

2008-05-08T03:06:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Jessica Aranda

AL ASAD, Iraq (May 1, 2008) –He’s traveled to countries including Japan, Saudi Arabia, Hungary and Australia since his enlistment in 1982. But when he received the deployment roster for his current assignment, he noticed something unique about his upcoming duty here.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Sean P. Jevning’s unit, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, would be deploying with MALS-11, the parent command of his son, Cpl. Robert S. Jevning.

Both father and son work in aviation ordnance, but since Robert’s enlistment two years ago, the duo decided to keep their careers separate to maintain professionalism. Now, they both contribute to the daily missions of MALS-16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).

“We have never worked together until now,” said Sean, who is on his tenth deployment. “We both wanted the same job but we didn’t want our careers interfering with each other. I was cautious when I first found out we would be here together, because of the idea of preferential treatment.”

Robert was born in California when his father was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. From there, he followed his father’s career to Seattle, Wash., Beaufort, S.C., and Okinawa, Japan.
“Growing up, I was fairly adamant about not becoming a Marine,” said Robert. “But as I got older, I got wiser. I made the decision, and haven’t looked back since.”

“I was very proud of my son’s decision,” said Sean. “I expected it, even though he didn’t.”

Robert, who is on his first deployment, recently won the combat meritorious sergeant board for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and is scheduled to be promoted Friday.

“To have my dad here and be able to tell him I won face-to-face was indescribable,” said Robert.

Accomplishments like this one represent how ordnance Marines stand out amongst their peers for their professionalism, explained the father and son.

“I am both professionally and personally proud,” said Sean, a native of Pflugerville, Texas. “I consider myself lucky because of the professionalism and accomplishments of all my Marines. There is also a father’s pride that can’t be described.”

The two Marines say the company of a family member has made the deployment easier for them, and their family back home.

“I think my wife has a good level of comfort knowing we are both here, taking care of each other,” said Sean. “To have him here makes me one of the luckiest men around. Not many people get to go war with their son.”

Looking ahead; Marines prepare al-Asad for future

2008-05-03T02:48:00.001-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AL-ASAD, Iraq (April 28, 2008) – Marine Wing Communication Squadron 38 is preparing Al Asad Air Base for future military operations by updating the underground wiring system across the base.

During the construction project, Marines replace older equipment with newer, more efficient technology.

Outside plant, or OSP, Marines with MWCS-38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), are responsible for running the fiber and copper lines through duct and manhole systems outside. A separate entity in the squadron is inside plant, which works inside buildings and connects the outside lines with the internal ones to complete the link.

“We’re making all these changes and updates so we have a good product to turn over to the Iraqis down the line,” said Gunnery Sgt. Wesley E. Krohn, the outside plant staff noncommissioned officer in charge with MWCS-38. “We’re always improving the system that’s in place, constantly looking to the future.”

The OSP Marines perform these tasks in three key steps; pull out the old cable, perform a conduit survey and repair if necessary, and run the new cable through the conduit system.

Conduits are wire-protective casings, which when installed correctly, prolong and protect the wires and cables while making it easier to gain access if needed.

During the projects, Marines found that the older conduits were improperly installed, damaged by other dig projects or had filled with dirt and rocks.

The Marines take their time, carefully removing the old casings and installing new ones, ensuring they don’t disturb the other power lines buried in the ground.

“We could have been selfish and just replaced the wires and cables, but we thought about the future and wanted to make it easier for anyone who will be working with the system down the line,” said Cpl. Joseph W. Gajewski, a team leader and ground radio technician with MWCS-38. “These jobs will make the system more effective and efficient for the future.”

‘Batting’ a thousand

2008-05-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Jessica Aranda

AL WALEED, Iraq (April 20, 2008) – A small team of lance corporals, corporals and one sergeant augmented from units of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) hold the responsibility of screening 100 percent of personnel coming through Iraq’s second busiest port of entry.

The “BATS” Marines, nicknamed after the Biometrics Automated Toolset electronics system they use, photograph, document and scan the fingerprint and irises of each person crossing the border.

Programmed into their BATS system are the profiles of highly-valued individuals and wanted insurgents. The equipment alerts the Marines when a profile matches that of a terrorist or foreign fighter and they call Multi National Force – West headquarters for guidance on detaining the suspect.

Should MNF-West deem detainment necessary, the Marines have 24 hours to deliver the detainee to Camp Korean Village, and 48 hours to transport them to Al Asad Air Base.

“I think our job is very important,” said Cpl. Kevin Davis, a member of the team and Dallas native. “The transition teams here are enforcing rules and training the Iraqis, but we are the only team dedicated to finding and eliminating terrorists from entering the country.”

The team goes out at different times to avert possible threats and suicide bombers from planning any operation against the BATS Marines. Once they patrol to the port, the group stops all vehicles and begins scanning the irises of each passenger.

The Marines “BAT” thousands of individuals each week, ensuring no terrorist crosses through the border by hiding in the realms of innocent citizens.

“We catch as many people as we can to prevent them from endangering the Marines and Iraqi people down the line,” said Cpl. Conrad Keoni, the BATS noncommissioned officer in charge and a Farmington, N.M., native.

The BATS team is a 60-day augment, and the Marines do most of their training on the job. In their short time here, they have learned basic the basic Arabic language and customs, and honed combat skills.

“Being a part of the BATS team is completely different from my job,” said Cpl. Steven Aguilar, a San Antonio, Texas, native and administrative clerk with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38. “I got the opportunity to obtain real combat experience. I also learned that the Iraqi’s are very hospitable people verses what is shown on TV. ”

Marines assist Iraqi brigade to secure Western borders

2008-04-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Jessica Aranda

AL WALEED, Iraq (April 17, 2008) – Border enforcement, the foundation in building a nation’s security, is an important line of defense against threats entering Iraq.

The Marines of the Border Transition Team for the Iraqi 5th Brigade, 2nd Region train, mentor and advise Iraq’s Department of Border Enforcement on a daily basis, ensuring security of the region.

The BTT members, all augments of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, work most frequently with the Desert Wolves, the headquarters of the 5th Brigade, who heads three battalions responsible for deterring all illegal cross-border activity in their area of operations.

The mission of the Desert Wolves includes securing the Iraqi-Jordanian and Syrian borders; preventing terrorists and smugglers from entering the country. They work out of border forts— small cement structures located just inland of the border, to prevent any illegal entries.

“By degrading the enemy’s access to weapons and reinforcements into the country, the Desert Wolves are establishing a safer place for the free-Iraqi people and the coalition forces here to support them,” said Capt. Wade Fairbanks, the operations officer for the BTT.

“We are trying to train the Desert Wolves to function effectively as a unit and support their subordinate units,” continued Fairbanks. “Instead of providing solutions for our counterparts, our focus is helping them develop their own solutions.”

The BTT trains the Desert Wolves in every aspect; from logistics and communication to the fundamentals of leadership. They teach them the importance of working through a chain-of-command and documenting all work procedures.

The team, along with members of the U.S. Border Patrol, monitors all training evolutions to ensure technical and tactical proficiency.

When working with the Desert Wolves, the BTT conforms to the Iraqi custom of becoming friends with the unit’s personnel before conducting business. Friendships and familiar faces create trust, and teaching begins once that trust is established.

Since the Department of Border Enforcement rotates shifts regularly the Marines face challenges in making progress with the new staff.

To combat the complexities of the continuously fluid environment, the Marines use ingenuity and wit to accomplish their mission, explained Fairbanks.

“Our daily presence is what is making a difference,” explained WO1 Oscar Gonzalez, the logistics officer for the BTT.

As the Iraqis begin adapting the procedures taught by the Marines, the BTT can assume the role of a supervisor. One example of success for the Desert Wolves is their first Iraqi-planned and executed convoy from Al-Waleed to Baghdad, some 550 kilometers away.

“The Marines have made most of the soldiers here become ‘real soldiers’ by pushing them into a military way of life,” said Iraqi Staff Col. Attia Al-Ali, the superior officer for the Desert Wolves.

“The Marines provide my guys with constant training in communications, logistics, medical training, inspections and even ethics.”

We now have a unit that can secure and control the borders of Iraq, explained Al-Ali.

“We could not do our job without the help of the Marines and the coalition forces,” he concluded.

Marines, UN visit Palestinian refugee camp

2008-04-30T00:54:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Jessica Aranda

The Border Transition Team of the Iraqi 5th Brigade, 2nd Region, made up of Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, escorted staff from the United Nations to assess the living conditions of more than 1700 Palestinian refugees here.

Humanitarian assistance projects such as this complement the security provided by the Border Transition Team and symbolize how the Marine Corps reaches past their normal operations to assist local nationals.

Because of a continuous influx into the camp, Multi National Force – West tasked the Marines at Combat Outpost Waleed to support the U.N's High Commissioner for Refugees' mission. The Marines escorted the U.N. staff to the refugee camp, in an effort to offer a safe, sanitary way of life.

"We provided the logistical, transportation and security support for U.N. personnel in order to allow them to conduct humanitarian aide efforts," said 1st Lt. Michael Miller, the mission commander and intelligence officer for the Border Transition Team of the Iraqi 5th Brigade, 2nd Region.

The mission lasted two days, allocating the representatives enough time to conduct a detailed survey of the area. The Marines transported the staff in a convoy both days, posted security during the mission and provided billeting for the staff at the outpost.

"We came here in a combined effort to do technical assessments to improve the water, hygiene and sanitation conditions of the camp," said Marilyn Virrey-Raguin, a U.N. representative. "Because of the war, we have many challenges in accessing sites like this one, so the security protocols provided by the Marines were critical to our mission."

All of the displaced personnel once fell under the regime of Saddam Hussein. After his fall in 2003, the men, women, and children were forced by the Iraqis to flee Baghdad. With no where else to go, they found a safe haven just minutes away from the Iraqi-Syrian border.

Their camp consists of a mass of tattered tents in the open desert, surrounded by trash and a small, gapping concertina-wire boundary. To outsiders, this may look like a third-world great depression, but for the Palestinian children, it is all they know.

After walking around the camp and talking with the refugees, the U.N. representatives head back to their respective headquarters to report their findings and begin planning for improvements.

"Walking around the camp, you see these tough Marines become soft-hearted at the sight of these kids," said Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Hurst, the intelligence chief for the BTT. "I think it’s a good thing we are doing this and we are happy to be a part of any mission to help them.”

The BTT Marines escort the U.N. to visit and assess the camp each month.

One step closer; MWSS-172 provides key step in mission-accomplishment

2008-04-25T03:20:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq (April 24, 2008) – The dedicated Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), provide a pivotal link between the aviation and ground combat elements by modifying existing helicopter-landing zones at various locations in Iraq and creating new ones from scratch.

The HLZs become a key piece of real estate, serving as a solid landing area for rotary-wing aircraft, delivering Marines and fresh supplies into the fight.

“Every landing zone we create or modify brings us another step closer to catching the enemy,” said Staff Sgt. Donald E. Stehley Jr., the heavy equipment maintenance chief with MWSS-172. “We’re taking outdated LZs and improving them for the betterment of the coalition’s mission in Iraq.”

During the missions, Marines battle the desert heat while braving the dangers that exist outside the perimeter of Al Asad Air Base.

Using heavy equipment, the Marines level the area, compact the dirt and lay down a coat of “rhino snot,” a soil-stabilizing substance which hardens the ground, preventing excessive dirt and sand clouds, or “brownouts,” when aircraft land on site.

Limiting brownouts increases visibility, allowing pilots to land their aircraft safely.

“Having these Marines improve this LZ will allow us to continue to conduct operations out here and sustain a safe and smooth command post,” said Maj. Paul D. Mackenzie, the future-operations planner with Multi National Force – West. “We’re heavily dependent on the air wing for resupplies, close-air support and aerial reconnaissance missions.”

The sustainment of these landing zones prolongs its operating length, allowing each site to sustain a sufficient mission pace in order to accomplish tasks as needed.

“By coming out here and doing this type of job, it puts the hard work and training these Marines do prior to deployment into perspective,” said Warrant Officer Owen B. Pottorff, the heavy equipment platoon commander for MWSS-172. “Knowing the large-scale impact our Marines have on the war effort makes them feel better about their job.”

2008-04-24T09:02:00.001-07:00

VMU-2 CO talks about their mission and transfering authority from VMU-1

2008-04-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

VMU-1 CO talks about their mission and transfering authority to VMU-2

2008-04-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

VMU-1 Provides Overwatch

2008-04-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

HMLA -169 Provides Effective CAS

2008-04-22T03:55:00.000-07:00

Can you hear me now?

2008-04-20T03:12:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

AL ASAD, Iraq — Communication and data exchange are vital tools in the war on terrorism.

The United States’ ability to have a sustained strategic battlefield and base-to-base communication system provides all service members an advantage in everyday operations.

Marine Wing Communication Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), provides the vital communication link between several bases operating in the western Anbar Province and with units back in the states.

“We are a centralized communication unit that provides 24-hour continual service to support all operations and facilitate the movement of all information on and off the base,” said Gunnery Sgt. David Puente, data chief with Company A, MWCS-38. “Without us here, there would be no internet, email or any other form of communication available.”

Marines work around the clock, maintaining the network’s infrastructure, ensuring no unit operates without the necessary information-flow needed to complete their mission.
“Continual service ensures battle commanders can visually see what’s taking place and make sound decisions based on the information in front of them,” said Puente.

Troubleshooting and adjusting to the system’s ever-changing capabilities remain a constant component of the job.

Working side-by-side with civilian contractors, the system has become virtually flawless, creating endless forms of back-up power and network mapping so it remains running all hours of the day.

In addition to data control and exchange, MWCS-38 also maintains the equipment used in the communication process.

A maintenance section within the squadron fixes radio and computer systems for all wing units and for some Army and Air Force commands stationed aboard Al Asad Air Base.

The squadron supports the large spectrum of 3rd MAW (Fwd.) issues by ensuring desktops, laptops, printers and fiber optic cables used in the data-exchange process remain in good working condition.

“We have a huge responsibility out here in Iraq. The network here is one of the largest communication networks in a deployed environment,” said Capt. Jonathan L. Camarillo, Company A commander. “Our Marines do a great job by remaining sharp and focused, knowing that without communication, Marines and all service members operating here cannot successfully complete their mission.”

Teamwork allows HMLA 169 to provide effective CAS

2008-04-20T03:11:00.000-07:00

Staff Sgt. Ryan O'Hare

Taqaddum, Iraq (April 17, 2008) - Utilizing a combination of helicopters to assist ground troops during missions allows the ‘Vipers’ of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 to merge the unique capabilities of both their aircraft.

The twin engine UH-1N, otherwise known as the ‘Huey’ along side the AH-1W Super Cobra, simultaneously provide protection as well as aerial reconnaissance to units in the fight.

“The basic philosophy between the combination is that there are some things the Hueys can do, that the Cobras can’t, and vice-versa,” said Capt. Richard Alcabes, HMLA 169, UH-1N pilot. “Call it Batman and Robin if you will, but the combination is very effective.”

The majority of missions supported by the Vipers consist of troop inserts, close air support and convoy assistance.

“The Hueys work together very well with the Cobras,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Barrett, UH-1N crew chief. “We have the capability to bring the heavy firepower from the Cobras and also the good coverage that the Hueys can provide.”

This unique aerial partnership between the two helicopters allows for effective results, despite their difference in age.

“The Hueys have been around since the Vietnam era,” commented Barrett, a Bettendorf, Iowa, native. “Most of them are older than I am, but it’s a tried and true platform and they continue to be successful.”

Although the Huey has been in service for more than 40 years, modifications and updates make it a valuable Marine Corps asset.

“It’s kind of unique within the rotary-wing to begin with,” said Barrett. “It really allows us to configure the aircraft in several different ways, so that we can provide troop inserts, light cargo lifts and also act as a gun ship.”

Although the Huey does have room for supplies and light troop numbers, its combat capabilities are far surpassed by that of the Cobra.

According to Alcabes, the Cobra is specifically designed for attack missions. The air to air combat capabilities and the ability to fire missiles and other ordnance makes the Cobra a great escort for the UH-1N.

“The Cobra provides the speed and maneuvering that we can’t,” said Alcabes. “It also has precision-guided ordnance, making it a very effective weapon in the sky.”

With each helicopter working together as a team, the unique partnership within HMLA-169 will continue to provide effective support to troops on the ground as well as efficient intelligence capabilities in the air.

New IA training center to increase formal instruction

2008-04-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens

CAMP MEJID, Iraq (April 15, 2008) – Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, the organization responsible for the development and training of Iraqi Security Forces, participated in a ground-breaking ceremony for a new divisional training center here today.

The DTC, one of several being built across Iraq, will provide ongoing individual and small unit training to the 7th Iraqi Army Division and subordinate units, prior to participating in combat operations.

“It is imperative the Iraqi soldiers get sound, fundamental, combat basic training, in order to sustain themselves for the future,” said Army Lt. Col. Curt A. Grayer, the senior advisor for the DTC here. “We are dedicated to building a world class training center that will provide outstanding opportunities for the soldiers to become a more cohesive, combat-effective fighting team.”

Once the facility is completed, the organization intends to train high-level Iraqi soldiers to become instructors who will eventually train their own men, enabling the army to become more independent and self sufficient in the process.

Today’s ceremony signified the beginning of phase one of a four phase plan.

The first phase is the construction of a combat assault course, which is scheduled to consist of more than 22 obstacles for the soldiers to maneuver during training.

“This course will promote teamwork while developing a heightened sense of awareness, greater endurance, stronger drive and competitive spirit, while improving overall physical conditioning,” said Grayer.

Future construction phases include classrooms for military education, a small-arms range and a military operation on urban terrain area.

“This site will provide a good opportunity for the Iraqis to increase their war-fighting capabilities,” said Marine Sgt. Jarad K. Stout, the training chief for the 7th Infantry Division Military in Transition Team. “We are looking forward to the completion of the project and to working with the Iraqis on the fire ranges and obstacles.”

The DTC will support the army’s overall training system by building and expanding from existing modules, while bringing the training to their own base.

“We are very excited to have the training center open for the 7th Division,” said Iraqi Staff Brig. Gen. Abdullah Mohammad Bayder al-Jabouri, through interpretation, the commanding general for the 7th Infantry Division. “The Iraqi Army is proud to see positive feelings toward them and we realize the new training center will make us a stronger army against the enemy.”

The construction is scheduled to be completed in six to nine months.

Iraqi faces on Iraqi jobs

2008-04-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Scott McAdam

AL-ASAD, Iraq (April 7, 2008) – In Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Iraqi people are showing progress though their government works, rebuilding projects, and police and military operations. At Al Asad Air Base, Iraqi soldiers work in conjunction with the Marine Corps, keeping the air base secure by manning the main entry control point aboard the installation.

According to Master Sgt. Joseph P. Beall, Charlie Company first sergeant, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), the long term goal is to turn over all entry control points to the Iraqis.

“This is a very long term goal, but you’ve got to take baby steps first,” said Beall, a Savanna, Ga., native. “The best thing about this is that we are putting an Iraqi face on an Iraqi job.”

At the ECP, the Iraqi soldiers focus on checking manifests, searching vehicles and counting the number of Iraqi soldiers, police and local nationals entering base. After the checks, the soldiers relay the information to MWSS-274.

Though the Iraqi soldiers have only been on the gate for little more than a week, they’ve already shown signs of progress.
“They’re adjusting to their job; learning who can come on base and the regulations they must follow,” said Beall. “As the days go by, we see less and less of the (Military in Transition Teams).”

To train for their post mission, MiTT-0720, 7th Iraqi Army Division, instructs the Iraqi soldiers on security, weapons handling, inspections and search training, with a large emphasis on dealing with the public.

“They’ve come a long way since we started,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Q. Magann, military police advisor, MiTT-0720, 7th Iraqi Army Division.

Magann has worked with the MiTT team for the past six months and says the language barrier is one of the largest obstacles the two forces encounter.

To overcome the language difficulty between the two militaries, the Marines and Iraqi soldiers use interpreters, but mainly rely on hand and arm signals to communicate effectively.

"Things get a little difficult when there are two different languages involved,” said Cpl. Ryan S. Gagnon, dismount and combat lifesaver, MWSS-274, “But sticking your thumb up is the universal signal for ‘okay’.”

Iraqi Pfc. Abdul Star Shaker, intelligence soldier, MiTT-0720, feels this training helps the Iraqi soldiers learn the proper way to do their job.

For Shaker, being an army soldier holds more meaning than checking identification on gates or securing an air base.

“I joined the army to help protect the Iraqi people and help stop the aggression of the insurgents because they kill innocent people,” said Shaker. “We all have that responsibility as Iraqis.”

Incident response service members train to keep al-Asad contaminate free

2008-04-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Scott McAdam

AL-ASAD, Iraq (April 5, 2008) – Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons are all potential threats today’s war fighter could encounter. Fortunately, every branch of the U.S. military has service members charged with protecting the armed forces from these unconventional hazards.

To combat these threats, CBRN Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) host joint-service training with the Army aboard Al Asad Air Base, to increase the effectiveness of their incident response capabilities in Iraq.

During the training, the service members focused on refreshing their skills and using newer technologies.

“Because the threat in Iraq is more (from) toxic industrial chemicals than chemical warfare, we are familiarizing ourselves with new equipment and (standard operating procedure) to adjust to the threat,” said Sgt. Stefan Stelzenmueller, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives specialist, MWHS-3.

According to Army 1st Lt. Jared Young, CBRN officer, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, because his soldiers are not currently in a CBRN unit, the training had two advantages: the opportunity for hands-on experience and helping his soldiers refocus on their military occupational specialty.

“(The Marines) are great and allow us to use their equipment and facilities and coordinate with the instructors,” added Young, a Burley, Ind., native.

During the training, the Marines and soldiers set up a contamination scenario involving several chemicals in a simulated environment. The Marines and soldiers then tested the chemicals, took samples, and decontaminated.

Using a hazardous material identification system, the CBRN specialists can identify a substance within 99 percent accuracy.

According to Stelzenmueller, training the Army will allow the Base CBRN Marines the ability to draw on Army resources and manpower in the event of a large-scale contamination response.

“As far as my own Marines go, this (training) enhances our response capability exponentially,” added Stelzenmueller, a Portland, Ore. native.

VMU-1’s first deployment with Shadow successful

2008-04-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Staff Sgt. Bobbie Bryant

AL-TAQADDUM, Iraq (April 16, 2008) Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 ended a historical seven-month deployment at Camp Al-Taqaddum, Iraq and is heading home to Twentynine Palms, Calif.

This deployment was the first time the Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle was tested in a combat environment, replacing the older Pioneer UAV.

“The Shadow’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services help reduce the utilization rates of fixed and rotary wing aircraft supporting the ISR mission, thus reducing the cost to the Marine Corps,” said Lt. Col. Geoffrey H. Field, commanding officer of VMU-1.

Both the Shadow and Pioneer have similar capabilities, however the most noteworthy difference saved the unit on man-hours and replacement parts.

The Marines of VMU-1 cite that the Shadow needs less maintenance to operate than the Pioneer does. On average it is about two man-hours for one hour of flight for Shadow as compared to more than three man-hours for one flight-hour of Pioneer.

“We refuel it, go over all the surfaces and oil it. Everything is usually in good working order. We wipe everything down after every flight to assist in corrosion prevention and to keep the dust off,” said Lance Cpl. Drew M. Hurst, a UAV mechanic from St. Augustine, Fla. “We used to replace propellers all the time on the Pioneer but not so much with Shadow.”

The Shadow’s technological advances and reduced maintenance requirements give the Marines of VMU-1 confidence in the platform and its future.

“I felt that it would be much easier to maintain and operate and it exceeded my expectations,” said Field. “The technology will keep growing, providing better communications capability, better payloads, and hopefully one day the Shadow will have an onboard weapons system.”

Since the unit deployed in September 2007, the Shadow flew in over 480 sorties with more than 2,500 flight hours with zero mishaps.

“All the Marines with VMU-1 have done a great job in ensuring our missions were a success,” Wheeler said. “Our unit has deployed every year since this war has started. Some of our Marines are going on their fourth and fifth tours. We are proud of each and every one of them.”

Strong NCOs key to engineers’ success in Iraq

2008-04-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Staff Sgt. Bobbie Bryant

AL-TAQADDUM, Iraq (April 16, 2008) – Over 21,300 man-hours performed by a handful of combat engineers led by four noncommissioned officers added up to one thing for their mission in Iraq-success.

Engineer Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), can take pride in their Marines’ efforts as they wrap up a seven-month deployment at Camp Al-Taqqadum, Iraq, this month.

The company completed over 200 projects by creating four construction project teams that included Marines with combat engineers, utilities and heavy equipment platoons.

Gunnery Sgt. Jason R. Gillespie, Construction Platoon’s staff noncommissioned officer in charge, attributes the unit’s success to the many strong NCOs who led their own project team.

“This is by far the strongest core of noncommissioned officers that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They are a solid group of Marines,” said Gillespie, a Dixie, Wash., native. “They have the ability to adapt and overcome no matter what the situation is. They took charge of the tasks they were given. I could send out a corporal or a sergeant as a project leader with a group of seven to eight Marines and they always finished ahead of time and exceeded my expectations.”

One project alone took over 7,000 man-hours as they made rapid repairs to the runway. The repairs were completed in small sections so they did not interfere with normal operations.

“That job wasn’t always a pleasant experience,” said Sgt. Joshua M. Junge, a Construction Platoon team leader, from Deshler, Ohio. “We were in winds at approximately 30 mph and the temperature was in the teens during winter months. We were running a jack hammer and pouring concrete. We had to constantly be moving.”

If planes cannot land or taxi, then supplies and troops cannot get where they need to be in a timely matter. According to the NCOs, their Marines understand and relish the fact that repairing the runway is essential to the overall mission here.

Even though the airfield was a huge project for the Marines, they were able to provide many services necessary to support the air combat element. Some of the other projects were: reconnaissance and survey, construction and maintenance of mission-essential base requirements such as bunkers, aircraft parking areas, and billeting.

Marines also had a hand in multiple smaller projects such as roofs, decks, offices and awnings. They made repairs to office walls and the gym and installed windows, framed A/C units, and drafted helicopter landing zones, to name a few.

The team leaders spoke highly of their Marines, pointing out what contributed to their mission accomplishments.

“We had a lot of hard workers who adapted to the conditions and workload. They overcame the challenges and were flexible. They took things in stride as some of the projects were mentally challenging for them,” said Sgt. Derek A. Kenney, a team leader with Construction Platoon., who hails from St. Petersburg, Fla. “This deployment has taught me a lot about what one team of Marines can accomplish.”

As a result of the efforts from the engineers, one look around Al-Taqaddum and the surrounding area is solid proof that these Marines have greatly contributed to the growth and development here. Not only did they leave their boot prints but they left a lasting impression to be enjoyed by service members and Iraqi citizens.

Coming full circle, Iraqi born Marine receives American citizenship in country of his birth.

2008-04-16T04:52:00.001-07:00

Story by Cpl. Scott McAdam

BAGHDAD — “For all of you, the oath of citizenship is more than a formality. And today, America is more than your home; it’s your country. This is one of the things that makes our country so unique. With a single oath, all at once you become as fully American as the most direct descendant of a founding father.” – President George W. Bush

Lance Cpl. Evan Eskharia, a basic water systems technician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), received his United States citizenship during a naturalization ceremony at al-Faw Palace, Baghdad, April 12.

Receiving his U.S. citizenship in the war-torn country of his birth represents the culmination of his family’s determination and will to flee an oppressive regime and seek the freedoms and opportunities only offered in America.

“This is in my top three proudest days of my life,” said Eskharia, who lived in El Cajon, Calif., prior to joining the Marine Corps. “It’s up there with the birth of my son and receiving my eagle, globe and anchor.”

The naturalization ceremony was the largest outside the United States, with 259 service members from 71 different countries receiving their citizenship.

“It’s that feeling in your heart, that now you’re a U.S. citizen; it feels really good,” Eskharia added.

When Eskharia was 9 years old, he and his family fled Iraq to Turkey due to Saddam Hussein’s oppressive regime. At the time, when an Iraqi boy turned 16, he would be drafted into the Iraqi military. Having five male children, Eskharia’s mother and father decided they would rather leave the country than see their children become a part of Saddam’s tyranny.

“It was very difficult for my parents to leave everything behind,” explained Eskharia. “My parents wanted us to have a better life and better opportunities, so we left.”

Once the Eskharia family reached Turkey, the Turkish government placed them in a refugee camp in Istanbul for more than three years.

Eskharia remembers his time in the refugee camp as difficult; his family treated horribly, with clean water scarce, very little liberty to go outside and living with nine to 10 people in rooms built for three.

In 1993, the Eskharias applied for and received a green card from the United States. The family moved to California and started a new life as so many immigrants have done before them.

Even though the time in Turkey was hard for the Eskharia family, it made coming to the United States and enjoying the freedom afforded to Americans well worth it.

To repay the country who took he and his family in, Eskharia made a decision few American citizens and even fewer immigrants make – to join the United States Marine Corps.

“He’s (Eskharia) put in a lot of hard work to get into the Marine Corps and to get his naturalization,” said Eskharia’s brother-in-law, Sgt. Wendle F. Anderson, special intelligence systems administrator, MWSS-373, 3rd MAW (Fwd). “He feels that since America took him and his family in, he owes America a debt of gratitude and that’s why he joined the Marine Corps.”

While in the Marine Corps, Eskharia used his newfound brotherhood as a support system while applying for citizenship.

“It is a great feeling knowing you have the backup and support of the Marine Corps,” said Eskharia. “They are always there for help.”

Through deploying with the Marine Corps, Eskharia found himself back in the country of his birth.

“It feels good knowing that I can contribute to Iraq,” said Eskharia. “I do speak Arabic, not fluently, but I can still understand what people say and if Iraqis have a question, I can help them out and try to explain what is going on.”

Though a lot has changed in the last 15 years, being in Iraq has brought back some childhood memories.

Currently stationed at al-Taqaddum, Eskharia remembers Lake Habbaniyah where he, his father and two brothers used to fish and swim.

“We drove by Lake Habbaniyah the other day and I was like, ‘Huh, I remember this lake,’” said Eskharia. “I remember the hills around there, but there is a lot of barbed wire and fences now that weren’t there before. It’s a lot different now.”

Conquering one of his life goals, Eskharia stays focused on his future. Speaking Aramaic, and with his knowledge of Arabic, Eskharia would like to go to military linguist school in Monterey, Calif., to hone his Arabic language skills and become a linguist for the Marine Corps.

“I feel he makes a great Marine; he’s a good person, a good father, a good husband and a good brother,” said Anderson, a Buffalo, Mo., native. “I think this is well deserved.”

“In my heart, this is what I’ve always wanted to do,” explained Eskharia. “I’ve wanted to be a U.S. citizen ever since we came to the states from Baghdad. It’s very important to me because it’s an accomplishment and an achievement in my life.”

Tactical Bulk Delivery Fuel System

2008-04-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

Video of HMH-361 "Flying Tigers" resupplying aircraft using an onboard fuel system.

HMLA-167 40th anniversary

2008-04-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Lt. Col Watkins (HMLA-167 CO) talks about the history of MHLA-167 on their 40th anniversary.

Full service gas, Marine Corps way

2008-04-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Scott McAdam

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq (April 5, 2008) -- Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), refueled elements of Regimental Combat Team 5 and Taskforce Debabah in the al-Anbar Province April 5.

In a short period of time, two CH-53E Super Stallions transferred approximately 32,000 gallons of fuel to ground troops in the field. The mission allowed the ground combat element to remain on patrol rather than return to base.

According to Sgt. Uber Saucedo, M1A1 tank commander, Delta Company, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, rather than traveling to a forward operating base to replenish fuel stores, receiving fuel in the field saved the Marines and soldiers more than a half-day’s worth of travel.
Delivering the fuel is one of the many ways the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing maximizes the U.S. military’s effectiveness in Iraq.

“This is part of our mission, delivering cargo, personnel and supplies wherever they need to go; whether it’s supplies on the frontlines or delivering fuel in the middle of nowhere,” said Capt. John Ballenger, CH-53E pilot, HMH-361. “It’s bringing assets to the troops; their mission is that important.”

“The (ground combat element) is out there searching for insurgents and patrolling in order to keep not only the forward operating bases safe, but the outlaying countryside too,” added Ballenger, a Tulsa, Okla., native.

Seeing everyone helping each other out for a common purpose and goal makes these missions really worth it, added Ballenger.

Throughout the day, the Flying Tigers performed two separate fuel resupplies, while transporting working dog teams and explosive ordnance disposal Marines to the combat troops.
Staff Sgt. Perry Miller, CH-53E crew chief, HMH-361, feels a sense of accomplishment and pride every time he supports ground forces.

“My brother is a sergeant in the infantry at Camp Pendleton, and I hear stories about what they go through, so it feels good to do this,” said Perry, a Chinook, Mont., native.

Iraqi contractor to build flight line chapel aboard al Asad

2008-04-06T03:22:00.003-07:00

Sgt. Lukas Atwell

AL ASAD, Iraq, (April 2, 2008) – A ground-breaking ceremony held today marked the beginning of construction for a new chapel on the south side of the base.

The $280,000 contract, part of the ‘Iraqi First’ program, marked the first time an Iraqi construction company has performed work aboard al Asad since the war began. The program started last year and has contracted dozens of projects aboard U.S. installations throughout Iraq.
“The U.S. government is reaching out and trying to help the Iraqi companies and people find more work and stimulate their economy,” said Navy Cmdr. Roland Mina, the public works officer for al Asad.

The program has provided work for many Iraqi craftsmen across the country and has a far-reaching impact on the communities surrounding the bases.

“The program allows me to help my people,” said Ali Faris, the owner of al Folatheya, the company contracted to build the chapel. “I have fulfilled 12 contracts on American bases and the work provides money for my workers and their families and also to the markets where I buy my material and machinery.”

The concept of building a chapel on the south side of base began as a request from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Sadlo, the former operations officer of al Asad.

“The request couldn’t be filled while 2nd MAW was here, but the Base Command Group made sure it wasn’t forgotten as they changed places with 3rd MAW,” Sadlo explained. “The BCG took on a lot of responsibility in order to help the two wings focus on their turnover.”

The turnover was the first of many hurdles to overcome before construction could begin.

“We were in uncharted water when this started,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Leininger, a contractor accountability assistant for the BCG. “Basically, we had to figure out how we were going to get all of these Iraqis and their equipment on base. In the end, we coordinated with the provost marshal’s office and developed a plan for moving the material and getting the appropriate security for the workers and the construction site.”

The provost marshal’s office performed background checks, issued badges to the workers and will inspect all equipment and material coming aboard the base, according to Dallas native Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Pritchard, the anti-terrorism force protection officer for Marine Wing Support Group 37.

The combined efforts of the personnel who made the construction possible will benefit the morale of the flight line personnel, said Navy Lt. Frank Riley, a chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 16.

“Right now, we have a very small chapel for the flight line service members and some have to travel across base for their services,” explained Riley, an Orange, Calif. native. “The new chapel will really help them out.”

With the construction underway, the chapel will not only be a welcome improvement for the service members, but also strengthens the bond between the air base and the surrounding community outside the gates.

“As the owner of an Iraqi construction business, I look forward to building a reputation for quality work,” Faris added. “So that the U.S. will have greater trust in Iraqi companies and will do more business with them in the future.”

A tradition of excellence: Warriors celebrate four decades of success

2008-04-06T03:09:00.000-07:00

Cpl. Scott McAdam

AL ASAD, Iraq (April 1, 2008) – Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing celebrated its 40th anniversary here April 1.

The Warriors, originally Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167, were founded aboard Marble Mountain Air Facility in the Republic of Vietnam on April 1, 1968, under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 16.

This ceremony is unique because we are celebrating our 40th anniversary in a combat zone under the command of MAG-16 once again, explained Capt. Somer A. Chambley, UH-1N Huey pilot, HMLA-167.

Though the war today is much different than the war 40 years ago, the squadron’s mission remains the same – to support coalition forces.

“Our mission is to provide offensive air support, utility helicopter support, armed escort and airborne supporting arms coordination during naval expeditionary operations or joint and combined operations,” said Chambley.

“Often times the squadron would provide several of these same missions as part of the same operation,” she added. “Our squadron patch, which closely resembles our original patch, has symbolism that represents all these varied missions.”

As with any other element of the Marine Corps, every mission the Warriors accomplish supports Marine infantrymen on the ground.

“There is no doubt that the men and women on the ground are carrying the heavy load of this conflict,” Chambley said. “They are taking the fight to the enemy.”

Throughout their history, the Warriors have accomplished many firsts and participated in numerous significant operations around the globe.

During the squadron’s deployment to Vietnam, Lt. Col. T.F. Miller, then commanding officer of HML-167, dropped the first helicopter bomb using the Helicopter Trap Weapon. In May of 1971, HML-167 was the last operating helicopter squadron in Vietnam, completing over 60,000 combat flight hours during the war.

“Utility helicopter support was our bread and butter during Vietnam –fulfilling a wide range of missions in support of friendly forces,” said Chambley.

After returning from Vietnam, the squadron received the Marine Corps’ first UH-1N Huey, becoming the initial UH-1N squadron for the Marine Corps. With the new airframe, HML-167 also acquired the responsibilities as the training squadron and model manager for the UH-1N.

Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167 received its first AH-1T Cobra in January 1984 and became the first light/attack squadron on April 1, 1986.

Though the squadron switched designation, their mission didn’t change; it only expanded with the addition of the AH-1 and improved technology.

“Today, we still do those same missions, but we also provide an anti-armor capability and forward air controller capability,” added Chambley.

In 1989, the squadron added three AH-1W Super Cobras to their already deadly arsenal.

One year later, HMLA-167 supported the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit with the evacuation of more than 3,000 American citizens and foreign nationals from Monrovia, Liberia, the largest non-combatant evacuation since Saigon in 1975.

Other large operations HMLA-167 took part in include: Operation Urgent Fury, Beirut, and Desert Storm, in addition to several Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable) and Marine Air Ground Task Force deployments.
In 2004, the Warriors deployed to Al Asad Air Base as a full squadron and are currently on their fourth deployment in support of OIF.

Through the last four decades, the Marines with HMLA-167 have demonstrated success and look forward to future accomplishments.

“I could not be more proud of this squadron and of our history,” said Lt. Col. Michael E. Watkins, commanding officer, HMLA-167. “I believe the high-caliber of people we have in the squadron are the right ones to carry on our fine history and traditions.”

Angel in utilities

2008-04-05T02:35:00.000-07:00

Lance Cpl Michael Stevens

AL ASAD, Iraq (April 1, 2008) – She sits at her desk smiling, awed someone has chosen to introduce her compassion to the rest of the world.
With kindness in her eyes, she explains a motivational story; a motto she lives by.

“There was a boy walking along the seashore, tossing stranded starfish into the ocean. A man walks up and tells him, ‘there are thousands of stranded starfish out here; you can’t possibly make a difference.’ The boy reaches down and tosses another one back into the sea and says, ‘I made a difference to that one.’”

“I help people out of genuine love and consideration,” she says.

For the Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), she is a naval doctor who provides health services when they’re ill or injured. To the children living in the small Iraqi villages surrounding Al Asad Air Base, she is a lifesaver and a friend.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Christina M. Williams, the medical officer for MWSS-274, spends her days working squadron sick-call and supervising the corpsmen who accompany Marines on mounted security patrols to the neighboring villages.

As a result of the patrols, Williams, a Tulsa, Okla., native, discovered an increasing need for healthcare, medication and fresh water to the area.

“There are just not enough medical personnel and resources to go around,” said Williams. “Iraq is trying and we want to assist in their efforts.”

Based on the current situation of the area, Williams and other medical personnel have developed future plans to provide a larger scheme of medical attention for the local Iraqis.

Many of the health issues could be addressed by providing a clean water source, added Williams.

“Many people drink from the wadi, oasis or contaminated wells, leading to gastrointestinal, skin and other diseases,” said Williams. “There is a project underway to construct a well for them.”

Helping to aid struggling communities has been a consistent theme in Williams’ life. She played an integral part in outreach missions in Guyana, South America, Haiti and Kenya before joining the Navy.

The assistance provided in these areas included building churches and clinics that supported medical, dental and immunization programs, as well as initiating water purification systems to allow for clean water consumption.

“She is a caring person,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Deloy A. Shaw, an independent duty corpsmen with MWSS-274, currently deployed with Williams for the second time. “She’s very thorough and relentless when it comes to medicine. She goes above and beyond her call of duty to ensure not only the Marines are taken care of, but also their families when we’re in the rear.”

Williams attributes her motivation to seeing a need and striving to meet that need.

“When we help these children attain good health, we’re building a stronger community and helping them become healthier adults,” said Williams. “It will foster a good relationship between them and the U.S. Military for the future.”

MWSS-372 Diamondbacks

2008-04-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

VMM-263 Thunder Chickens

2008-04-01T05:25:00.001-07:00

ATC keeps air-traffic flowing

2008-03-27T02:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

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.”