MV-22 Osprey continues successes in Iraq

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

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

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

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

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

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