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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.