Photo By Capt. Paul Duncan | Sailors from HM-15 Detachment 2, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, help...... read more read more
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GHAZI, Pakistan – The sailors and Marines of HMM-165 reinforced (Reinforced), 15th MEU, and HM-15 Detachment 2, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 press on as they acknowledge a major achievement during humanitarian relief efforts in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
In just over two weeks on the ground in Pakistan the combined efforts of the Marines and sailors in Task Force Ghazi have resulted in 1,084,158 lbs of supplies delivered to flood victims and 4,758 evacuees relocated.
“It was slow going at first because of the weather, but I think we have really hit our stride now,” said Cmdr. Sara “Nitro” Santoski, officer in charge of HM-15 Detachment 2. If the weather continues to cooperate I believe it won’t be much longer before we will have doubled our numbers,” explained the 37-year-old native Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
The heavy lifting capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps were specifically requested by the Pakistani government. As a result, 15 U.S. helicopters were sent to augment already existing relief efforts in the region from Marine and Navy helicopter squadrons HMM-165 (Rein) and HM-15 Detachment 2.
“It’s taken the combined efforts of everyone here to do this and it’s not just about the pilots either,” said Lt. Wesley Passons, a Sea Dragon pilot. “If it weren’t for the efforts of each maintainer, crew chief, and avionics tech here, these aircraft would never get off the ground. This is why we are all so proud of what we have been able to accomplish,” explained Passons.
For the Marines of HMM-165, this represents yet another milestone in its historic final deployment. Once the, “White Knights” return to their home base at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., it will transition from the CH-46E to the V-22 Osprey, concluding over 45 years of service with the CH-46E.
“Even amidst the devastation here I am amazed at what I am seeing,” said Sgt. Christopher Johnson, a CH-46E Sea Knight crew chief. “The natural beauty of the landscape is unbelievable,” said Johnson. “I never thought in a million years I would be flying a 46 in the Himalayan Mountains. It just goes to show how different each deployment in the military can be,” explained the 26-year-old native of Sutton, Neb.
“I am extremely proud of all of the hard work these Marines and sailors have done during this relief effort,” said Lt Col. Todd “One-Two” Oneto, commanding officer of HMM-165 (Rein) and Sea Knight pilot.
“The combination of long hours, challenging weather and flying conditions have made it difficult at times but the Marines and sailors are getting the job done,” explained the 47-year-old Wallingford, Conn., native.
The 15th MEU is currently deployed with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group performing training and security operations-missions as part of their routine deployment across the Western Pacific. HM-15 Detachment 2, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 is a permanent forward deployed detachment located in Bahrain.
| Date Taken: | 08.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.29.2010 11:03 |
| Story ID: | 55358 |
| Location: | GHAZI, PK |
| Web Views: | 303 |
| Downloads: | 7 |
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