Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 deploys to Republic of Korea for Operation 'Freedom Banner'

02.29.2008

Story by Lance Cpl. Robert Frenke 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Lance Cpl. Robert Frenke
3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan – Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and temporarily operating on Okinawa deployed to Naval Air Station Pohang, Korea Feb. 21 in support of Exercise Freedom Banner. The squadron is scheduled to return at the end of March.

HMH-463's mission is to teach Republic of Korea Marines how to conduct helicopter missions, which involves providing transportation of troops, supplies and equipment during operational exercises and training.

"The purpose of the operation is to teach ROK Marines about helicopter procedures, operations and their abilities," said Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Hilliard, the chief of staff personnel for HMH-463. "The training will keep Marines ready, and help improve relations with ROK Marines."

Helicopter mechanic Cpl. Dennis Daniels said Freedom Banner will benefit Marines who have never deployed before.

"It'll be a good experience for the younger guys," Daniels said. "When you're deployed, everything steps up a level. There are more flights, which means they'll get more experience."

Many of the Marines will face a couple of challenges they have not encountered before their deployment, according to Staff Sgt. Terrance L. Underwood, HMH-463 quality assurance chief.

The harsh Korean climate presents HMH-463 with the greatest obstacle during aviation missions, Underwood said.

Extreme cold can have a serious impact on air operations. It can prevent air operations in extreme cases and complicate them by impacting turnaround times of aircraft, aircraft maintenance, refueling and ammunition loading.

• Date Taken: 02.29.2008
• Date Posted: 02.29.2008 01:17
• Story ID: 16818