U.S. Marines with MWSD-24 awarded Outstanding Tactical Fuel Unit Award

Photo By Cpl. Adam Montera | 180718-M-FA245-1162 POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 18, 2018) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Garrett Subik, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Detachment 24, moves a fuel line towards a landing pad in order to start fueling a AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter during a field test for an Expeditionary Mobile Fuel Additization Capability system as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, July 18, 2018. RIMPAC provides high-value training for task-organized, highly capable Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhances the critical crisis response capability of U.S. Marines in the Pacific. Twenty-five nations, 46 ships, five submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 27 to Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Adam Montera)  

HAWAII, UNITED STATES

06.13.2019

Story by 1st Lt. Bridget Glynn 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

On May 21, 2019 U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Detachment 24, Marine Aircraft Group 24 accepted the Marine Corps Outstanding Tactical Fuel Unit Award for an impressive demonstration of tactical fuels prowess.

The award tells the story of the hard work and dedication of the MWSD-24 Marines throughout the past year.

Over the past 12 months, MWSD-24 has completed multiple field exercises and training events including: Marine Rotational Force Darwin 18, Rim of the Pacific Exercise 18, and additional Forward Arming and Refueling Points in support of MAG-24 exercises.

MWSD-24 is smaller than any other fuels unit in the Marine Aircraft Wing, but still thrives and performs as well as a larger unit while maintaining operational tempo and providing fuel support to the MAG with the most aircraft in the Marine Corps.

While the award was directed to the fuelers within MWSD-24, CWO2 David A. Gentry, bulk fuel officer, MWSD-24, pointed out, “This isn’t an individual award. This is a collaboration of effort between MWSD as a whole. This is definitely a team effort amongst the Marines here.”

Maj. Michael E. Vincent, commanding officer, MWSD-24, reinforced that the award was earned by the collaborative efforts of all the Marines within the unit. “While this is a fuels-centered award, we would not have won it without the incredible professionalism of our operators, maintainers, fire-fighters, communicators and expeditionary airfield systems technicians that play a vital role in successful tactical fuel operations. I am very proud of MWSD-24.”

Through the efforts of every Marine within MWSD-24, they have demonstrated their ability to support the fight tonight initiative.

In addition to highlighting how MWSD-24 contributes to readiness, Gentry discussed how the unit overcame the added challenges of the specific location. “Operating in Hawaii adds a unique dynamic to training. The majority of our refueling exercises take place on another island and this allows us to keep our expeditionary mindset,” explained Gentry.

Always on the go, spending countless days and weeks in the field, attending schools, learning fuel additization, and supporting exercises all around the world has paid off for the Marines of MWSD-24 who are now recognized as the best tactical bulk fuel unit of the year.

• Date Taken: 06.13.2019
• Date Posted: 06.13.2019 20:37
• Story ID: 327334
• Location: HAWAII, US