Deputy commandant of aviation visits Marine Aircraft Group-40

Photo By Roman Yurek | Marines from the Marine Aircraft Group 40 Tactical Air Operations Center, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, talk with Lt. Gen. George J. Trautman III, deputy commandant of aviation for the Marine Corps, about the challenges they faced in setting up the various communication systems needed to operate in the remote area.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

11.24.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Roman Yurek 

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing   

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — Marine Aircraft Group 40, the aviation combat element for Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, was visited by Lt. Gen. George J. Trautman III, the deputy commandant of aviation for the Marine Corps, Nov. 24-28.

A majority of this visit was spent visiting the very Marines who have been making history within MAG-40 over the past seven months.

Since arriving in May, MAG-40 units have completed multiple milestones by building the largest expeditionary airfield on foreign soil in the Marine Corps, having the first Marines earn British Royal Air Force air traffic control certification and landing some of the newest aircraft in the Marine Corps for the first time in Afghanistan. These are just a few examples of the history being made by the aviation combat element.

"There will continue to be challenges for you and I know you will hit a home run each time," said Trautman to a group of MAG-40 Marines.

However, the Marines within MAG-40 have more than just a few innings left before they finally get to return home. As the winter months roll in, many of these Marines are shifting from operating in extreme heat and sandstorms to possible below freezing temperatures and cold rain.

But regardless of the conditions, the Marines and sailors of MAG-40 will be up to the task.

• Date Taken: 11.24.2009
• Date Posted: 12.15.2009 02:09
• Story ID: 42761
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF