Aviation Combat Element embarks, brings aerial assets to 31st MEU

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Terry Matlock | A CH-53E Sea Stallion with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced) prepares to land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 28. HMM-265 will serve as part of the Aviation Combat Element with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during its current deployment. (Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Terry Matlock)  

USS ESSEX, AT SEA

09.27.2011

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Linda S. Swearingen

USS ESSEX, At Sea - After completing the onload of the ground elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at the White Beach Port Facility, the amphibious assault ship USS Essex began embarking aircraft from the MEU’s aviation combat element Sept. 27.

The fly-on of the aircraft from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 marks the final stage of the onload of the 31st MEU on the Essex.

“It is great to have all the elements of the 31st MEU on board, including the ACE,” said Navy Capt. David Fluker, Essex commanding officer. “The ACE brings capabilities that are essential to performing a wide variety of missions, including support for full spectrum combat operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. I look forward to working with them as we conduct our patrol in this region.”

Essex, together with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown and the amphibious transport dock USS Denver, will work with the MEU to conduct an amphibious certification exercise off the coast of Okinawa.

“This is the second fly-on for the ACE that I have been involved in,” said Capt. Gary J. Windt, an AV-8B Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 211. “The air department on board Essex allowed us to do our jobs. Whether it’s refueling, moving aircraft on the flight deck, or helping us move aircraft into the hangar bay, we are always working together to make sure everything is done right.”

The ACE brings an extensive collection of attack, medium and heavy-lift helicopters, including AH-1Z Super Cobras, UH-1N Hueys, CH-53E Sea Stallions and CH-46E Sea Knights, and AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.

As the U.S. Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, Essex regularly works with the 31st MEU to conduct exercises and operations in the Western Pacific region. The ACE fly-on allowed sailors in Essex’s air department, like Seaman Michael Williams, an aviation boatswain’s mate, to use their skills outside of a training environment.

“My job is very critical because I take down the fuel state, which is how the amount of fuel being used is measured, and how many souls are onboard the aircraft in the air,” said Williams. “We have been working with the MEU every day, especially the Marine pilots. My job is a lot busier when the MEU is onboard, because we are constantly taking stats and looking in the air to keep track of all the aircraft.”

• Date Taken: 09.27.2011
• Date Posted: 10.05.2011 17:59
• Story ID: 78071
• Location: USS ESSEX, AT SEA