MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Japan — Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 was recognized by the Marine Corps Aviation Association during an awards ceremony here May 23.
Maj. Gen. William G. Beydler presented the squadron, a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, with the 2011 Edward C. Dyer award for Marine medium helicopter squadron of the year and the 2011 Pete Ross safety award for compiling the best safety record of any Marine aviation unit over the past year.
HMM-262 showed constant operational readiness through rapid deployment in support of operations and exercises while maintaining a working unit on Okinawa, according to 1st Lt. Christopher R. Corbeille, a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter pilot with the squadron.
“We were attached to the (31st Marine Expeditionary Unit) for part of 2011, during which we took part in Operation Tomadachi,” said Lt. Col. Aaron S. Wells, the commanding officer of the squadron, who accepted the award. “We also were part of the (task force) that assisted flood relief efforts in Thailand. I am honored to know through the hard work and dedication of my Marines, we were able to deploy quickly for the events of 2011.”
When determining eligibility for the Pete Ross award, MCAA looks at the number of mishap-free flight hours each Marine aviation unit has accumulated for the year.
Ultimately, HMM-262 proved to have the best record with more than 4,200 mishap-free flight hours, according to Capt. David M. Garcia, the aviation safety officer for the squadron.
The squadron strives to keep safety in the forefront of everyone’s minds at all times.
“Our command climate is one of safety,” said Capt. Mike S. Tyson, a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter pilot and schedule writer for the squadron. “We are safety conscious as a whole unit.”
Earlier this month, MCAA also presented Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 with the 2011 Donald E. Davis award for demonstrating the highest degree of leadership, logistic expertise, innovation and superior accomplishments of any Marine aviation logistics squadron in support of Marine aviation during a ceremony in D.C.
“This is very humbling and proves the excellent and outstanding efforts of the Marines, sailors and civilians of MALS-36,” said Lt. Col. Henry G. Hess, the commanding officer of MALS-36. “We had the right parts at the right time, which allowed for operational readiness.”
Maj. Gen. William G. Beydler presents Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 with the 2011 Edward C. Dyer award for most outstanding Marine medium helicopter squadron in Marine aviation and the 2011 Pete Ross safety award for compiling the best safety record of any Marine aviation unit over the past year during an awards ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma May 23. Beydler is the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. HMM-262 is a part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, III MEF.
Date Taken: | 05.23.2012 |
Date Posted: | 06.01.2012 03:47 |
Story ID: | 89272 |
Location: | OKINAWA, AICHI, JP |
Web Views: | 98 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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