Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | Helicopter mechanic Lance Cpl. Sean M. Billock works on the rear rotor of a CH-46E Sea...... read more read more
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By Lance Cpl. Juan D. Alfonso
III MEF PAO
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan — After more than 40 years since its last combat deployment, an Okinawa based medium helicopter squadron from 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is answering the call to support operations in Iraq.
Marines with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, left for Iraq this month.
The squadron will be based in Ramadi, where it will provide general support to ground units. HMM-262 Marines will deliver supplies and assist rescue operations and raids in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The squadron will work around the clock from the moment they arrive in Iraq, according to Capt. Andrew J. Tyson, the squadron's adjutant. Marines will set up day and night crews to ensure support is available to any unit at any time.
Many Marines said it was about time the unit was called to combat. The last time was during the Vietnam War.
"We're anxious to get out there and do what we were trained to do," Tyson said.
The squadron received deployment notification in October and immediately began preparing. They trained on convoy operations and familiarization with crew served weapons, among other combat skills.
From Dec.1-15 the Marines with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 put the HMM-262 Marines through a series of flight simulated missions during Exercise Dessert Talon at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.
"We're very prepared," Tyson said. "Desert Talon did a great job of getting us ready by familiarizing us with the types of missions we are expected to perform."
The squadron's senior leadership agreed.
"We've done everything to have a successful deployment," said Sgt. Maj. Leon S. Thornton, the squadron's sergeant major. "The Marines have a high level of motivation, and the command provided us with all the opportunities and training we needed for this deployment."
Many of the Marines with the squadron felt anxious to begin their deployment and perform their jobs in combat.
"Every Marine wants to ensure their name is written in history," Thornton said. "As Marines, we all train for combat. It's engrained in us to live to defend America. We've answered the call and accepted the challenge. We're going to Iraq."
| Date Taken: | 01.26.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 01.26.2007 08:41 |
| Story ID: | 8944 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 215 |
| Downloads: | 139 |
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