Posted on 08/18/2005 4:08:09 PM PDT by SandRat
AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 18, 2005) -- Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 arrived here recently to continue the combat support mission HML/A-269 has executed for the last six months.
Flying AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1N Hueys, the unit is here to provide offensive air support, utilities support and armed escort to Multi-National Forces–West and the Marines on the ground.
“The ‘Warriors’ are ready,” said Lt. Col. Lawrence E. Killmeier, HML/A-167 commanding officer and native of Knoxville, Tenn. “We’re living up to our mantra - have guns, will travel - we’re here and we brought our guns.”
Familiar with Al Asad and western Iraq, the squadron is comprised of a large percentage of veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
“All our senior crew members who weren’t here in OIF or OIF II were on ship with [Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron] 266 in Afghanistan,” said Killmeier. “When it comes to combat experience we have an abundance of it. We’re going to maximize that experience and train our younger pilots and crew chiefs.”
And the emphasis on training has grown since they returned to Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., in August 2004 after their first tour here.
According to Maj. Brent W. Bien, operations officer and Laramie, Wyo., native, the squadron conducted six Revised Combined Arms Exercises at the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and one Desert Talon Exercise at MCAS Yuma, Ariz. They also participated in two Weapons and Tactics Instructors Courses there.
“The training in Arizona in June closely replicated the weather here,” said Killmeier.
Striving to gain more knowledge and experience, the squadron supported a Joint Special Operations Command exercise in Avon Park, Fla., and participated in numerous forward arming and refueling point exercises in eastern North Carolina.
“Our senior Marines and those who have been here before have been training the younger Marines,” said Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Pauley, squadron sergeant major and Reading, Pa., native. “Everyone’s ready to step up to the plate.”
The spirit and motivation shared by the squadron leaders is spread out among the Marines in the unit. Corporal Bryan J. Lafond, a plane captain, said he expects this deployment to be easier than their last one because many of the Marines in the unit are familiar with the region and have experienced being away from their loved ones.
“We have a good working environment, we work hard and we get the job done,” said Lafond, a native of Concord, N.H. “It was tough initially to tell my wife that I was going out again, but she’s been through it and knows what to expect. I’m here doing my part and that’s one Marine who gets to go back. It feels good to know the [HML/A] 269 Marines are going back to their families.”
- For more information about the Marines reported on in this story, please contact Sgt. Juan Vara by e-mail at varaj@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil -
Marine Air Wing PING
Just a quick aside... I forsee an LHA in the future named USS Falluja.
BTT!!!!!!
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