Posted on 09/01/2005 3:56:20 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Sept. 1, 2005) -- Approximately 120 servicemembers from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-461 deployed in support of Joint Task Force Katrina today to provide disaster relief to the residents and city of New Orleans.
The “Ironhorses” are scheduled to work hand-in-hand with several other branches of the military to provide supplies and humanitarian relief, perform search and rescue missions and reestablish the infrastructure, allowing state relief agencies access to stranded citizens.
“It will be a combined effort,” said Lt. Col. Frank B. Crisafulli, HMH-461 executive officer. “We’ll be coordinating with (the Department of) Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Air Force and the Navy. Everybody has a hand in the operation.”
In addition to the Marines, Marine Aircraft Group-29 dispatched six CH-53E Super Stallions and two CH-46E Sea Knights to contribute to the coalition of forces.
“We want to help the people in our own backyard,” said Sgt. Maj. Larry C. Jones, HMH-461 sergeant major. “You watch the news and the people there have no home or nothing; so any kind of assistance we can provide will surely be appreciated by the people of New Orleans.”
The squadron and the supporting unit deployed in four waves throughout the morning. The individual sticks are scheduled to arrive at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Sept. 1, before making the final trip to the disaster relief areas.
“People are looking for an immediate reaction and usually it takes time to debark an entire squadron with the maintenance requirements and everything else,” said Capt. Daniel M. Murphy, an HMH-461 CH-53E pilot. “We got the word yesterday morning and we’re leaving this morning, so that’s a fast response.”
“We were hoping for an order to be able to provide some relief. We found out yesterday at 11 a.m. and less than 24 hours later we’re on our way out,” added Crisafulli.
The Marines said they were waiting for their opportunity to help after they watched the original footage of the tragedy on the news, said Petty Officer 1st Class Chris E. Kidder, an HMH-461 corpsman.
“Watching a disaster of that type made me feel pretty low,” said Kidder. “To see Americans in a refugee scenario that is parallel in disaster to 9-11 made me want to be able to provide a little bit of hope.”
Though the squadrons are unsure of how long they will be providing support, the Marines will stay until the mission is accomplished, explained Navy Lt. Charles D. McCormick, MAG-29 Headquarters chaplain.
“We’ll be down there as long as they need us,” McCormick. “And, the Marines here are ready to go and help however they can.”
For those who left today, appeasing the nation’s call to help fueled their motivation to deploy, said Murphy.
“I think it’s important that the American people realize that the military does care,” he said. “And, if we can do something, we’ll do it for them.”
Marine aviators coming to help!
Kudos for one of my old MAGs.
I don't believe the looters will be taking pot shots at these fellows.... they have friends in high places!
Semper Fi
oh they will, but it will be the last shot they ever take...
Navy Choppers and crews also arriving from San Diego
Many marines also have many friends in low places - heck, there is a whole battalion of Marines waiting in Hell according to Chesty.
BTT!!!!!!
BTTT
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