Posted on 12/14/2005 5:20:09 PM PST by SandRat
AL ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 14, 2005) -- The leaders and senior members of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 recently held a squadron formation to promote and award members of the squadron and thank them for their hard work and dedication.
The Wild Goose, a reserve CH-46E Sea Knight squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va., are currently on their second consecutive deployment to Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadrons commanding officer, Lt. Col. John G. McGonagle, meritoriously promoted three Marines and one of the units Navy corpsman, and awarded nine members of Wild Goose with their aerial gunner/observer aircrew badges, during the formation here, Dec. 2.
We take these moments not only to congratulate the individuals being recognized, but to recognize the good things our entire squadron is doing here, McGonagle said to the squadron. We are here to provide flight support to OIF. Without the support we receive from within the squadron every day, we wouldnt be able to function. The support you have given has been outstanding.
The Wild Goose has carried a heavy load during the first months of their return to Iraq. During October, the squadron conducted a total of 721.3 flight hours, a heavy increase over what they carried out in October 2004. McGonagle said the squadron never missed a beat when taking on the more challenging flight schedule.
The squadron has done a magnificent job so far in this deployment, McGonagle said. With our experience from OIF II last year, we came to Al Asad knowing the area, fully aware of what to expect for our workload, and ready to complete our second tour after a five-month break back home.
With increased operational tempo, the squadrons maintenance Marines cannot afford to let their helicopters sit on the ground and have no room for error when making repairs and performing maintenance. Getting all of the squadrons aircraft flight ready, and keeping them in that condition, falls squarely on the backs of the Wild Goose maintainers.
Our aircraft maintenance Marines have done a superb job in getting our aircraft back to peak condition so we can continue to safely perform our mission for the rest of our time in country, McGonagle said.
The experience and morale of the Wild Goose Marines have directly contributed to the squadrons success, said Sgt. Maj. Steven M. Golder, HMM-774s squadron sergeant major.
The Marines are dedicated to getting the job done, Golder said. The experience of being in this environment for the second time in five months and knowing what is expected is why their performance is excellent.
Turning papers and shuffling paperwork day in and day out can cause some Marines to lose their focus on the goal of supporting ground operations, but 774s Marines and sailors have maintained a constant focus on their role here, said Lt. Col. Kristin L. Moxley, the Wild Goose aircraft maintenance officer.
The morale is extremely high, and I am very impressed and pleased with the maintenance department, Moxley said. Strong and positive leadership from the officers and staff noncommissioned officers, combined with the fact the Marines feel they are making a difference here in Iraq, are the main contributions to their solid performance.
The December promotions and awards were a good opportunity to stop and thank the enlisted members of the squadron for their contributions. But, Lt. Col. Jon MacCartney, a Wild Goose pilot and Naval Safety Center analyst, said witnessing the drive of junior Marines is a constant reminder of the dedication and motivation of the squadrons personnel.
It is always exhilarating to see young Marines enthusiastic about improving themselves, stepping up to the plate, helping the squadron and the Corps and completing rigorous training to help fill much needed flight billets in the squadron, MacCartney said.
A simple squadron formation may not seem like it will have long-running consequences, but Lt. Col. Rex Bartles, a pilot and the squadrons Morale, Welfare and Recreation and special projects and plans officer-in-charge, said the sight of junior Marines winning meritorious promotions and completing certifications is a good sign for the future.
It proves the Corps is self-sustaining with high quality people who put service ahead of self for the greater effort and also improve their personal capabilities and qualifications in that pursuit of the greater good and mission out here, Bartles said.
As the deployment rolls on, the Marines and sailors of Wild Goose hope to continue flying high through OIF and going home safely.
Im looking forward to continued flight operations in support of hard-charging Marines who need it from an experienced assault support squadron, MacCartney said.
When the squadron finally heads home to roost, the time off will be hard earned and well deserved, said McGonagle.
With two seven-month tours in less than two years, HMM-774 will be taking a well-deserved break when we return, McGonagle said.
GO MARINES!!!!!
Semper Fi, Devil Dogs.
They surely stay motivated and focused.
BTTT
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