Posted on 12/21/2005 4:55:37 PM PST by SandRat
AL ASAD, Iraq -- The Fighting Griffins of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 are witnessing a change in their mission as they provide tactical mobility and logistical support to the ground combat element in Iraq.
More and more, the squadron’s missions focus on moving Iraqi soldiers in support of anti-insurgent operations along the frontlines of the battle.
While participating in Operation Moonlight, Dec. 19, the Griffins flew Iraqi forces from the 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, along with their Marine advisors from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, in support of large-scale operations east of Ubaydi, in western Anbar province.
Operation Moonlight was the Iraqi brigade’s first planned and executed large-scale operation. Soldiers from three Iraqi battalions conducted cordon-and-knock procedures. The operation disrupted insurgent activity along the northern and southern banks of the Euphrates River near Ubaydi.
“This operation is a prime example of Iraqi Security Forces taking on greater responsibility in the security of the Iraqi people,” said 1st Lt. Charles W. Parris, a CH-46 pilot and the unit information officer with HMM-266 and a Cookeville, Tenn., native. “Supporting tactical inserts of Marines, Soldiers and Iraqi Army forces is something we have done on a number of occasions. More and more, we are seeing operations of this type involving Iraqi forces.”
While the change on the battlefield is taking place, the tactical mobility support provided by the Griffins has stayed constant.
“We multiply the (Ground Combat Element’s) ability to maneuver on the battlefield,” said Parris. “We provide security of movement and surprise, and support the GCE logistically by transporting ammunition, chow, water and are able to conduct casualty evacuations.”
During November, HMM-266 participated in Operation Steel Curtain, which took place in the vicinity of Husayba, Karbala and Al Qaim. After conducting the insert of a company of Iraqi soldiers, a detachment of Griffins repositioned to Al Qaim and supported them there for a period of 21 days.
“The current operations have been successful at integrating Iraqi forces into anti-insurgent operations,” said Parris. “It has put an Iraqi face on anti-insurgent operations.”
Parris said during HMM-266’s time in Al Qaim, they participated in many diverse missions and supported the Iraqis and Marines on the ground.
He said from inserting forces into forward operating bases, to transporting crucial cargo in support of ground forces, to relocating enemy detainees, to delivering a morale-boosting meal to Marines in the field on the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday the Griffins have constantly been supporting operations in the eastern Qaim region, including the cities of Husaybah, Karabilah and Ubaydi.
Due to the support of HMM-266 and the efforts of Iraqis and Marines on the ground, cities in western Al Anbar province were cleared of al-Qaeda in Iraq-led insurgents, which enabled residents to vote in the Dec. 15 Iraqi National Elections.
LOTS n LOTS more photos at source
Calling all ROTOR-HEADS!
Quagmire. Those Iraqi's will never take responsibility for their own security. That's what Murtha says. /sarc
This story is AWESOME SandRat -- thanks for always finding the good stuff and posting it!!!
Operation Moonlight was the Iraqi brigade’s first planned and executed large-scale operation. Soldiers from three Iraqi battalions conducted cordon-and-knock procedures. The operation disrupted insurgent activity along the northern and southern banks of the Euphrates River near Ubaydi.
Thanks for the ping!
"Anybody call?
Quagmire...
"Giggety giggety goo"
Pretty hard to consider us "occupiers" when most of the faces you are seeing are your own people.
BTTT
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