Posted on 07/09/2009 5:11:48 PM PDT by SandRat
7/8/2009 AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — After serving in Iraq for approximately three months, a detachment of Marines from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 will soon join the remainder of their squadron serving in Afghanistan.
“This is an amazing opportunity for every Marine within the squadron, because there aren’t a whole lot who get to serve in two operational theaters within one deployment,” said Maj. Gerry Kearney, detachment officer-in-charge for HMLA-169.
More than half of the squadron is already in Afghanistan and the remaining Marines will be joining their counterparts.
“We have been operating with about a third of the personnel, but we still have half a squadron’s worth of aircraft,” said Master Sgt. Sean McBride, senior enlisted advisor for HMLA-169. “It’s been difficult and taxing on the Marines, but Marines do what they do best, and they have adapted to what the mission requires.”
McBride says leaders within the squadron recognize and appreciate all of the Marines’ hard work.
While in Iraq, HMLA-169 has flown approximately 500 hours throughout the Al Anbar province.
“Since arriving in Iraq, we’ve supported a wide variety of missions to include convoy escorts, medical evacuation escorts, leader’s reconnaissance missions and air security patrols,” said Capt. Jake Olson, operations officer for HMLA-169.
The mission of the “Vipers” in Afghanistan will be to continue to provide offensive air support and utility support for units currently serving in operation Enduring Freedom.
“We wouldn’t be able to carry on our mission without the effort and dedication of every single Marine,” said McBride.
HMLA-167 will take over HMLA-169’s mission on Al Asad Air Base.
“We’re here to support [Multi National Force – West] to the best of our ability, so we are thrilled to be continuing the mission here aboard Al Asad,” said Maj. Michael Johnson, executive officer for HMLA-167. “We’re just picking up where HMLA-169 left off.”
The detachment was previously deployed to Al Taqqadum, Iraq, and many Marines throughout HMLA-167 have an abundance of experience to bring with them from previous deployments and are familiar with Al Asad.
“Most of our Marines are already on their third or fourth deployment here, so it’s almost like coming home,” said Gunnery Sgt. Paul Daniel, senior enlisted advisor for HMLA-167.
Give em hell guys.
HMLA???
Since when did HMA-169 become HMLA-169??
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Since when did HMA-169 become HMLA-169??
I was in HMA 269 at MCAS New River, NC in 1975.
Since I scored near the top of my class in Cobra (rotary wing) school they transferred me to VMO-2 to fix OV-10A Broncos (fixed wing) after I finished OJT on Cobras. Too bad for me. I really liked Cobras and the squadron.
I don't know why they added the "L". IIRC "L" meant "light" when I was in. So HMLA means; Helicopter, Marine, Light, Assault. Maybe they have a HMHA (Helicopter, Marine, Heavy, Assault) squadron now. Wouldn't it be great to see a CH-53 armed with every armament it could carry?
Oohrah!
Either 167 or 169 (I can’t recall which right now) has the latest Hueys—the UH-1Y. Much better lift capability and a cockpit the crews like. The Marines are just about to start FOT&E on the Yankee, and next year they’ll do the (delayed) OPEVAL on the Zulu Cobra, which is about 80% common with the Yankee.
TC
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