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(Click on the picture for a bigger better view of the HMH-362 crew)AL ASAD, Iraq (Oct. 12, 2007) -- A Marine Corps heavy lift squadron with an already rich legacy has added a notch to its belt with another historic achievement. Aircraft 23, a CH-53D “Sea Stallion” flown by the Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, is the first aircraft of its type in the Corps to reach 10,000 flight hours. “I think this is a phenomenal landmark,” said Lt. Col. Brian Cavanaugh, the commanding officer of HMH-362. “It’s the first aircraft to do it. We also have the...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 11, 2005) -- “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have met the people I have, traveled to the places I’ve been and shared all the experiences that have enriched my life.” Navy Capt. Stephen Epperson, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Chaplain, serves U.S. service members at Al Asad, Iraq. With vivid detail, he can recount story after story from his 38 years of service. His career began making coffee for an admiral during the Vietnam era. During 1983, he was off the coast of Lebanon for 43 straight days, including Christmas, where...

Sergeant Christopher R. Cales, Cpl. William T. Ryder and Cpl. Warren Douglas, all with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26’s Aviation Information Systems Department, repair a computer. The Marines and their equipment serve an important communications role in the operation of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Photo by: Cpl. James D. HamelMALS-26 AISD is network problem ‘dragon slayer’ AL ASAD, Iraq (Nov. 25, 2005) -- Like many bases in Al Anbar, Iraq, Al Asad is heavily reliant on working communications to accomplish its mission, the support of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. While it has many small sections and even...

HIT, Iraq (Oct. 25, 2005) -- The yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depots are the beginning of a new chapter for every Marine and are never forgotten. For a new battalion of Iraqi Soldiers, their different life began with the faces of 11 Marines and one Sailor from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The 2nd MAW (Forward) Military Transition Team met their new recruits June 9, and spent the next few months training them to become the 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the 7th Iraqi Army Division. The team assembled during May and after receiving a close quarters combat...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Oct. 18, 2005 ) -- Marines from throughout 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) put their regularly duties on hold and took an active role in safely transporting Iraqi poll workers during the Iraqi Constitution referendum. Operation Liberty Express ended Oct. 18, as the successful Iraqi poll workers and the cast ballots flew out of Al Asad, Iraq, and into history. The Marines, who spent days and nights making sure the vote was able to happen safely were finally able to get some rest. “First couple of nights we worked for 18 straight hours,” said Staff Sgt. William...

MARINE BANDS Bandsmen Give Performances of Their Lives in Iraq By Don Bedwell Serving in a Marine band can be far more perilous than marching to the colors at a friendly base while playing "Semper Fidelis" or "The Marines' Hymn." Living up to the Corps' mantra of "every Marine a rifleman," trombonists, percussionists and clarinet players are trained to fight and to fight well when the mission requires. As one bandsman in Iraq explained to a reporter for National Public Radio, "The fact that you play tuba doesn't make you any less lethal." Marine Corps field bands are proving their...

California paper adds 2nd MAW pilot to list of '2005 Military Women of Merit' Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Story Identification #: 2005104112847 Story by Cpl. James D. Hamel AL ASAD, Iraq (Oct. 4, 2005) -- Capt. Jessica M. Moore is one of a handful of female AH-1 Cobra pilots. As the daughter of a Navy radar intercept officer, Moore had never planned to join the military, and even if she had, the Marine Corps seemed the least likely option. “My dad wanted me to join the Navy or the Air Force,” she said. “But, I was always impressed...

Dust in the wind: A wall of sand moves through Al AsadSubmitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft WingStory Identification #: 2005426134811Story by Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge AL ASAD, Iraq (April 26, 2005) -- A dust storm similar to special effects on the big screen bellowed across the western desert of Iraq on April 26. The storm was spawned near the border of Syria and Jordan. Forward Operating Base Korean Village experienced tornadoes around 2 p.m. The storm moved in a northeasterly direction until it reached Al Asad, around 6:45. Weather forecasters here described the storm as a downburst. "A downburst...

Oklahoma Marine Killed In Action In Iraq POSTED: 11:23 a.m. CST March 30, 2003 UPDATED: 10:34 a.m. CST March 31, 2003 TULSA, Okla. -- An Oklahoman who joined the Marine Corps out of high school is the state's first known casualty in the war with Iraq. The Defense Department confirmed Sunday that Lance Cpt. Thomas Allen Blair, 24, of Broken Arrow was killed in action. Blair's father, Al Blair of Gravette, Ark., told The Associated Press earlier in the day that he had been notified by the Marines on Saturday. The elder Blair declined further comment and said his...