Free Republic

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (Mar. 9, 2006) -- In what has become a familiar routine, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, passed responsibility for casualty evacuation and general aviation support missions in Iraq Feb. 25 to HMM-268, MAG-16, 3rd MAW, ending another successful deployment to the newly democratic nation. "I was amazed at how smoothly things had gone here considering the extra flights and maintenance required for the mission. We had no aircraft suffer a mechanical breakdown and saved over 400 lives," said Lt. Col. Robert M. Brassaw, commanding officer, HMM-161. "Not only did...

AL TAQQADUM, Iraq (Nov. 5, 2005) -- Whether he is flying behind a .50 cal machine gun or turning wrenches on the flightline, three consecutive deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom have shaped him into an experienced sergeant of Marines. Sergeant Jason G. Hernandez, a crew chief and CH-46 Sea Knight mechanic with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, has gone from a novice lance corporal to a sergeant the squadron’s sergeant major goes to for advice. “When I’m back home, I miss the rush. I miss the flying. I genuinely miss the mission,” said Hernandez, an Orange Park, Fla.,...