Free Republic

AL ASAD, Iraq (May 16, 2006) -- "Generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war, in both hemispheres, and in every corner of the seven seas that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security." These words, written several generations of Marines ago by Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, describe with uncanny accuracy the service one proud warrior with Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, has given to his country and Corps over a career spanning 30 years. Sgt. Maj. Abelardo Flores passed his position as Group...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Feb. 5, 2006) -- Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, returned to the dust-blown streets and runways of Al Asad, Iraq, Feb. 5, replacing MAG-26 as the primary facilitator of aviation support in their area of responsibility. Nearly one year had passed since MAG-26, 2nd MAW, took the reigns from their West Coast counterpart MAG-16. During those months, the East Coast group supported Army, Navy and Marine aviation squadrons performing hundreds of various missions in support of Multinational and Iraqi ground forces. MAG-16 will act as the higher headquarters and serve as a foundation for...

MAG-16 Marines fight for freedom, U. S. citizenshipSubmitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft WingStory Identification #: 20049215485Story by Cpl. Paul Leicht AL ASAD, Iraq (Sep. 1, 2004) -- In ancient times, the ranks of Roman legions were filled with soldiers who fought for Rome in order to earn their citizenship privileges. In modern times, military service has often been a stepping-stone to U. S. citizenship and a chance to further military careers. Since its beginning, the Marine Corps has been home to Marines without citizenship, who help fight America's battles around the globe. Even though they may not enjoy all...

HMLA-167, HMM-261 squadrons change hands in Western Iraq Submitted by: 3d Marine Aircraft WingStory Identification Number: 2004577152Story by Staff Sgt. A.C. Mink AL ASAD, Iraq (May 7, 2004) -- In an unprecedented occurrence here, two East Coast squadrons, attached to a West Coast aircraft group, carried out a dual change of command ceremony, April 30. Lt. Col. James D. "Stripper" Grace, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Christopher M. "Tone" Clayton as simultaneously Lt. Col. Michael H. "Shepard" Belding passed the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 colors to Lt. Col....

 MAG-16 repositions forces to support Vigilant ResolveSubmitted by: 3d Marine Aircraft WingStory Identification Number: 20044993633Story by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte AL TAQADDUM AIR BASE, Iraq(April 9, 2004) -- Marine Aircraft Group 16 recently moved elements of its Marine Light Attack Squadron 167 in support of Operation Vigilant Resolve, which began early this month. The move occurred April 5-6, and flight operations for the squadron kicked off as soon as boots and skids were on the deck. A small contingent of aviation maintenance Marines, aircrews and helicopters was sent to the Sunni Triangle area to bolster forces already in place...