Photo By Cpl. Jorden Wells | Marines from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 prepare to depart from Marine Corps...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River departed for a scheduled seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, Jan. 30.
“The Marines and Sailors of HMH-461 are well prepared and excited to deploy,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas A. Morris, HMH-461 commanding officer. “We recognize that we will all be separated from our families, who we will miss. Their support and the support from the country for the armed forces is what fuels us and gives us the motivation and energy we need to go and do our job.”
Preparation for their deployment began last year with the squadron’s Marines re-certifying on the rifle and pistol ranges to ensure they were up to par with their shooting capabilities.
Morris said it is important for the HMH-461 Marines to pistol qualify because in most circumstances service pistols are all they carry. The Marines were also issued new gear, sleeping systems and ruck sacks.
The squadron also received further briefs and training in the areas of but not limited to laws of armed conflict, rules of engagement and counter improvised explosive device, said Staff Sgt. Michael L. Drummond, HMH-461 CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief.
“We are honored to be one of the units that were chosen to go down range, and we cannot wait to be back here in seven months with stories to tell our families and friends of our deployment,” said Morris.
“I am so proud of what my son and the rest of these Marines do for our country and freedom,” said father of Lance Cpl. Christopher Powell, HMH-461 CH-53E crew chief. “His family will miss him dearly and will keep him and all the Marines in our prayers, but we take rest in the fact that we know how well trained they are to do their jobs safely.”
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2013 09:28 |
| Story ID: | 101981 |
| Location: | AL, US |
| Web Views: | 398 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, HMH-461 departs for Afghanistan, by Cpl Jorden Wells, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT