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NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas – Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing are currently preparing to leave for Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.
VMGR-234 maintains a global mission that provides support for other military units and humanitarian support across the world.
“The things we have been doing with our unit have been important; we have been refueling other aircraft, conducting air drops, and transporting cargo safely to its destination,” said Lance Cpl. Jonathon Lin, a 21-year-old crew master with VMGR-234 from Dallas, Texas. “I recently returned from another det. (detachment) where we have supported other aircraft needing to be refueled and supported the MAGTF mission (Marine Air-Ground Task Force)."
VMGR-234 trains continually in order to maintain mission readiness in support of combat Marines on the ground and to provide critical logistical support to other units.
The Aeriel Refueler Transport Squadron has typically maintained a high operational tempo that often supports other units. They also recently supported rotations near the Black Sea and areas in Africa.
VMGR-234 is taking several of their Active Duty and Reserve Marines on this rotation to the Air Station. Gear and mission essential equipment is being transported along with Marines to their assigned operation area.
“This is a great chance to train with the experienced Marines and do my job in different environments,” said Lance Cpl. Justin R. Piedra, a 23-year-old crew master with VMGR-234 from El Paso, Texas. “Some of our capabilities include the ability to do low-level refueling and provide quick reaction in response to threats.”
VMGR-234 refuels not only aviation aircraft from military branches in the United States, but also aircraft from several other countries. The Squadron recently took part in aerial refueling missions to provide fuel in the air for the Moroccan Air Force members.
During refueling operations such as these, the Squadron’s aircraft can carry more than 60,000 pounds of fuel.
This large amount of fuel keeps aircraft and other units mission capable and expands the distances each aircraft can fly.
“My job keeps me loading equipment and pallets in our C-130, said Piedra. “We have been preparing for the det. and conducting workups for everywhere we go.”
VMGR-234 Marines continue to carry the Marine Corps mission to every climb and place.
Each Marine trains around the clock to support the Marine mission in Sigonella and operations globally.
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.28.2013 15:27 |
| Story ID: | 109490 |
| Location: | FORT WORTH, TX, US |
| Hometown: | DALLAS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 489 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, C-130 Marines to conduct missions from Italian Air Station, by Sgt Chris Mann, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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