Photo By Pfc. Reba James | Lt. Col. Andrew J. Thompson, the commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz. - Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 (MALS-13) celebrated the unit’s 72nd anniversary aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., on Friday.
The celebration recognizes the sacrifice and commitment MALS-13 has demonstrated during its 72 years of faithful service to the Marine Corps. The squadron was first activated on March 1, 1942 as Headquarters and Service Squadron 13 in San Diego. Although the name and location of the squadron has changed, MALS-13 has continued to provide aviation logistics support on numerous deployments during combat operations throughout their existence.
“The purpose and mission of today’s event is to pay homage to 72 years of global service for MALS-13 and recognize the Marines from the past, the present, and hopefully the future that have done a great job for our organization,” said Lt. Col. Andrew J. Thompson, the commanding officer of MALS-13, a native of Ferndale, Wash.
“A great many Marines and sailors have served in this command and all over the world,” said Thompson. “In the south pacific in World War II and Vietnam, southwest Asia, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and certainly here in the states … doing a great number of things, such as keeping airplanes flying and making Marines.”
The commemoration of the squadron was aimed towards not just MALS-13, but for all Marines across 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), MCB Camp Pendleton, Calif., to celebrate 72 years of existence, to boost morale, and provide an opportunity for camaraderie.
“I just hope they get a sense of history, and a sense that our customs, courtesies and traditions are important and it is up to us to keep them alive,” said Thompson. “It’s too important to let them die.”
Marines across MALS-13, MCAS Yuma, and distinguished guests were invited to attend the event, which displayed the professionalism of their Marines with two platoons participating in drill, and a colors presentation, by the unit color guard.
“They get to be a part of history and a part of the celebration for the birthday of the unit,” said Staff Sgt. Andres Restrepo, an aviation supply specialist with MALS-13 and a native of Los Angeles, Calif. “There’s camaraderie, brotherhood and the coming together for the unit.”
Other highlights of the event were the cutting of the ceremonial cake and the unit campaign streamer ceremony.
The streamers represent and commemorate different times the unit has participated in various wars. The noncommissioned officers (NCO) that participated are part of the NCO council, who play an active role in advising the commanding officer and sergeant major regarding unit events.
“What’s neat is an NCO will bring each of the streamers out during the ceremony, and they encompass a wide range of things from meritorious unit commendations, to presidential unit citations, to Vietnam service,” said Thompson. “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon with fellow Marines and doing something special for our command, and I’m fortunate to be a steward and a caretaker here at my time in this command. So it’s a great day. “
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.31.2014 12:15 |
| Story ID: | 123310 |
| Location: | YUMA, AZ, US |
| Hometown: | FERNDALE, WA, US |
| Hometown: | LOS ANGELES, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 235 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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