2nd MAW Marines return from SPMAGTF support

Photo By Sgt. Grace L. Waladkewics | Staff Sergeant David Gentry embraces his wife, Megan, and his 15-month-old daughter after returning to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point July 24, 2014, from a four-month deployment to Morón Air Base, Spain, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response. Gentry was the detachment staff non-commissioned officer in charge with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

07.24.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Grace L. Waladkewics 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Several detachments from squadrons belonging to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing returned to the United States July 24, after a four-month deployment to Morón Air Base, Spain.

“It's just a great feeling of relief to be home now," said Staff Sgt. David Gentry, the detachment noncommissioned officer-in-charge with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271. It’s a good surprise seeing all of our friends and families.”

During the deployment, Marines with Cherry Point's MWSS-271 and Marine Air Control Squadron 2, worked alongside a detachment of Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 of Marine Corps Air Station New River, explained Gentry. The Marines provided fuel and communication support to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response in Spain. They maintained station assets and accomplished their mission with the assistance of VMM-162's MV-22B Ospreys.

“The mission was an absolute success, and the Marines' performance overall was outstanding,” said Gentry.

The returning service members were greeted in the early morning hours by a joyful crowd of proud friends and loved ones at the squadron’s barracks.

“My primary role was to assist with fueling aircraft and maintaining all base assets, including keeping generators running so the base would have power,” said Lance Cpl. Sheldon Mariano, a motor transport operator with MWSS-271.

Mariano said it was great to get out and see the Spanish countryside and learn about a culture that is different from his own.

“The mission went well, and once we got settled, everything ran smoothly,” said Mariano. “We prepared everything before we left so that, when our replacements get there, they will be set up for success and will be able to continue to training."

• Date Taken: 07.24.2014
• Date Posted: 07.24.2014 14:17
• Story ID: 137172
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US