Photo By Sgt. William Perkins | Marine Maj. Gen. Michael A. Rocco, the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft...... read more read more
Subscribe
CENTRAL COMMAND - Marine Major General Michael A. Rocco, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, visited 3rd MAW Marines attached to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command deployed in the Central Command area of operation, January 9, 2015.
Rocco met with the Marines to commend them for doing an extraordinary job providing an expeditionary aviation force capable of short notice world-wide regional deployment supporting the SPMAGTF, fleet and unified commanders.
Marine Maj. Jennifer Nash, the executive officer for the Aviation Combat Element of SPMAGTF-CR-CC, said, “The purpose of the visit was to come by his Marines, look at what they’ve accomplished, and [see the] capabilities they’ve brought to the Special Purpose MAGTF.”
The General’s visit allowed him to witness the productivity of the Marines as units continued to maintain aircraft, coordinate flights and control the flight line.
After the demonstrations, Marines made time in their busy schedules to meet and chat with their commanding general.
“The Marines were very positive and glad to see him come out and see what they’ve accomplished over the last four months,” said Nash.
The Marines were glad to get personal feedback from the commanding general.
Marine Cpl. Tasha Myatt, a communications technician with Marine Air Control Group 38, from Redding, Calif., said, “It’s motivating to see the General. It’s not someone you get to see every day so it’s a good opportunity to get to speak with him.”
During his visit, Rocco awarded Marine Sgt. Carlet Cesar, the ACE supply chief, with a Purple Heart. Cesar, from Brooklyn, N.Y., received the award for wounds sustained during an improvised explosive device attack from a previous deployment.
Once the ceremony concluded, Rocco had time to walk around the installation and was reminded of his time here as a Cobra pilot during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, said Nash. He described the differences between then and now, sharing how it’s changed in the past 12 years.
Rocco also explained the importance of the mission Marines today are carrying out.
“He discussed [how] the Special Purpose MAGTF is the Marine Corps’ main effort,” said Nash. “Being forward deployed, they are the envy of the Marines back home and should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Rocco encouraged the Marines to maintain a combat mindset and remain a well-trained, organized and equipped combat ready force.
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.14.2015 02:19 |
| Story ID: | 151943 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Hometown: | BROOKLYN, NY, US |
| Hometown: | REDDING, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 254 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Attention on Deck: Maj. Gen. Rocco Visits U.S. Bases in Middle East, by Sgt William Perkins, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT