There's no 'I' in HMLA-773

Photo By Cpl. Jessica Aranda | An AH-1W Super Cobra, belonging to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, returns to the flight line after a morning check flight, Feb. 6, 2008. Since the squadron's arrival in September, 2007, more than 2,500 missions have been executed successfully in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

02.12.2008

Story by Cpl. Jessica Aranda 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

By Lance Cpl. Jessica Aranda
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

AL ASAD, Iraq – The squadron consists of personnel augmented from six locations, including three different Marine Aircraft Groups and two Marine Aircraft Wings.

"The combined effort of the different units made it possible for the individual squadrons to meet mission requirements," said Lt. Col. Raymond Mederos, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-773 commanding officer.

The Marines began working together as a whole when the "Red Dogs" arrived in Al Asad and Camp Korean Village to assume authority from HMLA-167, in September, 2007.

"Given the number of Marines from different geographic locations, teamwork surprisingly fell into place," said Lt. Col. Thomas Ringo, HMLA-773 operations officer. "Everyone quickly snapped into the direction the command was going."

The squadron, a reserve element of the 4th MAW, has been activated twice in the past five years to relieve active duty personnel operating in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The majority of the Marines selected for this deployment are from Naval Air Station Atlanta and Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. Currently, more than 300 active duty and reserve service members are deployed with the unit.

"The Marines from the different units have really worked together as a team to accomplish the missions we were assigned," said Lance Cpl. Shamara Turner, HMLA-773 aviations operations specialist.

Traditionally, light attack helicopter squadrons consist of the UH-1N Huey and the AH-1W Super Cobra. The unit supports the Marine Air Ground Task Force by providing offensive air support, utility support, armed escorts and airborne-supporting arms coordination.

"We have shifts ready to fulfill any support request twenty-four hours a day," said Maj. James Judkins, HMLA-773 pilot.

The Red Dog's mission also includes assault support, convoy and medical evacuation escorts with the UH-60 Black Hawk and providing visual reconnaissance across the Al Anbar province.

In less than six months in country, the squadron has logged more than 3,000 combat flight hours and responded to approximately 85 medical evacuations and 90 joint-tactical air requests in support of infantry units.

The Marines and Sailors of the unit will return to their respective duty stations in the coming months, when HMLA-167, based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., arrives to take command.

"It has been a unique experience," said Ringo. "We brought a winning team together and executed flawlessly."

• Date Taken: 02.12.2008
• Date Posted: 02.12.2008 02:26
• Story ID: 16268
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ