Diamondbacks leave lasting impression in OIF VIII

Photo By Master Sgt. Scott McAdam | Marines with Alpha Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, alongside a military working dog and two soldiers attached to Task Force Troy, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, search the fields of Hawran for weapons caches and contraband, Jan. 31. The sweep missions help protect the locals from hazardous material while protecting al-Asad Air Base from potential threats.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

03.10.2008

Story by Sgt. Scott McAdam 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

By Cpl. Scott McAdam
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

AL ASAD, Iraq – Long after their boot prints fade from the sands of Iraq, Marine units leave their mark in theater.

Though the "Diamondbacks" of Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (forward) returned to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, their lasting impression is one marked with successes both in and outside the wire at al-Asad Air Base.

In the rear, MWSS-372 provided aviation ground support for 3rd MAW. In theater, their role changed to a provisional infantry battalion, responsible for the security both inside and outside the wire.

During their seven-month deployment, the Diamondbacks provided security for the presidential visit, supplied internal and external security, conducted 14 large-scale operations and more than 1,700 combat patrols.

To prepare for their mission in Iraq, the Marines relied on pre-deployment work-ups and Marine Combat Training.

"The Marines learned how to be riflemen all over again," said Lt. Brian G. Lipski, 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company Commander. "It proves that Marines are riflemen first."

According to 2nd Lt. Maria L. Meinhardt, adjutant, MWSS-372, the deployment presented the Marines with a leadership challenge they never encountered before in a non-combat military occupational specialty. It provided the Marines with an opportunity to be small unit leaders in a combat environment. The Marines got to utilize infantry skills they wouldn't normally use in their day-to-day MOS.

"The squadron is proud of what we accomplished; we successfully secured the largest base in Multi-National Forces-West's area of operation," said Meinhardt.

The Diamondbacks took ownership of their area of operation, working very hard to establish mutual trust with the local population by showing genuine concern for their welfare, added Meinhardt.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 provided humanitarian aide to the nearby town of Hawran. They handed out school supplies, food, clothes and toys as well as helped with any special requests, explained Lipski.

"It is all about the noncommissioned officers stepping up and assuming key leadership positions," said Lt. Col. Erik B. Kraft, commanding officer, MWSS-372. "With countless patrols and watch duties, the unit's successes can be attributed to our corporals and sergeants."

As the Diamondbacks left the deserts of Iraq, the Ironmen of MWSS-274 assumed responsibility as the provisional infantry battalion aboard al-Asad.

The Ironmen plan to follow in the Diamondback's foot steps, making improvements where they can, said Chief Warrant Officer Bradley Cress, personnel officer for MWSS-274.

• Date Taken: 03.10.2008
• Date Posted: 03.10.2008 09:43
• Story ID: 17171
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ