'Purple Foxes' add fourth deployment to squadron history books

Photo By Cpl. Michael Stevens | Standing at the rear of a CH-46 Sea Knight before a recent support mission, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin T. Smith, a casualty evacuation corpsman with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), waits for the helicopter's blades to begin spinning before stepping aboard. The "Purple Foxes" primary mission in country is to provide assault support for ground forces operating throughout the Anbar province.  

AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ

06.27.2008

Story by Cpl. Michael Stevens 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

By Lance Cpl. Michael Stevens
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq - Currently on their fourth deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), provides important services to Marines and service members throughout the Anbar province.

As the only CH-46 Sea Knight squadron operating in country, the "Purple Foxes" present key support functions such as command leader transports, troop inserts and extractions, cargo transport and assault support requests.

"On previous deployments the squadron has been the primary means for casualty evacuations, but we're not doing that anymore," said Sgt. Brian Dinning, a CH-46 crew chief with HMM-364. "It's a sign of good improvement in the province now that there are less and less evacuations necessary."

The Foxes know the level of support they bring to the war effort and take pride in everything they do.

Their efforts on the ground in getting the aircraft working and flying directly correlates with how much support the unit can give to each Marine, sailor, soldier, airman or coalition partner out on the ground, explained Lt. Col. Mark G. Schrecker, the squadron's commanding officer.

Although CH-46 squadrons are being phased out to make room for the Corps' newest medium-sized aircraft, the MV-22 Osprey, the Sea Knight continues to serve as a valuable asset.

"Right now, we have the oldest aircraft in country and we're arguably carrying the highest maintenance readiness percentage. That's simply due to the Marines' efforts," said Schrecker.

As a reminder of the age and history behind the aircraft and the squadron, painted on the side of each CH-46 is an exact replica of the logo used during its tour in Vietnam.

"The squadron history reminds the Marines how important our job is," said Schrecker. "My Marines are awesome and absolutely blow me away everyday. It's amazing how hard they work and how motivated they are."

• Date Taken: 06.27.2008
• Date Posted: 06.27.2008 19:33
• Story ID: 20924
• Location: AL TAQADDUM, IQ