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    Second Marine Aircraft Wing celebrates 68 years of history

    Second Marine Aircraft Wing celebrates 68 years of history

    Photo By Reina Vasquez | Brig. Gen. Robert S. Walsh, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward),...... read more read more

    AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ

    07.10.2009

    Story by Gunnery Sgt. Reina Vasquez 

    II Marine Expeditionary Force   

    AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq — For seven decades, Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing have been ready and able when called upon by their nation ... by their Marine Corps. A small gathering of Marines and Sailors celebrated the MAW's 68th anniversary July 10, aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.

    The ceremony included a summary of the Wing's battle history, reading of congratulatory messages from Maj. Gen. James F. Flock, commanding general of 2nd MAW, and from Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, and a formal cake cutting ceremony.

    Activated July 10, 1941, at San Diego, 2nd MAW stood up with two squadrons in San Diego and four squadrons in Hawaii. Less than five months later, the squadrons in Hawaii suffered major damage during the attack by Japanese naval forces. The setbacks from the attack would not keep 2nd MAW out of the impending fight, however.

    The Marines and Sailors of 2nd MAW went on to demonstrate their fighting skills and spirit, engaging and defeating the enemy in numerous campaigns in the South Pacific, including Wake Island, Midway, Guadalcanal, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, and Okinawa.

    Following the U.S. victory in World War II, 2nd MAW moved its headquarters to Cherry Point, N.C., and saw combat action in Cuba, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

    Following the recitation of this illustrious battle history, Brig. Gen. Robert S. Walsh, commanding general of 2nd MAW (Fwd), addressed his assembled Marines and Sailors, reminding them of all that the Wing provides in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    "Our aircraft are critical. Each one brings their own unique capabilities and makes [the Marine Corps] able to do operations," he said. "By supporting our fellow Marines, we allow our Marine Air Ground Task Force to move. Our support and control groups allow us to support our Marines."

    Walsh went on to praise the Wing's expeditionary capabilities.

    "You are relevant. Just look, look at 2nd MAW's history. We are forward deployed in both theaters," said the general, referring to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

    "You are a part of something very special here ... you are a part of something much larger than yourselves," he continued.

    Walsh told the Marines and Sailors that their efforts and talents have enhanced the Wing's ability to provide the best service possible to those in need.

    Today, there are more than 4,200 Marines and Sailors serving with 2nd MAW (Forward).

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.10.2009
    Date Posted: 07.13.2009 03:47
    Story ID: 36291
    Location: AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IQ

    Web Views: 236
    Downloads: 156

    PUBLIC DOMAIN