Hawks leave the nest: Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 departs on Unit Deployment Program

Photo By Pvt. Spencer Hardwick | Cpl. Alex Stringer, a powerline mechanic with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, takes a quick nap shortly before deploying with the rest of his squadron from Fightertown, July 11.  

07.10.2009

Story by Pvt. Spencer Hardwick 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, also known as the Hawks, departed the Air Station, July 10 and 11, and headed for Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to join the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of a Unit Deployment Program.

The squadron is scheduled to spend time in multiple locations throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia, conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground operations as part of an annual rotation to ensure a continuous, forward-deployed presence in the area, according to Staff Sgt. Osvaldo Rincon, the powerline division chief with the Hawks.

"The best thing about this training is we get the chance to do our jobs in a place other than the Air Station," said Rincon. "It puts these Marines into a different climate with a different working environment and forces them to perform when they're not sure what to expect."

"There is going to be some really good training happening in the coming months," said Capt. Michael Raiff, an F/A — 18 Hornet pilot assigned to the squadron. "There are going to be detachments all over the place and they'll have the chance to work with planes and service members from other countries. I think it's going to be a great experience for everyone."

During the deployment, the squadron is slated to break off into various detachments, allowing different groups to participate in various exercises, according to Rincon. This allows the squadron to focus specifically on the various tasks they may need to deal with. It also allows junior leaders to step up and take charge.

"The amount of leadership and job experience they gain by going out there is great," Rincon explained. "They don't have the same supply base they did before, so it forces them to network and become creative to accomplish the mission. It really gives Marines the chance to lead and
prove themselves."

Although the Marines aren't going to a combat zone, the seven-month trip away from home takes its toll on many and their families.

"It's going to be difficult being away from my family," said Lance Cpl. Kyle Bates, an ejection seat mechanic with the Hawks. "I know they'll be okay without me, but I'm sure it will be a good day when I come back. At least my family understands why I have to leave."

• Date Taken: 07.10.2009
• Date Posted: 07.17.2009 07:34
• Story ID: 36469