Photo By Roman Yurek | Staff Sgt. Antwan Plunkett, Cpl. Ryan Bertucci and Lance Cpl. Bryan Stansbury,...... read more read more
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CAMP BASTION, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 became Marine Aircraft Group 40's first fully operational squadron when all of their CH-53D "Sea Stallion" helicopters arrived here in April.
Despite nearing the end of their deployment, the Marines in the squadron continue to complete task after task.
Based out of Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, the "Ugly Angels" arrived in Al Asad, Iraq, in January and moved to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, where they stayed for a month. After being reassigned to MAG-40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, the squadron relocated to Camp Bastion to serve out the remainder of its deployment.
Staff Sgt. Antwan Plunkett, a helicopter engine mechanic, said all of the squadron's aircraft went from Kandahar to Bastion and were "ready to rock" in three days.
"I'm glad we came to Afghanistan," said Capt. Gareth Hughes, the squadron's future operations schedule coordinator. "If we were still in Al Asad, we'd be complaining about still being there."
Plunkett said the missions the squadron conducts include dropping off food, water, laundry, Marines' packs, ammunition, Post Exchange items and mail from the various forward operating bases in the area.
"Not only do we conduct tactical missions, but we help with tidbits of morale for the Marines," he said. "We make sure the Marines have what they need so they can have a little piece of home."
Hughes said that although being in Iraq and being in Afghanistan might feel the same, the mission here is different. The threat level here is a higher and more dynamic, he said, and "it feels like we are truly making a difference."
And when it comes down to it, coming to Afghanistan means more experience for the Marines in the squadron.
"This is why I joined the Marine Corps," said Cpl. Ryan Bertucci, a heavy engine mechanic. "I get to work on aircraft that perform actual missions, opposed to training operations back in Kaneohe Bay."
With only a few weeks left in their 7-month deployment, the Marines in the squadron are proud of their contributions to both Operation Iraqi Freedom and NATO's International Security Assistance Force.
"We've persevered and continued our mission whether we're in Iraq or in Afghanistan," said Plunkett. "Our mission is to transport Marines from point A to point B, and once they get there, we bring them beans, bullets and bandages."
Another thing the Marines are proud of is their unique helicopters.
The "Ugly Angels" are one of only three CH-53D squadrons in the Corps. However, the squadron's CH-53Ds are the only ones in the Marine Corps equipped with engines for CH-53Es.
"In 23 days we completed 20 engine swaps from the 413s to the 416s," said Plunkett. "We made the change in Iraq because the 416 engines have more torque and lifting capabilities, making them necessary for Afghanistan's higher altitude, mountainous terrain."
And the new engines are making the aircraft's performance stand out. The CH-53Ds have been completing all missions assigned, even though some of them are 40 years old.
"Our Marines work 12-hour shifts every day of the week to get what we need done," said Hughes. "Our maintenance Marines are the heroes of the squadron, for we have not dropped a single mission due to maintenance."
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2009 22:09 |
| Story ID: | 36687 |
| Location: | CAMP BASTION, AF |
| Web Views: | 573 |
| Downloads: | 451 |
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