VMM-266 (REIN) to aid in Pakistan flood

Courtesy Photo | Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and sailors aboard USS Kearsarge man the rails as they deploy from Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Aug. 27. The 26th MEU deployed aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in late August responding to an order by the Secretary of Defense to support Pakistan flood relief efforts.(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jesse Johnson)  

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

08.26.2010

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Installations East       

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - Marines and sailors from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced) boarded ships of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, Aug. 26, as the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Air Combat Element, and departed New River ahead of schedule to support flood relief efforts in Pakistan.

“This is an opportunity for 26th MEU Marines and sailors to help a key partner nation,” said Col. Mark J. Desens, commanding officer of the 26th MEU. “We have a versatile and flexible force that we will use to alleviate suffering of the Pakistani citizens affected by this disaster.”

The 26th MEU, previously scheduled to deploy in the fall to support commanders in the Mediterranean and Arabian Sea regions, kicked their deployment off early to lend a helping hand to the people of Pakistan.

VMM-266 (REIN) is slated to play a critical role in the Pakistan relief effort by providing transportation of disaster relief materials and personnel over distances that exceed the reach of traditional helicopters.

VMM-266 is reinforced by Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons 26 and 29, Marine Air Control Group 28, Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Attack Squadron 542, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 to form the air combat element.

All of VMM-266 (REIN), deployed with the 26th MEU, except a small team who flew directly to Pakistan earlier.

“The Marines from VMM-266 are eager to get over there and take a part in helping Pakistani people back to their feet after their loss,” said Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper, 26th MEU Public Affairs chief.

The Marines from VMM-266 (REIN) joined the MEU in March and have since conducted various training exercises including the Composite Training Unit Exercise. During the composite exercise, the unit delivered supplies during a simulated humanitarian assistance mission to prepare for their originally scheduled deployment.

Once their mission in Pakistan is complete, 26th MEU will continue its originally scheduled deployment supporting commanders in the Mediterranean and Arabian Sea regions.

• Date Taken: 08.26.2010
• Date Posted: 09.02.2010 11:49
• Story ID: 55608
• Location: NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, VA, US