'Watchdogs' return home, transfer authority to 'Night Owls'

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, AFGHANISTAN

11.03.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Christine Polvorosa 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan – The heat from the sun permeated the flightline as many gathered outside Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1’s hangar here to bid them farewell and welcome the newest member of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) family, the VMU-2 “Night Owls,” during a Transfer of Authority ceremony Nov. 2.

Since April, the VMU-1 “Watchdogs” have operated and maintained an unmanned aerial system to provide unmanned aerial reconnaissance support to coalition and Afghan forces in Helmand and Nimroz provinces.

“Our goal [while here] was to provide 24/7 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the ground commanders in multiple areas of operation,” said Sgt. Maj. William Toves, the senior enlisted Marine at VMU-1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd MAW (Fwd).

“We absolutely met these goals,” Toves continued. “VMU-1 provided over 25,000 combat flight hours supporting convoy operations, raids and intelligence for I Marine Expeditionary Force [(Forward)]. Our coverage of those operations [using the RQ-7B ‘Shadows’] greatly reduced the time necessary to intercept [improvised explosive device] emplacers and ambushes.”

The unmanned aerial vehicles provide real-time video to the controllers and VMU intelligence Marines, who subsequently relay the information to ground units. This further aids Marines in their mission to identify enemy forces.

“By providing direct video feed and communications relay packages to [Ground Combat Element] combat operation centers, this allows them to observe the battle space and their troops,” added Toves, who is scheduled to return to Twentynine Palms, Calif., next week. “Also, our coverage of routes used by the International Security Assistance Forces made Afghanistan safer to travel, for not only ISAF, but the local populace as well.”

With VMU-2 taking over, it’s Toves’ hope that they have a successful deployment supporting the mission essential tasks of the VMU community.

“I could not have asked for a better turnover,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Lathrop, the commanding officer of VMU-2. “My plan is to continue on the success of [VMU-1], make improvements when needed and ensure a smooth transition. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but the Marines are up to the task.”

• Date Taken: 11.03.2010
• Date Posted: 11.05.2010 02:01
• Story ID: 59460
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, AF