Stingers recognized as largest, most medically ready squadron in 2nd MAW

Photo By Cpl. Timothy Norris | Navy Lt. Aileen Heath, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 medical officer, and her staff of corpsmen have helped their squadron, known as the Stingers, become the most medically ready large squadron in 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

10.18.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Timothy Norris 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 stands ready to deploy with the highest percentage of medically deployable Marines in 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Ninety-three percent of more than 650 Marines at MALS-31, also known as the Stingers, have nothing preventing them from a deployment with short notice making the squadron “fully medically ready.”

“The dedication to medical readiness is taken seriously at MALS-31,” said Navy Lt. Aileen Cangiano-Heath, MALS-31’s Medical Officer. “Medical hit lists are scrubbed weekly for delinquent dental appointments, audiograms, shots [and other issues] to ensure requirements are met by all of our Marines. There is no excuse for not being medically ready.”

The mentality of the squadron has changed, Heath explained. Instead of waiting until it is convenient to take care of a delinquent medical requirement, it has become a top priority to fulfill requirements immediately.

“Our office demonstrates a tough love mentality and a true dedication to the Marines we serve,” Heath said. “The key is continuous contact with the command leaders and full support.”

Heath along with the four corpsman assigned to the Stingers have taken a hands on approach to the medical preparation of the Stingers by participating in squadron hikes and personally visiting sections to administer required shots. The medical team raised the number of medically ready Marines from 68 percent earlier this year to the current 93 percent.

Second Marine Aircraft Wing has currently set the standard to maintain 80 percent of Marines at every level as medically ready. With 90 percent set as fully medically ready, a higher standard then what the Marine Corps has set.

“It’s only as important as we make it,” said Lt. Col. William Gray, Stingers commanding officer. “I’m proud of our Marines. The leadership made it a priority and our Marines made it happen.”

The number of Marines who ensure they stay medically ready continues to rise as the Stingers continue to press forward to 100 percent medical readiness.

“Making medical readiness a priority means the individual Marines, our unit and the Marine Corps all win because we are ready to support whatever is required of us,” Gray concluded.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2012
• Date Posted: 10.18.2012 11:44
• Story ID: 96377
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, US