MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Two 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing squadrons based at Cherry Point are among those to be honored in May by the Marine Corps Aviation Association. The winners of all categories recognized annually by the association were announced in Marine Administrative Message 173/13 released Monday.
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 was named the the Royal N. Moore Electronic Warfare Squadron of the Year, and Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 earned the Edwards S. Fris Air Command and Control Unit of the Year award.
The squadrons were recognized for exceptional leadership and dedication to mission accomplishment among units with similar missions.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and teamwork demonstrated by every Marine within VMAQ-1,” said Lt. Col. Joshua S. K. Gordon, commanding officer of VMAQ-1. “Whether it’s a maintainer or a pilot, the Marines of this unit work hard to accomplish the mission.”
Gordon and VMU-2 commanding officer Lt. Col. A. C. Bolden are currently leading thier units through Weapons and Tactics Instructor course in Yuma, Ariz.
“The ‘Night Owls’ are humbled and honored to receive the Fris Award,” said Bolden. “The recognition for this achievement falls squarely on the shoulders of my predecessor, Lt. Col. Mikel Huber, and the 254 Marines and Sailors he led into combat.”
Other 2nd MAW units that will be recognized at the event are Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 based at MCAS Beaufort, S.C.; and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 based at New River.
The association will present the awards at the 42nd Annual MCAA Symposium and Awards Dinner May 15-18 in Reno, Nev.