VMM-266 to receive "Chesty" Puller Award

Marine Corps Installations East
Story by 1st Lt. Sarah Mobilio

Date: 04.29.2014
Posted: 04.29.2014 11:05
News ID: 128008

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 is receiving the Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller Outstanding Leadership Award in the squadron hangar aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, Wednesday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.

Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Fox, II Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, is scheduled to present VMM-266 this award for their successful deployment as the Aviation Combat Element for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit resulting in zero mishaps and increased readiness rates as well as leading challenging and high profile missions to include humanitarian relief in New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy, a long range capability mission to Germany, Joint Task Force Casualty Evacuation, Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel, and Quick Response Force alert missions in harsh environments that included Egypt, Yemen, and Oman from Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013.

During this time, VMM-266 (Rein.) flew 6,182 mishap free flight hours, transported 9,829 passengers, and delivered 2,031,351 pounds of cargo demonstrating their unmatched readiness rates and dedication of squadron leaders, Marines and Sailors to mission success.

This is the second time VMM-266 received this award in three years. Maj. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, is also scheduled to attend.

Media representatives who would like to cover this event should contact the public affairs office at 910-449-5130 or sarah.burns@usmc.mil, no later than 4 p.m., April 29. Please meet at the visitor's center parking lot at 10:30 a.m., April 30.