More than 150 Marines and Sailors with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40 returned from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan, July 16.
The mission of the logistics squadron was to provide the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) with mid-level maintenance support and keep supplies and necessary equipment for aircraft, including CH-53E Super Stallions and MV-22B Ospreys, to keep flying.
MALS-40, commanded by Lt. Col. Ryan G. Goulette, was activated during a ceremony at Miller’s Landing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Dec. 19, solely for the deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron deployed in January.
“Without Marine aviation logistics squadrons, it would be impossible for us to conduct sustained expeditionary air operations,” said Brig. Gen. Gary L. Thomas, commanding general of 2nd MAW (Fwd).
Capt. Brandon Mott, the assistant aircraft maintenance officer for MALS-40, said that MALS-40 is a combination of MALS-29 and MALS-26 from MCAS New River, as well as MALS-31 from MCAS Cherry Point.
“We supported five separate flying squadrons composed of six different type model series aircraft by providing logistical support such as aircraft components, line and tube bending, non-destructive inspections, engine troubleshooting, and ground support equipment maintenance,” said Mott.
After serving six months in Afghanistan, the Marines from both air stations have safely returned home after keeping air support a viable option in a combat zone, said Mott.
He went on to say he was pleased with the performance the Marines displayed while deployed to Afghanistan.
“All of the Marines came together from the varied units and created an outstanding team that provided excellent support to the flying squadrons of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward),” said Mott. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished during our time in Afghanistan.”
| Date Taken: |
07.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: |
07.30.2013 13:14 |
| Story ID: |
111060 |
| Location: |
JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: |
125 |
| Downloads: |
1 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, MALS-40 returns from Afghanistan, by Cpl Cameron Payne, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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