VMM-262 (Rein.) joins the 31st MEU

Photo By T. T. Parish | A MV-22B Osprey belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced) prepares to land on Farallon de Medinilla Range, Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 16, 2016. Valiant Shield is a biennial U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps exercise held in Guam, focusing on real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. T.T. Parish)  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

06.05.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Alexis Betances  

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit       

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced) provided air support for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit for the last 12 months and returned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing May 21. VMM-262 (Rein.) has now replaced VMM-265 (Rein.) as part of the Aviation Combat Element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The ACE supports the 31st MEU with assault transport, close air support and aviation command and control. The ACE includes a reinforced MV-22B Osprey squadron and a detachment of F-35B Lightning IIs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 during the MEU’s regularly scheduled deployments, along with supporting detachments. The ACE for the 31st MEU rotates every 12 months.

“We’re glad to have VMM-262 (Rein.) join our team,” said Col. Tye R. Wallace, the commanding officer of the 31st MEU. “We’re eager to see what we will accomplish over the course of the next year.”

The last time VMM-262 (Rein.) was deployed with the 31st MEU, they supported exercises Valiant Shield in Guam, Amphibious Landing Exercise in the Philippines and Cobra Gold in the Kingdom of Thailand. They also received the 2017 Pete Ross award from the Marine Corps Aviation Association for their aviation safety record in 2016.

"The 'Flying Tigers' are ready to support the 31st MEU," said Lt. Col. Garth W. Burnett, commanding officer of VMM-262 (Rein.) "It will be a great experience for our Marines. I'm looking forward to the road ahead."

The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is capable of accomplishing a wide-variety of military operations including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, regional security and non-combatant evacuation.

• Date Taken: 06.05.2018
• Date Posted: 06.04.2018 22:32
• Story ID: 279551
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP