VMM-262 (Rein) is awarded the 2019 CNO Aviation Safety Award

Photo By Staff Sgt. Danny Gonzalez | U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Jordan Vannatter, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and a native of San Antonio, Texas, and Col. Matthew Robbins, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 36 and a native of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, hold up the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aviation Safety Award for a photo at Camp Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 17, 2020. The CNO Aviation Safety Award is awarded annually to U.S. Navy and Marine aviation units in recognition of a unit's outstanding safety measures. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Danny Gonzalez)  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

01.14.2021

Story by Sgt. Danny Gonzalez       

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit       

Joining a bedrock of past victories, the “Flying Tigers” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (VMM-262) were once again awarded the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aviation Safety Award. The CNO Safety Award is awarded annually to U.S. Navy and Marine aviation units operating under Navy chains of command in recognition of their exemplary safety measures. The 2019 CNO Safety Award is the 14th time the squadron has been recognized, dating back to 1973.

As the Air Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), VMM-262 embarked with the USS Wasp and USS Green Bay in 2019, and supported bilateral exercises for KAMANDAG 19, MASA 19.2, and 31st MEU operations in the Indo-Pacific region. In total, VMM-262 amassed over 3,384 total hours without a mishap.

While disembarked from the 31st MEU, VMM-262 maintained a high operational tempo in preparing and passing five comprehensive maintenance inspections. Whether on or off the ships, VMM-262 earned its place alongside the Navy squadrons with its exemplary safety standards.

“The success of ‘The World Famous Flying Tigers’ is attributed to the hard work and daily dedication to duty of every Marine and Sailor of VMM-262,” said Maj. Zach Worth, the standardization officer for VMM-262. “An all hands, safety conscious culture, is invaluable when fixing and flying aircraft and we couldn’t be more proud of the work we do and continue to do on a daily basis.”

The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 01.14.2021
• Date Posted: 01.15.2021 01:12
• Story ID: 386885
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP