‘Ironmen’ transfer authority to ‘Aces’

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Story by Cpl. Derek Carlson

Date: 09.26.2010
Posted: 09.27.2010 06:38
News ID: 57050

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, the "Ironmen," transferred responsibilities to MWSS-373, the "Aces," during a transfer of authority ceremony here, Sept. 26.

Lt. Col. Anthony Ference, the MWSS-274 commanding officer, turned over responsibilities as the aviation support squadron for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) to Lt. Col. Thomas Fahy, the MWSS-373 commanding officer.

“[MWSS-274] is the most complex and diverse organization I’ve ever worked with,” said Ference. “They’ve all done a fantastic job across the board.”

During their seven-month deployment, the Ironmen worked at 15 different locations, on various projects ranging from the construction of a KC-130 runway to “moving enough earth to fill a football field 200-feet deep,” according to Ference. They also provided electrical support for all 3rd MAW (Fwd) personnel and 9 million gallons of fuel to their aircraft and vehicles.

The squadron directly impacted the mission capability of the 3rd MAW (Fwd) and improved some of the subtle luxuries of expeditionary living, such as showers and dining facilities, for all of its service members.

“I could not have hand-picked 600 better Marines and sailors to deploy with,” said Ference as he expressed his gratitude to the service members under his command.

MWSS-274 left “big shoes” to fill for MWSS-373, and whether with gravel, dirt or concrete, they plan to do just that.

“The big ‘S’ in MWSS stands for support, and we look forward to fulfilling that mission,” said Fahy, anxious for the Aces to pick up where the Ironmen have left off.