CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan – The Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 “Flying Tigers” transferred responsibilities to HMH-461 “Ironhorse” during a Transfer of Authority ceremony here Feb. 1.
Lt. Col. Douglas Glasgow, the HMH-361 commanding officer, turned over responsibilities as the heavy-lift squadron, which utilizes the CH-53E Super Stallion, for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) to Lt. Col. Scott Wadle, the HMH-461 commanding officer.
“When [we] got here, I only asked for 100 percent 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Glasgow while addressing his squadron during the ceremony. “You delivered.”
According to Glasgow, the squadron transported more than 8.7 million pounds of assets in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and more than 37,000 Marines in support of coalition operations – many times into the “heart of the Taliban’s backyard.”
The Super Stallion is second-to-none when transporting cargo, personnel and equipment via a rotary-wing platform, which the Flying Tigers proved on many occasions during their tour, including the tactical recovery of a disabled 23,500-pound H-47 Chinook.
Glasgow stated he is confident Ironhorse will “keep the ball rolling” and “raise the bar a little higher” as the squadron progresses into their deployment.
“We are here. We are committed. We are ready … to support [the Marine Aircraft Wing] and the MAGTF,” said Wadle to the service members present at the ceremony. “I look forward to the future we have together as we continue to support the MAGTF and bring prosperity to this great country.”