CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan - Marines with the Gunfighters of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 consistently use a proven method to get their aircraft back in the fight – teamwork.
In a representation of that method, several Marines from the squadron came together Jan. 8 to manually lift a rotor blade into a UH-1Y Huey helicopter undergoing repairs.
“We don’t have an overhead hoist in the hangar so that’s how we have to do it,” said Gunnery Sgt. Aaron Jameson, the squadron’s quality assurance chief, and a native of Lynden, Wash. “Everyone out here is putting everything they have into our mission.”
The squadron, deployed from Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., wields the only Marine Corps attack helicopters in Afghanistan. The Gunfighters employ a lethal tandem of UH-1Y Huey and AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters.
“Maintaining the aircraft is a constant thing out here because of the operational tempo that we maintain,” said Jameson. “The Marines are always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Through teamwork comes mission accomplishment and we will keep that going and keep together throughout our deployment.”