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thedrifter
12-21-03, 06:47 AM
'Ace of Spades; squadron departs Iwakuni
Submitted by: MCAS Iwakuni
Story Identification Number: 20031218233657
Story by Lance Cpl. David Revere



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan(December 15, 2003) -- On Dec 15, Marine Attack Squadron 231, the Ace of Spades, flew out for the last time from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The AV-8B Harrier II Squadron deployed to the Station six months ago and has accumulated a significant amount of experience.

VMA-231 participated in a wide variety of training exercises throughout their stay at the Station and in their deployments to other areas while attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable.

From June through October, the squadron took part in close air support training, air-to-air combat training in Kunsan, Korea, Amphibious Ready Group training, special operations capable exercises, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 training exercises, and deep reconnaissance platoon training exercises.

"By participating in such a wide variety of exercises from the land-based and shipboard environments, we became more cognizant of (Marine Air Ground Task Force) employment," said Capt. Terrance Henry, Harrier pilot. "The detachment's maintenance department learned how to maintain airplanes while shipboard as well as while moving locations rapidly.

The high-paced operations tempo of 'WestPac' afforded the detachment multiple, very short duration periods of dedicated training. This tempo also afforded us the opportunities to conduct many types of training and hone multiple skills."

Flying air-to-air defense for Air Force One was the highlight of the deployment, according to Henry. "The 31st MEU was tasked with assisting the United States Secret Service in the physical protection of the President of the United States," said Henry. "Four AV-8B Harriers II's were loaded with two, live AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles each and provided over six hours of continuous airborne defensive counter air coverage to protect Air Force One. Although air combat is not one of the main missions of the AV-8B, the successful completion of this evolution demonstrated the great flexibility and capability of the Harrier II and its pilots."

While attached to the MEU, the Ace of Spades reinforced HMM 265, located in Okinawa, Japan. Henry said that integration with the helo squadron was one of the hardest challenges that they faced. "It was a challenge working out the logistical requirements," said Henry. "They were over 300 miles south of us in Okinawa."

"Our Harriers were there to provide close air support," said Staff Sgt. Jimmy Fahnestock, the squadron's quality assurance chief. Fahnestock said that other helicopter squadron's also accompanied the MEU, such as UH1 Hueys for command and control, and AH-1 Cobras for attack support. All the elements are present is to make the MEU entirely self-sufficient.

"Our units worked really well together," said Henry. "We had really good integration with the Helo Squadron. It was a great opportunity to see how they work."

The Ace of Spades Marines learned to work well not only with other units, but among themselves. With just 119 personnel, the squadron has developed a strong bond over the months.

"Being such a small unit, we get really close," said Henry. "We have become almost like family."

"You get to know what the people are thinking because you know them so well," said Fahnestock.

Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Rossman, Harrier airframer, agreed that communication was good. "I got to work first hand with a lot of the officers," said Rossman. "I could always approach them and they would try to help me out."

"Our Marines have done an outstanding job here," said Henry. "They've done better than we could have imagined, both in proficiency and conduct."

After six months back in Cherry Point, N.C., the squadron is scheduled to deploy again next summer to the Mediterranean.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200312190929/$file/ace.jpg

Capt. Michael P. Quinto makes preflight preparations. Quinto was one of nine Harrier pilots deployed here with Marine Attack Squadron 231. Photo by: Lance Cpl. David Revere

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/EE84DF54A3DB160B85256E0100195B16?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: