thedrifter
07-13-04, 07:55 AM
Support squadron stands as pillar of air wing
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 20047723727
Story by Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — (July 1, 2004 ) -- The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing has been striving to fight and win America’s battles since July 7, 1941. Boasting and array of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, 1st MAW’s great example of a force in readiness could be partially due to one of its two highly proficient support groups.
Marine Wing Support Squadron-172, the only 1st MAW support squadron on Okinawa, provides the wing with the capability to support 3,000 Marines at a forward operating base, while augmented by a full Marine aircraft group, by using many different support elements, said Maj. Dan White, MWSS-172’s executive officer.
“Without us, 1st MAW wouldn’t have the essentials to survive or fight,” White said.
The squadron, normally deployed as detachments, can set up external communication outlets around an airfield during a combat scenario. The squadron is capable of installing phones, radios and data systems to provide direct communication from a tactical airfield to pilots, as well as other field and garrison units.
Weather forecasting is also a part of the squadron’s support capabilities. The squadron’s 22 weather observers provide essential weather information to pilots, which is critical when dealing with multimillion-dollar aircraft, White said. While in garrison, most of the weather observers in the squadron are assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, via the Fleet Assistance Program, to maintain their weather forecasting proficiency.
The squadron provides expeditionary airfield service as well, which includes laying down AM2 matting, used to construct portable helicopter landing pads, and installing lighting to illuminate dark runways.
Aircraft rescue and firefighting, or ARFF, is also included in airfield service, said Warrant Officer Jeffrey A. Fisher, commanding officer of expeditionary airfield service and ARFF for the squadron.
The squadron maintains firefighting equipment, such as metal cutting tools and the P-19 Rescue Vehicle. The P-19 is an all-wheel drive, off-road capable water tanker with the capacity to hold 1,000 gallons of water. It can extinguish aircraft fires by drenching them with 500 gallons per minute.
“These trucks are very important and are a high priority in our shop,” said Sgt. Waldo Buitrago, a P-19 mechanic and the motor transport quality control specialist for the squadron. “Two of these trucks need to be available every time a (KC-130 Hercules tactical transport/aerial refueler aircraft) lands.”
Aircraft and ground vehicle refueling is also a responsibility of the squadron. The squadron uses the tactical airfield fuel dispensing system, or TAFDS, and the helicopter expedient refueling system, or HERS.
“These fuel tanks are like rubber bladders,” White said. “The HERS will hold 9,000 gallons of fuel and is used for helicopters mostly, while the TAFDS hold 50,000 gallons and is used for the larger cargo aircraft.”
The squadron handles the disposal of explosive aviation ordnance, as well as hostile
improvised explosive devises.
“It is very critical to have IED disposal capabilities because of the many Marines that have been injured by them in Iraq,” White said.
Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units, within the essential engineer services element, enable the squadron to convert impure water to fresh water for the Marines to take showers with, wash laundry and drink.
A motor transportation capability allows the squadron to haul ordnance, fuel, supplies and water to the surrounding Marines, said Capt. Allen Jaster, commanding officer of Support Company. The MK48-18 truck, or Logistics Vehicle System, is used to transport the water and gasoline bladders to their required destinations.
Field mess is also an important part of the squadron’s responsibilities, White said.
“Hot chow is critical to the Marines and sailors we provide it for. It’s a great morale booster when it’s cold and rainy out. It gives them just a little more motivation for that day,” White said. “As a credit to the squadron’s proficiency, we have won the Maj. Gen. W.P.T. Hill Memorial Award for food service excellence the past two years.”
Nuclear, biological and chemical defense specialists provide support within the squadron and increase the proficiency of the squadron during the event of a contamination, White explained.
“In prior days, if there was a chemical attack, everyone would button up and go into mission oriented protective posture for days,” White said. “Now, because of new techniques and knowledge, the NBC specialists can decontaminate the area and reduce to a lower MOPP level, which raises the proficiency of the squadron.”
By holding a high level of excellence in all aspects, MWSS-172 stands fast as a pillar in support of the 1st MAW foundation and the Marine Corps.
“It is unique and important to the Marine Corps to have the capabilities to extend the aviation combat element into enemy territory in order to support the infantry Marine on the ground,” White said.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20047724139/$file/Release0325-2001-01low.jpg
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — Cpl. Johnathan Caro aims the top water hose as Sgt. Waldo Buitrago operates the controls of the P-19 Rescue Vehicle here July 1. Both Caro and Buitrago are P-19 mechanics with Marine Wing Support Squadron-172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/D5738917A7F3A94485256ECA0024635F?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 20047723727
Story by Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — (July 1, 2004 ) -- The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing has been striving to fight and win America’s battles since July 7, 1941. Boasting and array of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, 1st MAW’s great example of a force in readiness could be partially due to one of its two highly proficient support groups.
Marine Wing Support Squadron-172, the only 1st MAW support squadron on Okinawa, provides the wing with the capability to support 3,000 Marines at a forward operating base, while augmented by a full Marine aircraft group, by using many different support elements, said Maj. Dan White, MWSS-172’s executive officer.
“Without us, 1st MAW wouldn’t have the essentials to survive or fight,” White said.
The squadron, normally deployed as detachments, can set up external communication outlets around an airfield during a combat scenario. The squadron is capable of installing phones, radios and data systems to provide direct communication from a tactical airfield to pilots, as well as other field and garrison units.
Weather forecasting is also a part of the squadron’s support capabilities. The squadron’s 22 weather observers provide essential weather information to pilots, which is critical when dealing with multimillion-dollar aircraft, White said. While in garrison, most of the weather observers in the squadron are assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, via the Fleet Assistance Program, to maintain their weather forecasting proficiency.
The squadron provides expeditionary airfield service as well, which includes laying down AM2 matting, used to construct portable helicopter landing pads, and installing lighting to illuminate dark runways.
Aircraft rescue and firefighting, or ARFF, is also included in airfield service, said Warrant Officer Jeffrey A. Fisher, commanding officer of expeditionary airfield service and ARFF for the squadron.
The squadron maintains firefighting equipment, such as metal cutting tools and the P-19 Rescue Vehicle. The P-19 is an all-wheel drive, off-road capable water tanker with the capacity to hold 1,000 gallons of water. It can extinguish aircraft fires by drenching them with 500 gallons per minute.
“These trucks are very important and are a high priority in our shop,” said Sgt. Waldo Buitrago, a P-19 mechanic and the motor transport quality control specialist for the squadron. “Two of these trucks need to be available every time a (KC-130 Hercules tactical transport/aerial refueler aircraft) lands.”
Aircraft and ground vehicle refueling is also a responsibility of the squadron. The squadron uses the tactical airfield fuel dispensing system, or TAFDS, and the helicopter expedient refueling system, or HERS.
“These fuel tanks are like rubber bladders,” White said. “The HERS will hold 9,000 gallons of fuel and is used for helicopters mostly, while the TAFDS hold 50,000 gallons and is used for the larger cargo aircraft.”
The squadron handles the disposal of explosive aviation ordnance, as well as hostile
improvised explosive devises.
“It is very critical to have IED disposal capabilities because of the many Marines that have been injured by them in Iraq,” White said.
Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units, within the essential engineer services element, enable the squadron to convert impure water to fresh water for the Marines to take showers with, wash laundry and drink.
A motor transportation capability allows the squadron to haul ordnance, fuel, supplies and water to the surrounding Marines, said Capt. Allen Jaster, commanding officer of Support Company. The MK48-18 truck, or Logistics Vehicle System, is used to transport the water and gasoline bladders to their required destinations.
Field mess is also an important part of the squadron’s responsibilities, White said.
“Hot chow is critical to the Marines and sailors we provide it for. It’s a great morale booster when it’s cold and rainy out. It gives them just a little more motivation for that day,” White said. “As a credit to the squadron’s proficiency, we have won the Maj. Gen. W.P.T. Hill Memorial Award for food service excellence the past two years.”
Nuclear, biological and chemical defense specialists provide support within the squadron and increase the proficiency of the squadron during the event of a contamination, White explained.
“In prior days, if there was a chemical attack, everyone would button up and go into mission oriented protective posture for days,” White said. “Now, because of new techniques and knowledge, the NBC specialists can decontaminate the area and reduce to a lower MOPP level, which raises the proficiency of the squadron.”
By holding a high level of excellence in all aspects, MWSS-172 stands fast as a pillar in support of the 1st MAW foundation and the Marine Corps.
“It is unique and important to the Marine Corps to have the capabilities to extend the aviation combat element into enemy territory in order to support the infantry Marine on the ground,” White said.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20047724139/$file/Release0325-2001-01low.jpg
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — Cpl. Johnathan Caro aims the top water hose as Sgt. Waldo Buitrago operates the controls of the P-19 Rescue Vehicle here July 1. Both Caro and Buitrago are P-19 mechanics with Marine Wing Support Squadron-172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/D5738917A7F3A94485256ECA0024635F?opendocument
Ellie