thedrifter
09-12-05, 06:40 PM
MAG 42 Det B fly off to support OIF
Marine Forces Atlantic
Story by Sgt. Chris R. Berryman
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 12, 2005) -- The Wild Geese of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 42 Detachment B, Marine Aircraft Group 42 first deployed to Iraq in August of 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed for their second seven-months today.
HMM-774 logged more than 4000 hours in the air during their first deployment to Iraq. According to Lt.Col. John G. McGonagle, Commanding Officer, their mission is to support the Iraqi people as they become a free and democratic people. The Marines of HMM-774 directly supported Iraqi democracy in their first deployment providing air transport to Iraqi government officials during their first democratic election. Their hard work earned their squadron the title of Marine Corps Reserve Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 2004.
The Wild Goose returned to the U.S. in March, and have been preparing for this deployment since. Many of the Marines that took part in the first deployment will remain with the unit for their second deployment to Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Dan J. Franken, a Virginia Beach native and a CH-46 airframe mechanic, is looking forward to his second deployment, “It’s not that bad out there.”
“I’m a little anxious, but mostly looking forward to deploying. I’m excited to get to know the bird better,” said Lance Cpl. Chase A. Lennon, a CH-46 mechanic deploying for the first time. Lennon has been with the squadron for just four months.
Lt.Col. McGonagle says the unit’s biggest challenge will be to keep the Marines morale high.
The task might not be as difficult as he is expecting. Cpl. Amanda F. Brown, a navigation systems technician, speaking of the upcoming deployment, said with a smile, “It’s just another day in Iraq.”
Ellie
Marine Forces Atlantic
Story by Sgt. Chris R. Berryman
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 12, 2005) -- The Wild Geese of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 42 Detachment B, Marine Aircraft Group 42 first deployed to Iraq in August of 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed for their second seven-months today.
HMM-774 logged more than 4000 hours in the air during their first deployment to Iraq. According to Lt.Col. John G. McGonagle, Commanding Officer, their mission is to support the Iraqi people as they become a free and democratic people. The Marines of HMM-774 directly supported Iraqi democracy in their first deployment providing air transport to Iraqi government officials during their first democratic election. Their hard work earned their squadron the title of Marine Corps Reserve Helicopter Squadron of the Year for 2004.
The Wild Goose returned to the U.S. in March, and have been preparing for this deployment since. Many of the Marines that took part in the first deployment will remain with the unit for their second deployment to Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Dan J. Franken, a Virginia Beach native and a CH-46 airframe mechanic, is looking forward to his second deployment, “It’s not that bad out there.”
“I’m a little anxious, but mostly looking forward to deploying. I’m excited to get to know the bird better,” said Lance Cpl. Chase A. Lennon, a CH-46 mechanic deploying for the first time. Lennon has been with the squadron for just four months.
Lt.Col. McGonagle says the unit’s biggest challenge will be to keep the Marines morale high.
The task might not be as difficult as he is expecting. Cpl. Amanda F. Brown, a navigation systems technician, speaking of the upcoming deployment, said with a smile, “It’s just another day in Iraq.”
Ellie