thedrifter
09-06-07, 07:30 PM
The Marines and sailors of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 came home Tuesday after a seven-month tour in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq.
Hundreds of friends and family members greeted the more than 120 personnel of the squadrons.
“I’m so happy to have my husband and the rest of the Marines home safe,” said Karen StGeorge, whose husband, Cpl. Robert StGeorge, serves as an electronic systems technician with VMFA(AW)-121.
While in Iraq, the squadron served as aerial support and surveillance for ground troops operating in the Al Anbar Province.
“The Marines did a superb job in every task and assignment they were given,” said Sgt. Maj. Antonio N. Vizcarrondo, the sergeant major for VMFA(AW)-121. “Operationally, tactically and technically, the entire squadron performed well in all aspects.”
While supporting their mission, the unit logged approximately 8,300 flight hours and dropped more than 150,000 pounds of ordnance during the seven month tour of duty.
“We were constantly working 24 hours a day, actively participating in all missions thrown our way,” said Cpl. Jose M. Lopez, an aviation operations specialist with the squadron. “I think we showed the whole Marine Corps how effective an F-18D Hornet squadron can be in combat.”
While deployed MALS-11 supported VMFA(AW)-121 with aviation maintenance.
“We fixed and repaired their aircraft,” said Sgt. Maj. Guy T. Frazier. “Now they are back with their families and friends, and happy to be back home.”
“It feels great to be home again,” said Lopez. “I think what most of us are excited to do again is relax with the people we are close with, enjoy a few days off and relax on the beach.”
With the entire unit back at the air station, the squadron now sets to start conducting flight operations out of Miramar again soon.
“The immediate goal right now is to take care of the Marines as they reunite with their families,” said Vizcarrondo. “It’s our job to make sure they stay safe as they commence their leave and time off to relax with their families and friends again.”
Hundreds of friends and family members greeted the more than 120 personnel of the squadrons.
“I’m so happy to have my husband and the rest of the Marines home safe,” said Karen StGeorge, whose husband, Cpl. Robert StGeorge, serves as an electronic systems technician with VMFA(AW)-121.
While in Iraq, the squadron served as aerial support and surveillance for ground troops operating in the Al Anbar Province.
“The Marines did a superb job in every task and assignment they were given,” said Sgt. Maj. Antonio N. Vizcarrondo, the sergeant major for VMFA(AW)-121. “Operationally, tactically and technically, the entire squadron performed well in all aspects.”
While supporting their mission, the unit logged approximately 8,300 flight hours and dropped more than 150,000 pounds of ordnance during the seven month tour of duty.
“We were constantly working 24 hours a day, actively participating in all missions thrown our way,” said Cpl. Jose M. Lopez, an aviation operations specialist with the squadron. “I think we showed the whole Marine Corps how effective an F-18D Hornet squadron can be in combat.”
While deployed MALS-11 supported VMFA(AW)-121 with aviation maintenance.
“We fixed and repaired their aircraft,” said Sgt. Maj. Guy T. Frazier. “Now they are back with their families and friends, and happy to be back home.”
“It feels great to be home again,” said Lopez. “I think what most of us are excited to do again is relax with the people we are close with, enjoy a few days off and relax on the beach.”
With the entire unit back at the air station, the squadron now sets to start conducting flight operations out of Miramar again soon.
“The immediate goal right now is to take care of the Marines as they reunite with their families,” said Vizcarrondo. “It’s our job to make sure they stay safe as they commence their leave and time off to relax with their families and friends again.”