thedrifter
12-22-07, 08:54 AM
Marine mascot stolen after party
Published Sat, Dec 22, 2007 12:00 AM
By DAN HILLIARD
dhilliard@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5531
An 18-inch knight statue, longtime mascot of Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 122 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, is officially missing in action.
The knight, dubbed Mach Altus, was stolen from a junior pilot's home Dec. 15 after a squadron Christmas party, according to air station spokesman Capt. James Jarvis.
It's common for mascots to go missing as a result of inter-squadron pranks, but Mach Altus' kidnapping doesn't fit the pattern, according to Maj. Joseph Gigliotti, the squadron's executive officer.
"We haven't received the customary ransom note, humorous photograph depicting the mascot in an unflattering way or other such indication that it was another squadron here," he said.
Mach Altus was bought in December 1959 in New York City by the squadron's commanding officer to symbolize the Corps' warrior ethos.
Plus, it fit with the squadron's nickname -- the Crusaders.
Since 1959, the knight has endured numerous deployments alongside the squadron, including a tour of Vietnam.
Tips? Contact the Beaufort County Dispatch Center at 843-524-2777 or the squadron executive officer at 843-321-0682 or 843-228-7715.
Ellie
Published Sat, Dec 22, 2007 12:00 AM
By DAN HILLIARD
dhilliard@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5531
An 18-inch knight statue, longtime mascot of Marine Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 122 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, is officially missing in action.
The knight, dubbed Mach Altus, was stolen from a junior pilot's home Dec. 15 after a squadron Christmas party, according to air station spokesman Capt. James Jarvis.
It's common for mascots to go missing as a result of inter-squadron pranks, but Mach Altus' kidnapping doesn't fit the pattern, according to Maj. Joseph Gigliotti, the squadron's executive officer.
"We haven't received the customary ransom note, humorous photograph depicting the mascot in an unflattering way or other such indication that it was another squadron here," he said.
Mach Altus was bought in December 1959 in New York City by the squadron's commanding officer to symbolize the Corps' warrior ethos.
Plus, it fit with the squadron's nickname -- the Crusaders.
Since 1959, the knight has endured numerous deployments alongside the squadron, including a tour of Vietnam.
Tips? Contact the Beaufort County Dispatch Center at 843-524-2777 or the squadron executive officer at 843-321-0682 or 843-228-7715.
Ellie