thedrifter
08-27-08, 08:39 AM
Two squads return, two ship out
By Patrick Donohue - McClatchy Newspapers
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort will be a revolving door for the next month with two squadrons shipping out for deployment and two squadrons returning to Beaufort from tours abroad.
Though security reasons prevent the air station from releasing return dates, officials did confirm that the Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and the Hawks of Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 533 will be celebrating their respective returns to the Lowcountry in September.
VMFA-115 was deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, this year, and VMFA (AW) 533 returns to Beaufort after a tour of duty at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
While the community prepares to welcome home some of its Marines, two other squadrons must prepare for the excruciating task of saying goodbye.
VMFA-122, the Werewolves, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, the Sweathogs, are readying themselves and their families for their respective departures from MCAS Beaufort to Al Asad in the coming weeks.
Preparing for deployment is a delicate balance for Marines who must get ready for the months of combat experience that lie ahead, as well as making sure their homes are in order before shipping out.
"I'd like to say, 'Hey, we're Marines 24/7, and we're always ready to go,' but you can't help but acknowledge what you're getting ready to go do," said Lt. Col. Doug Douds, the unit's commanding officer. "To a small degree, people steel their minds and steel their hearts for the mission that lies ahead. You're taking care of your family on one side, but you're also focusing for the mission at hand. You know you're going to be away from your family and friends ... it's going to be hard work, long hours, but at the same time you're doing all the things that you joined the Marine Corps to do. In that respect, you couldn't be happier to go."
The upcoming deployment to Iraq will be VMFA-122's first combat deployment in more than 30 years, and the first deployment since changing its call sign from the Crusaders to the Werewolves six months ago.
Ellie
By Patrick Donohue - McClatchy Newspapers
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort will be a revolving door for the next month with two squadrons shipping out for deployment and two squadrons returning to Beaufort from tours abroad.
Though security reasons prevent the air station from releasing return dates, officials did confirm that the Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 and the Hawks of Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 533 will be celebrating their respective returns to the Lowcountry in September.
VMFA-115 was deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, this year, and VMFA (AW) 533 returns to Beaufort after a tour of duty at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
While the community prepares to welcome home some of its Marines, two other squadrons must prepare for the excruciating task of saying goodbye.
VMFA-122, the Werewolves, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, the Sweathogs, are readying themselves and their families for their respective departures from MCAS Beaufort to Al Asad in the coming weeks.
Preparing for deployment is a delicate balance for Marines who must get ready for the months of combat experience that lie ahead, as well as making sure their homes are in order before shipping out.
"I'd like to say, 'Hey, we're Marines 24/7, and we're always ready to go,' but you can't help but acknowledge what you're getting ready to go do," said Lt. Col. Doug Douds, the unit's commanding officer. "To a small degree, people steel their minds and steel their hearts for the mission that lies ahead. You're taking care of your family on one side, but you're also focusing for the mission at hand. You know you're going to be away from your family and friends ... it's going to be hard work, long hours, but at the same time you're doing all the things that you joined the Marine Corps to do. In that respect, you couldn't be happier to go."
The upcoming deployment to Iraq will be VMFA-122's first combat deployment in more than 30 years, and the first deployment since changing its call sign from the Crusaders to the Werewolves six months ago.
Ellie