thedrifter
09-23-08, 08:34 AM
Members of Marine squadron return from Iraq
September 22, 2008 - 3:38PM
BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER
Several members of a Harrier squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma returned home on Sunday from a deployment in Iraq.
According to Sgt. Robert "Rocky" Smith, a small group of 26 Marines from VMA-311 arrived at the base after serving a seventh-month deployment.
"They were the advanced party," Smith said. "The main body will be returning later."
VMA-311, which deployed at the end of March, was also accompanied by a small detachment of Marines from MALS-13.
The units were assigned to the Al Asad Air Field, which is the second largest airbase in Iraq, and located in western Iraq approximately 180 kilometers west of Baghdad.
But not all of the Marines from VWA-311 are in Iraq, according to Smith.
Smith said the squadron has been split into two detachments, with six vertical takeoff Harriers and 100 Marines from the squadron serving aboard the USS Peleliu as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
That western Pacific deployment began in May and is expected to last six to seven months.
Smith added that there are no other squadrons from the base that are currently deployed, although some do participate in exercises and training at different air stations around the country.
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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbertr@yumasun.com or 539-6854.
Ellie
September 22, 2008 - 3:38PM
BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER
Several members of a Harrier squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma returned home on Sunday from a deployment in Iraq.
According to Sgt. Robert "Rocky" Smith, a small group of 26 Marines from VMA-311 arrived at the base after serving a seventh-month deployment.
"They were the advanced party," Smith said. "The main body will be returning later."
VMA-311, which deployed at the end of March, was also accompanied by a small detachment of Marines from MALS-13.
The units were assigned to the Al Asad Air Field, which is the second largest airbase in Iraq, and located in western Iraq approximately 180 kilometers west of Baghdad.
But not all of the Marines from VWA-311 are in Iraq, according to Smith.
Smith said the squadron has been split into two detachments, with six vertical takeoff Harriers and 100 Marines from the squadron serving aboard the USS Peleliu as part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
That western Pacific deployment began in May and is expected to last six to seven months.
Smith added that there are no other squadrons from the base that are currently deployed, although some do participate in exercises and training at different air stations around the country.
---
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbertr@yumasun.com or 539-6854.
Ellie