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thedrifter
08-28-09, 06:43 AM
Yuma Marines finally deploy
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August 27, 2009 2:47 PM
BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER

Having already said their goodbyes to family and friends several times before, about 150 Marines finally departed Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Thursday morning for a six-month deployment to Japan.

"It's to the point now that a majority of the Marines are all amped up and ready to get this started," said Warrant Officer Rich Karren, the detachment commander. "For a lot of these Marines, it is also their first deployment."

The Marines, who are from VMA-513 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, are deploying as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

"A MEU contains every facet, both air and ground, that the Marines have. It can be anywhere in 24 hours and sustain itself for 30 days," Karren said. "We can go anywhere at anytime, from boots to the dirt to operating from an aircraft carrier."

"It is the ideal vehicle for the Marine Corps' projection of force," said Lance Cpl. Graham Benson.

The squadron's eight AV-8B Harriers have already arrived in Japan, having departed on Aug. 16.

While deployed, VMA-513 will be participating in exercises Ryuku Warrior, Talisman Saber and Wolmi-Do Fury.

Ryuku Warrior and Wolmi-Do Fury are joint exercises in which VMA-513 will provide close air support and nontraditional intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance.

Talisman Saber is conducted twice a year in Australia between U.S. and Australian forces. The exercise focuses on operational warfighting in advanced scenarios that encompass ground, air and sea environments.

Karren said the hardest part of the deployment for the Marines, other than being away from their families for so long, will be training in an environment they aren't used to.

"They will have to learn real fast," Karren said. "It's an opportunity to train in a different type of environment that we don't have around here."

He said that a Marine will typically participate in two or three deployments during their first enlistment.

The Marines were originally scheduled to depart the air station on Aug. 16. It was delayed three more times because the airline company that was transporting the Marines was having problems with the plane.

"We were ready the first time we were supposed to go," Karren said. "After that it was about just staying ready."

The private carrier that was flying the Marines to Alaska landed at MCAS Yuma shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday. After about 20 to 30 minutes for refueling, the Marines boarded the jet and it took off on what would be the first leg of an 18-hour flight.

After refueling in Alaska, the plane will fly directly to Japan. The Yuma Marines are expected to arrive in that country sometime Friday evening.

VMA-513 last deployed with the MEU in December 2007, returning in July 2008. During that deployment, the squadron participated in exercises Balikatan in the Philippines and Cobra Gold in Thailand.

Both exercises were designed to improve U.S. relations and provide unique training opportunities.

The remainder of VMA-513 is also scheduled to deploy in September as part of the 11th MEU.

The Marines from VMA-513 and MALS-13 are replacing Marine Attack Squadron 211, which is tentatively scheduled to return to the air station Friday at 11:30 p.m.

Ellie