Marine squadron to be honored today
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July 1, 2009 - 7:43 AM

CHERRY POINT - Pedro is getting another pat on the back.

Marine Transport Squadron One at Cherry Point is scheduled to be honored today by the U.S. Coast Guard with an award for the squadron's support in area search and rescue efforts, according to a release from Cherry Point.

It is not the first time that awards have been presented to VMR-1, which operates the green and orange Marine Corps rescue helicopters known as Pedro. The squadron was awarded the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device in 1992, 1998 and 2001, and received recognition in 1994 with the award of the Marine Corps Commandant's Aviation Effi ciency Trophy, among other honors.

Pedro crews are the fi rst called when military planes go down in the area and also assist civilian emergency offi cials with transport of those severely injured in wrecks to area hospitals.

Ellie