24th MEU ACE celebrates squadron birthday

[thedrifter]

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA (July 1, 2006) -- Marines and Sailors attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (Reinforced), the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), celebrated the squadron’s 43rd birthday July 1, aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

Using the traditional cake cutting ceremony, the Marines of HMM-365 celebrated a day that had added significance for the Marines due to the squadron’s deployed status. The “Blue Knights” are returning to the front lines of the Global War on Terrorism for the first time since February of 2005, and used the day to strengthen not only the bonds within the squadron, but the ties that bind the ACE to the MEU, said Lt. Col. Robert S. Barr, HMM-365 commanding officer.

Speaking to a formation of his Marines, Barr said that HMM-365 is a “combat squadron that has proven themselves time and again,” and emphasized the squadron’s rich history not only in fighting the nation’s battles, but also with the 24th MEU, with whom HMM-365 last deployed in 1990. He said that, “HMM-365 has strong ties to the 24th MEU,” and he and his Marines will look forward to building that relationship over the coming years.

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Col. Ronald J. Johnson, 24th MEU commanding officer, who stated that there is no better way to celebrate the squadron’s birthday than to do it, “while sailing into harm’s way.” He continued saying that he looked forward to serving in combat with each of the ACE Marines and instructed them to stay focused on the task at hand, adding, “don’t let yourself down and don’t let your buddies down.”

The oldest Marine in the squadron at 47 years old, Master Sgt. Ernest Leonard, an avionics chief with HMM-365 and native of Newport Beach, Calif., said the ceremony took on special importance because of its occurrence during a deployment, but also because the Marines within the squadron live up to the heritage of the unit on a daily basis.

“I think that the Marines feel the tradition and have a great deal more pride than I’ve seen in the past,” explained Leonard. “The Marines here have an understanding and knowledge of the squadron and its history and pride themselves in carrying that on everyday.”

Steeped in history, HMM-365 has been in operation since 1963 and has served in nearly every engagement since – including Vietnam, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the squadron’s last combat deployment, the unit tallied more than 3,961 combat flight hours, 2,404 sorties, 11,162 passengers carried and 748,496 pounds of cargo transported without the loss of a single aircraft or Marine.

In August 2005, the “Blue Knights” aided in humanitarian efforts with the 24th MEU in the hurricane Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast region, conducting search-and-rescue and disaster relief operations that further emphasized the flexibility and readiness of the nation’s premier expeditionary rapid-response force.

Most recently, HMM-365 helped the MEU wrap-up the last of its pre-deployment training in May, earning the “Special Operations Capable” designation that signifies the MEU’s proficiency in some two dozen missions that include helicopter-borne raids, casualty evacuations and close air support. The MEU, along with the rest of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, deployed June 6 and are currently deployed to the European and Central Command theaters of operation as part of an expected six-month tour.

The 24th MEU is composed of its Command Element; Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment; HMM-365; and MEU Service Support Group 24.

Ellie