The Windsock February 6, 2014

Page 1

Vol. 72, No. 6

February 6, 2014

www.cherrypoint.marines.mil

VMGR-252 returns from Afghanistan

2nd MAW Fwd returns after year long deployment LANCE CPL. ANDREA CLEOPATRA DICKERSON MCAS CHERRY POINT

“I’m so excited, nervous and happy to finally be with him again and so he can see his daughter,” said Angela Canaan, wife of Petty Officer 2nd Class Clayton Canaan, a corpsman with VMGR-252. “Even though this is his third deployment, I still get the same emotions when he’s back. It will also be nice to have an extra set of hands around the house.” For some family and friends, VMGR252’s return was no surprise and comes as a fitting end to seven months apart.

More than 30 Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) returned to Cherry Point Jan. 30, marking an end to aerial support operations across southwestern Afghanistan. 2nd MAW (Fwd.) took the reins as the lead aviation combat element in southwestern Afghanistan, providing responsive air support to 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) and Regional Command Southwest while assisting Afghan National Security Forces as they assumed security responsibility in their country. Consisting of 11 squadrons and a variety of aircraft, 2nd MAW (Fwd.) controlled the skies over southwestern Afghanistan during the continuing troop reduction in the country. Units across the board have adapted 2nd MAW’s command structure as the Corps continues to withdraw troops, allowing Afghan security forces to take the lead. During the deployment, 2nd MAW (Fwd.) and 2nd MEF (Fwd.) shifted their focus to their role as advisors, providing support the Afghans needed to assume a broadened leadership role. The Marines also continued to assist with the orderly withdrawal of U.S. personnel and equipment. 2nd MAW (Fwd.) played an integral role in helping Afghan forces slowly but surely regain control of their government while simultaneously providing additional capabilities, said Lt. Col. Thomas P. Bajus II, the 2nd MAW (Fwd.) executive officer. “We are able to assist them by providing the six functions of Marine aviation,” he said. “Our intent was to set the Afghans up for success.” Bajus said the Afghans were grateful for the support and they are ready to assume full responsibility for security.

See VMGR252 page A5

See 2NDMAW page A5

LANCE CPL. VICTOR A. ARRIAGA

Lance Cpl. Cody Ryan shares a moment with his fiancé, Mary Kate Sheehan, after returning from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan Sunday. Ryan greeted Sheehan by getting on one knee and proposing. Sheehan accepted. Ryan is a safety and survival mechanic with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

LANCE CPL. VICTOR A. ARRIAGA

logistics officer-in-charge for VMGR252. “They were very professional and gave out every second of the deployment.” “There really is no highlight of a deployment when the Marines and Sailors all did a great job,” he said. “If I were to pick a highlight it would have to be how they carried themselves throughout the whole thing.” Family and friends of the returning Marines and Sailors gathered at the squadron’s hangar, anxious to reunite with their loved ones.

MCAS CHERRY POINT

More than 200 Marines and Sailors with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 returned from a sevenmonth deployment to Afghanistan Feb. 2 and 5. While deployed, VMGR-252’s mission was to provide close-air support, aerial refueling and transport of cargo and troops. “The Marines and Sailors of VMGR252 did excellent during this deployment,” said Capt. Orlando Samudio, the

2nd MAW Marine goes the distance

Sabers welcome Kennedy, bid Metzger farewell

Headquarters Marine Corps’ Semper Fit selects 2013 Female Athlete of the Year LANCE CPL. VICTOR A. ARRIAGA MCAS CHERRY POINT

Headquarters Marine Corps’ Semper Fit announced the Marine Corps’ 2013 Female Athlete of the Year Jan. 29, from within the ranks of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Capt. Christine M. Taranto, a logistics officer currently serving as the operations officer and Headquarters and Service Company commander for Marine Corps Air Station New River’s Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, received the honor at the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Combined Awards Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Monday. “I am pretty excited and thankful for the opportunity to be honored in this way,” said Taranto. “I am fortunate to have been able to represent the Marine Corps and allowed to compete. It was just great to be honored.” The award is part of an annual Semper Fit program to recognize the top female and male Marine athletes from across the Corps, according to Capt. Justine L. Whipple, the sports operations officer at the

Marine Corps’ Semper Fit and Exchange Division. Awarded as the top male Marine athlete was Staff Sgt. Davis S. Arendt Jr., an infantry unit leader currently assigned to the U.S. Olympic wrestling team training for the 2016 games. See ATHLETE page A5

LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS

Members of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 stand in formation during a relief and appointment ceremony at Miller’s Landing Tuesday. Sgt. Maj. Charles A. Metzger relinquished his post to Sgt. Maj. John M. Kennedy after two years as the senior enlisted Marine at HMLA-467.

LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT

Capt. Christine M. Taranto is the 2013 Marine Corps Female Athlete of the Year and member of the All Marine Running Team. Taranto is the operations officer and Headquarters and Support Company commander with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272

News Briefs

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Exercise Lava Viper

A6

Snow Fun

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Menus

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Young Marine

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Announcements

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Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 welcomed a new sergeant major at Miller’s Landing Tuesday as Sgt. Maj. Charles A. Metzger relinquished his post to Sgt. Maj. John M. Kennedy. “Any time you leave a unit it is always bitter sweet,” said Metzger, who is leaving HMLA467 after more than two years with the squadron. “You lay down roots wherever you go,” he said. “The down side of leaving is you have to uproot

some of those relationships between Marines you have grown to know and respect, but it opens doors for you to continue with a career and to build.” Metzger received a Meritorious Service Medal for his service with the Sabers. Metzger will assume duties as sergeant major of Marine Helicopter Squadron 1, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. but wants the Marines to remember a phrase he strongly believes in, “Impact one today, and influence 100 tomorrow.”

Kennedy comes to the squadron from 8th Communication Battalion, Camp Lejeune, where he served as the company first sergeant for Headquarters Company and General Support Company. Taking over as sergeant major for HMLA-467 is a great opportunity to lead, guide, and mentor new Marines, said Kennedy. This is Kennedy’s first assignment at an air station, which he sought out to be able to see all the See HMLA467 page A5

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