‘Gunfighters’ holster weapons, transfer authority to ‘Vipers’
11/14/2010
By
Sgt. Deanne Hurla
,
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD)
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan
In the crisp afternoon air on Nov. 14, the Marines of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), transferred authority to HMLA-169, 3rd MAW (Fwd).
Lt. Col. Michael Moore, the commanding officer of HMLA-369, the “Gunfighters,” transferred authority to Lt. Col. Brendan Reilly, the commanding officer of HMLA-169, the “Vipers.”
The Gunfighters mission was to provide aerial reconnaissance, transport cargo and personnel, provide overwatch for convoys and patrols and escort medical evacuation helicopters.
“Seven months ago, I stood here and said ‘it was time to get to work’,” said Moore, during his farewell speech.
In the last seven months, the squadron has gone above and beyond their share of work.
Their AH-1W Cobras flew more than 11,665 hours and more than 8,457 sorties. Their UH-1Y Hueys flew more than 5, 978 hours and more than 4, 412 sorties. HMLA-369 participated in more than 20 named operations in support of coalition forces in Regional Command (Southwest).
“Now our work is done,” Moore concluded.
Even as HMLA-369 Marines prepare to make the trip home, HMLA-169 Marines are already settling into the daily work that will be their area of responsibility for coming months.
“[The Gunfighters] set the conditions for success and we’re ready to execute,” said Reilly.
With this mindset, HMLA-169 will continue the mission of supporting and watching over coalition forces in Regional Command (Southwest).
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CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan-Lt. Col. Michael Moore, the commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), cases the squadron battle colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at the Camp Bastion flightline Nov. 14. During the ceremony HMLA-369 relinquished authority to HMLA-169, 3rd MAW (Fwd). HMLA-369 flew more than 17,643 hours and more than 12,869 sorties with the AH-1W Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys combine during their seven month deployment., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 11/13/2010 7:00 PM
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan-Lt. Col. Brendan Reilly, the commanding officer, and Sgt. Maj. Mark Byrd Sr., the squadron sergeant major, both of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), salute the national ensign during a transfer of authority ceremony at the Camp Bastion flightline Nov. 14. During the ceremony HMLA-369 relinquished authority to HMLA-169, 3rd MAW (Fwd). HMLA-369 flew more than 17,643 hours and more than 12,869 sorties with the AH-1W Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys combine during their seven month deployment., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 11/13/2010 7:00 PM
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan-Lt. Col. Brendan Reilly, the commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), uncases the squadron battle colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at the Camp Bastion flightline Nov. 14. During the ceremony HMLA-369 relinquished authority to HMLA-169, 3rd MAW (Fwd). HMLA-369 flew more than 17,643 hours and more than 12,869 sorties with the AH-1W Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys combine during their seven month deployment., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 11/14/2010 7:21 AM
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan-The first and only KC-130J “Harvest Hawk” in Afghanistan sits on the flightline at Forward Operating Base Dwyer for routine maintenance. The Harvest Hawk, which is a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) asset, has only been in country since October, but has already detected three improvised explosive devices and fired one GPS guided Hellfire. The battle damage assessment was five enemy forces killed in action and no civilian causalities. The aircraft carries four Hellfire and 10 Griffen GPS guided missiles, and houses an infrared and television camera. Its mission is to provide close air support, conduct intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and find IEDs., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 11/13/2010 7:00 PM
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan-The first and only KC-130J “Harvest Hawk” in Afghanistan sits on the flightline at Forward Operating Base Dwyer for routine maintenance. The Harvest Hawk, which is a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) asset, has only been in country since October, but has already detected three improvised explosive devices and fired one GPS guided Hellfire. The battle damage assessment was five enemy forces killed in action and no civilian causalities. The aircraft carries four Hellfire and 10 Griffen GPS guided missiles, and houses an infrared and television camera. Its mission is to provide close air support, conduct intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and find improvised explosive devices., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 11/13/2010 7:00 PM
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan-The first and only KC-130J “Harvest Hawk” in Afghanistan sits on the flightline at Forward Operating Base Dwyer with its four Hellfire missiles ready for takeoff. The Harvest Hawk, which is a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) asset, has only been in country since October, but has already detected three improvised explosive devices and fired one GPS guided Hellfire. The battle damage assessment was five enemy forces killed in action and no civilian causalities. The aircraft carries four Hellfire and 10 Griffen GPS guided missiles, and houses an infrared and television camera. Its mission is to provide close air support, conduct intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions and find improvised explosive devices., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 11/13/2010 7:00 PM
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan-Maj. Marc Blankenbicker, a fire control officer for the only KC-130J “Harvest Hawk” in Afghanistan, checks the Hellfire missiles attached to the aircraft on the flightline at Forward Operating Base Dwyer. The Harvest Hawk, which is a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) asset, has only been in country since October, but has already detected three improvised explosive devices and fired one GPS guided Hellfire. The battle damage assessment was five enemy forces killed in action and no civilian causalities. The aircraft carries four Hellfire and 10 Griffen GPS guided missiles, and houses an infrared and television camera. Its mission is to provide close air support, conduct intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and find improvised explosive devices., Sgt. Deanne Hurla, 11/13/2010 7:00 PM
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