Marine Corps Air Station New River -- With heart-felt goodbyes and last-minute hugs from family and loved ones, the Marines and Sailors of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) departed from Marine Corps Air Station New River, Feb. 10.
VMM-263 (Rein.) departed for a scheduled eight-month deployment where they will serve as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
VMM-263 (Rein.) supplied more than 500 Marines for the deployment in support of the 22nd MEU.
“In preparation for our deployment we all underwent the pre-deployment training program,” said Maj. Thomas N. Trimble, VMM-263 (Rein.) operations officer. “We also conducted (amphibious squadron) pre-deployment training and amphibious readiness training for the MEU.”
VMM-263 (Rein.) also took part in realistic urban training where they combined air and ground assets to perform a wide range of missions in preparation for the various assignments they could be called upon to perform during their deployment.
One of the major training events that VMM-263 (Rein.) took part in was a 2,600-mile, single-day, round-trip mission to New Mexico and back where they were responsible for troop insertion.
“We will have many different jobs as the ACE for the 22nd MEU,” said Trimble. “Our main objective while deployed will be supporting Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
VMM-263 (Rein.) will also be responsible for supporting Combat Logistics Battalion 22.”
“We are all quite excited to be deploying and ready to get to work,” said Maj. Daniel L. Parrott, VMM-263 (Rein.) future operations officer. “The whole unit is well prepared and ready to support the 22nd MEU.”