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"Hustlers" Hang in There

USMC

Story Identification Number: 2003311105348
Story by Cpl. Ryan J. Skaggs

NEW RIVER, N.C.(March 11, 2003) -- Reserve Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-772, Marine Aircraft Group-26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing continue support here and overseas since the squadron activated Jan. 28, 2002.

A large detachment of HMH-772, consisting of more than 100 Marines and six CH-53E helicopters, is attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron?263, MAG-26 and is currently deployed with 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) supporting operations with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.

"The mission of the squadron is to increase heavy-lift capability for 24th MEU," said Lt. Col. James C. Garman, commanding officer, HMH-772. "We augment and reinforce the active-duty element in times of emergency."

According to Lt. Col. Mark M. Mancini, executive officer, HMH-772, this marks the first time reserves assimilated into MEU (SOC) training in preparation for deployment. As one of the most intense, fast-paced unit training exercises offered in the Marine Corps, the training enables a MEU's ability to rapidly respond to multiple, consecutive and often simultaneous missions conducted over a short period of time. It employs as many different aspects of a Marine's training as possible.

"It's a higher level of operational capability," said Mancini. "We are writing the book on how reserves will integrate in the MEU (SOC) rotation program."

The smaller detachment of HMH-772, comprised of approximately 65 Marines, was on stand-by for deployment with 24th MEU (SOC) when cargo capacity requirements for HMH-772 decreased from eight to six CH-53Es.

"The Marines want to be with the rest of the squadron," said Garman. "But the mission is there and the motivation is high."

The Marines here maintain their mission of assisting with maintenance and operations for other squadrons within MAG-26 using their two remaining CH-53Es. Since they also remain tethered to 24th MEU, additional training is conducted for possible deployment. The training integrates exercises on a larger scale in day- and night-troop insertions using aircraft and ground units. The squadron also conducts other ground training flight operations with 2nd Marine Division.

This is not the first time the active-duty Corps needed the squadron's support overseas. Shortly after the start of Operation Desert Storm, HMH-772 mobilized in support of the Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program. The unit also augmented the 3rd MAW at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Calif., to prepare for overseas deployment to Okinawa, Japan. While deployed, HMH-772 participated in training deployments and helped evacuation efforts in the Republic of the Philippines following the Mount Pinatubo eruption.

According to Sgt. Maj. O'Neal Johnson, sergeant major, HMH-772, whatever the task may be or however many Marines that may be doing it, the Marines of HMH-772 are prepared for any situation they have trained for.

"We haven't missed a beat since arriving," said Johnson. "We will continue as a squadron minus and do the best we can with the Marines we have here."