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Marine Aircraft Wing secures air assets in Djibouti

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 10/13/2003

Story by Sgt. Bradly Shaver

Camp Lemonier, Djibouti(October 11, 2003) -- Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., recently replaced the Air Force Security Forces Squadron here providing security for Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa's air assets.

The members of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, aboard Camp Lemonier protect resources and personnel to include the helicopters, cargo aircraft and equipment on the flight line, as well as any transient aircraft that come through the Horn of Africa, according to Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Beegle, staff non-commissioned officer in charge.

Upon arriving here Sept. 21, they post-shadowed the Air Force for three days before taking over. The squadron relieved the 87th ESFS, who recently received orders to re-deploy in support of the War on Terrorism.

"Once getting the word from our command, we had less than 10 days to get our equipment and Marines to Djibouti and ready to stand guard. When the word of a departure had passed throughout the squadron, we had plenty of volunteers eager to deploy," explained Staff Sgt. Julio Gonzalez, platoon sergeant. "The support squadron deployed with many devoted Marines. Those who were willing to step forward to accomplish the mission wherever needed."

The MWSS mission involves accomplishing a variety of tasks related to airfield security.

"During my career, this is the first time an MWSS has strictly done airfield security," Gonzalez said. "This is breaking new ground for our squadron and any MWSS. We are fighting the War on Terrorism, and just as our forefathers who broke new grounds, we're breaking new ground in Djibouti, Africa."

Beegle describes his unit as an outstanding detail of Marines, willing to do anything and everything for the good of the Corps, and promised Camp Lemonier's airfield is in good hands.

"We're here to do one thing, accomplish the mission ... that of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa in support of the war against terrorism. We're ready to help detect, deter, and defeat terrorist groups in the region," he said. "We didn't get much notice to come here, but we did it with an instant willing of obedience to order. Our squadron is always ready to go for any situation."

Arriving at Camp Lemonier, the support squadron took the reigns from the Air Force ESFS, and the Marines of Task Force Rawhide, 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Antiterrorism), were quick to take them under their wing.

"The leaders of 3/6 (3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment) are the greatest group of leaders I've ever encountered. They're constantly helping us out and I can't give enough thanks to them," Beegle expressed.

Task Force Rawhide has set MWSS on the path for success, openly sharing their own mistakes and giving weapons classes to the squadron at nearby firing ranges, said Gunnery Sgt. Denis O'Sullivan, company gunnery sergeant of Mike Company, Task Force Rawhide.

"They've picked up on everything we've taught them very quickly, and without a doubt, I know they'll do a great job in airfield security," O'Sullivan said. "They'll do nothing but great things aboard this camp. They have great leaders that will direct them toward achieving their mission."

Gonzalez explained that security units aboard Camp Lemonier have been nothing less than helpful. "Mike Company has been looking out for us and making sure that, like Marines, we're taking care of. If it wasn't for them, we would have hit many more snags than we have. If they hadn't taught us what we now know, it would have been detrimental to our mission," he explained.

Everyday is a new challenge for MWSS, but the squadron has excellent supervision and leadership to help them carryout their daily tasks.

"We look forward to serving in Djibouti and we've already taken on additional training to get our Marines up to speed," said Beegle. "We've taken refresher classes in shooting and searching, and some have even taken up the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program to better enhance their skills as Marines. It will be a good deployment for MWSS-273."