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MAG-16 supports ground forces in Camp Ar Ramadi

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 5/08/2004

Story by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte

CAMP AR RAMADI, Iraq(May 8, 2004) -- Marine Aircraft Group 16 helicopters and personnel evacuated multiple casualties following a mortar attack here at 2:35 p.m., May 2.

Five Sailors and one soldier were killed in the early-afternoon attack and many others sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Multiple helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 and escort aircraft from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775 were contacted for the evacuation just minutes after the attack.

Initial reports caused two CH-46E Sea Knights with AH-1W Super Cobra escorts to launch from a nearby base. After the severity of the attack was fully understood, the two squadrons launched all on-duty casualty evacuation assets to transport the wounded servicemembers.

After the on-duty assets of both squadrons responded, HMM-161 immediately activated its off-duty crew to maintain the alert status.

Waves of helicopters ferried the wounded to Combat Support Hospital's throughout Iraq for treatment of shrapnel wounds and concussions.

HMM-161 has set aside many of its aircraft for CASEVAC, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris J. Caprio, CASEVAC corpsmen, HMM-161.

"(HMM-161) was tasked for the CASEVAC mission in the (area known as the) Sunni Triangle," he said. "We have dedicated assets for the sole purpose of providing that support, whereas during the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom, they were performing lifts of opportunity to evacuate wounded servicemembers."

Caprio was called up along with approximately 10 other off-duty corpsmen to help with the casualties. They manned alert positions, ready to launch if needed. The "devil doc" claimed that his fellow corpsmen showed true professionalism while caring for the servicemembers.

"They did a tremendous job and handled themselves phenomenally from the level of calm, to the ability to treat the casualties under those circumstances," the New Milford, Conn., native said. "It's a shock to the system, but they were able to treat, diagnose and make decisions that no one should have to make.

"It's a tough thing to have to do, but they performed extremely well, with continuous operations to and from the point of injury in a rapid period of time," he added. "They had to drop off victims and keep returning to the chaos."

In response to the attack, Col. Guy M. Close, commanding officer, MAG-16, grieved for the loss of the servicemembers.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the servicemembers who were lost. Unfortunately, our future holds many unknown challenges as we continue with the global war on terrorism. However, what will always be known is that the resolve of the Marines, Sailors and soldiers of MAG-16 will never falter. These young men and women are the best our country has to offer. Their spirit is overwhelming. All Americans should be proud."