HMH-465 returns to Miramar after 8-month deployment
Marine Corps News
Submitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 20046257844
Story by Sgt. Nathan K. Laforte
AL ASAD, Iraq(June 25, 2004) -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, has started the retrograde that will see all the squadron's Marines safely back at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
The advanced party for the squadron, led by Maj. Jeff S. Chestney, executive officer, HMH-465, left Iraq, June 22, for the long trip home.
The CH-53E Super Stallion squadron's journey throughout their recent 8-month deployment wasn't easy since it began only a short time after their return from the last phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chestney claimed.
"The advance party from the last OIF was only at home for three months before going to (Okinawa, Japan)," the 37-year-old officer said. "We've gone all the way around the world, and we've done it the hard way."
Their Magellan-esque trip across the globe brought them initially to Marine Corps Air Station Futemna, on Okinawa, Japan, in late November 2003. The "Warhorses" got the warning that they were again returning to Iraq shortly after they arrived, claimed Lance Cpl. Calvin L. Brown, aviation operations specialist, HMH-465.
"It was a surprise, but we knew it might happen again," the 22-year-old said. "We weren't caught off guard, but we didn't think it would happen so soon."
The "Warhorses" arrived in Iraq late February of this year and immediately noticed that not just the mission of the Marines changed. A few other things had changed as well, according to Cpl. Jennifer L. Barker, maintenance administration clerk, HMH-465.
"Last year we were in a more secure place," the 21 year old said. "This year, there is a lot more stuff going on around us. There are areas immediately surrounding us where people are dying."
This time around, the heavy-lift squadron was positioned in country instead of flying missions from aboard the USS Boxer, Brown stated. This put the squadron in a different mindset than before, he added.
"This time was harder," the Columbia, S.C., native said. "We knew we were in harm's way and more directly involved with the fighting this time. We didn't have the safe haven of being on the boat."
Since their arrival in country, the "Warhorses" have weathered some pretty tough times, said Sgt. Kou Her, ground support equipment mechanic, HMH-465. The worst of these are the indirect-fire attacks their base has sustained, the 27-year-old sergeant noted, but these have just bonded these devil dogs closer together.
"You're a victim," the St. Paul, Minn., native said. "You start to really care for the person next to you and look out for that other person. You develop a sense of caring for your comrade."
"It's the hard, stressful times the squadron has faced that have developed a bond between the Marines," Barker claimed.
"It helps people open up and trust in each other," the Trenton, Tenn., native revealed. "We're all we have out here and it becomes like a big family."
She added that this family has overcome a lot in their time since leaving home last November. Times were especially turbulent for Sgt. Michael J. Sela, CH-53E Super Stallion mechanic and quality assurance representative, HMH-465, even before he arrived with his squadron in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"My father passed away while we were in (Okinawa) before we came here," the 23-year-old, Everett, Wash., native said. "Things aren't going to be the same when I get home, but I still have a lot to look forward to."
While some Marines had to overcome personal tragedy, others overcame professional obstacles to better themselves and their squadron, Barker explained. Goals and accomplishments, like attaining aircrew designators and combat aircrew designators, are goals to be proud of, she added.
"I am most proud of getting my aerial observer qualifications and (combat aircrew) wings," Barker stated.
For the squadron's leadership, they accomplished more than they had originally planned, Chestney explained.
"We're just proud that we're bringing back everyone we took," the Alton, Ill., native described. "We've far exceeded all expectations. We've flown three times what we normally fly."
Expectations aren't over yet for the weary squadron of Marines even after their return to their home base, Chestney reiterated. The squadron is conducting a relief in place with two Marine Expeditionary Units.
The West coast squadron will transfer all of its Super Stallions to the MEU detachments and leave for Miramar with nothing. When they arrive, the advance party for the "Warhorses" will begin the rebuilding process all over again, Chestney explained.
"We'll take four (planes) from Miramar, two from the East coast and three from Okinawa," he estimated. "With any luck, we'll have this done before the main body gets back, it's going to be tough."
The Marines will definitely take some time off while taking care of business, Barker exclaimed. The Marines all have lists of things they want to do when they get back, she added.
"I'm ready to go home and eat some real food," she wistfully stated. "Being here makes you appreciate the small things you take for granted everyday, like sleeping in your own bed and taking a shower and not being afraid to touch the walls."
Others will spend time with family, but good food is too good to pass up nowadays, Brown asserted.
"I'm going to spend lots of time with my daughter," he said. "I'll get a real home-cooked meal while I'm at it."
The squadron will not only have to rebuild itself as far as helicopters are concerned, they will also have to worry about their Marines who are on their way out of the Marine Corps, Her realized.
"The country called and they got to do their job," he said. "A lot of people are getting out and new people will come in, it's a normal routine."
Whether they stay or go, the Marines are proud of the job they've done while in country, claimed Barker, who says she will move on to bigger and better things.
"I'm getting out of the Marine Corps, but I don't regret joining at all," she stated matter-of-factly. "I do think we came here for a good cause. We got to fight for all the things we have back home. We fought for freedom."
The "Warhorses" are leaving and their deployment cycle is drawing to a close. The Marines have earned it, but they are still keeping in mind that they will be needed again, noted Sgt. Maj. Debra J. Slaughter, HMH-465 squadron sergeant major.
"We cannot stop looking towards the future," Slaughter, who resides in Oceanside, Calif., claimed. "But for now, we're totally motivated because we see the light at the end of the tunnel."
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