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New HMH-461 detachment replaces squadronmates on Camp Lemonier

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 2004102471925
Story by Sgt. Wayne Campbell

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (Oct. 21, 2004) -- For a detachment of Marines on Camp Lemonier, the days of working in the heat of the Djiboutian sun are soon coming to an end.

The Marines of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-461, Detachment Bravo will be heading back to their home station of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C.

A new detachment of Marines from HMH-461, will be taking over the mission from the Marines of the same squadron beginning Oct. 22.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Dean Smith, acting sergeant major, HMH-461, Detachment Bravo, the Marines have been here for six months.

“The Marines are ready to go home,” said Smith. “It has been a long six months.”

While here the squadron has flown more than 500 flight hours in support of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa mission, and performed over 20,000 maintenance hours on the four CH-53E Super Stallions currently deployed here, according to Smith.

“The largest problem we ran into out here was the receipt of parts for the aircraft,” said Smith. “But, we have worked with people in the [area of responsibilty] and the process is getting better.”

During their deployment here, pilots and aircrew also completed numerous flight qualifications.

“The Marines were outstanding during this deployment,” said Smith. “We had a lot of first time deployers and they came a long way.”

But, when they return home, the work isn’t done.

“Very few Marines will be taking leave when they return home,” said Smith. “When we get back we have to prepare for a [Marine Aircraft Wing] level inspection, a Weapons Tactics Instructor course in Yuma, Ariz., and for deployment to a Marine Expeditionary Unit.”
Two Marines will also be going home to newborn babies.

The Marines replacing the detachment, also called Detachment Bravo, has been working hard to get familiarized with the local area, according to Smith.

“The are getting acquainted with the [Joint Special Operations Task Force] personnel and the force protection unit,” said Smith.

Since the squadron is currently on a six-month rotation, most of the new detachment has been in the Horn of Africa before, said Smith.

“The squadron has been covering this area for the last year,” said Smith. “When this new detachment gets ready to return home they will be replaced by another squadron from New River.”

When the Marines return home they will be taking back two of the aircraft with them.
“The aircraft have been out here for a year and we are taking them back because of the wear and degradation the environment imposes on the aircraft,” Smith said.

The new detachment brought two new aircraft to replace the helicopters being taken back.
“We have set high standards for the new detachment to uphold,” said Smith. “I am confident that the new crew will do well.”