• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

MACH Team's Logistical Support Helps Keep Marine Squadrons Flying

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061221-02
Release Date: 12/21/2006 9:28:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth R. Hendrix, Navy Expeditionary Logistic Support Group Public Affairs

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (NNS) -- Approaching the midway point through their seven-month deployment, Navy Reservists mobilized Aug. 11 by the Navy Expeditionary Logistic Support Group continue to receive and deliver high priority air cargo at Al Taqaddum, also known as “Camp TQ,” in support of Operation Iraq Freedom.

The Sailors of Mobile Air Cargo Handlers (MACH) VI Team Detachment TQ mobilized from the Navy Operational Support Center in Minneapolis, and deployed to Iraq in October. Their primary mission is transporting and providing aviation supply parts to Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron (MALS) 16, Supply Detachment “A.”

Chief Storekeeper Jacob Girling, MACH VI Team detachment officer-in-charge, explained the importance of the services his team provides to the Marines.

“A lot of cargo we obtain is high priority cargo for Marine helicopter squadrons here, to do assault, rescue, and medical evacuation missions,” Girling said.

Three to four shipments come in a day for the MACH VI team to stock, inventory and deliver to transport to MALS 16 helo squadrons.

“My duty involves getting critical aviation parts to the Marines, to ensure their helo squadrons are operational and mission ready,” said Storekeeper 3rd Class Henri Kang, a cargo expediter with MACH VI.

The Marines value the support they receive from MACH VI because of their work ethics and professionalism, said Marine 1st Lt. John Reeves, MALS 16 Supply Detachment “A” officer-in-charge.

Reeves added the group supports his Marines “in an expeditious and quick manner. We’re very happy with what they’ve done and do for us every day.”

Working side-by-side for the first time with other branches of service has been a beneficial experience for the both Marines and Sailors.

“It’s been a very eye-opening and rewarding experience,” said Storekeeper 3rd Class Paul Baillos, a cargo expeditor for MACH VI. “The Marines we work with directly are a great bunch, but at the end of day it doesn’t matter what branch of service you’re with because we are all here to accomplish the same mission as a team.”

Marine Cpl. Hugo Gonzalez, serving with MALS 16 supply detachment “A,” said he is gratified knowing the supplies provided help save lives and lead the the success of operational missions.

"This job is really rewarding because we hear about and see the squadrons flying out to rescue and save injured Marines,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez continued saying he knows what he and his team are doing makes a difference.

“It makes me feel good because I know help contributed to giving that wounded warrior the opportunity to survive by providing the supplies the helos need to do their operations,” he added.