• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Sumos fly "Team Mercy," deliver aid in Cambodia

US Marine Corps News

7/1/2010
By Lance Cpl. Abigail M. Wharton, Marine Corps Bases Japan

RATANAKIRI, Cambodia -- Eight members of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 transported a medical team and their supplies to Ratanakiri, Cambodia, in support of a Pacific Partnership 2010 medical civil action project, June 16.

The squadron, also known as the "Sumos," transported 18 medical personnel and medical, dental, optometry and pharmacy supplies for the team's 12-day civil action project, said Navy Lt. John Dischet, assistant officer in charge, U.S. Pacific Command PP-10 team, U.S. 7th Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

VMGR-152 transported the medical team nicknamed "Team Mercy," who began their journey aboard the United States Naval Ship Mercy, from Sihanoukville International Airport to Ratanakiri.

Other teams will be transported to Palau and Papua New Guinea on smaller ships, Dischet added.

"Supporting the Mercy Medcap gave the squadron an opportunity to practice a critical expeditionary capability of operating in and out of austere, short airstrips," said Lt. Col. John Peck, the commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

In addition to supporting PP-10, VMGR-152 was able to certify a low-level flying route through Cambodia for future training opportunities.

"We plan on returning ... to conduct personnel airdrops in support of bi-lateral training with the U.S. Army and Cambodian forces," Peck said. "Participating in these events helps build relationships with partner nations in the region and paves the way for interoperability between the U.S. and Cambodian forces."

One member of the crew especially enjoyed flying the low-level flight path.

"It was cool to be able to see so much of the countryduring the low-level flight," said Lance Cpl. William Fenton, load master student, VMGR-152.

He also appreciated being able to be part of the mission.

"I knew we were flying a mission to support U.S. and Cambodian relations and it's a good feeling to fly to a remote location where the whole town comes out to look at your plane and you know that you're delivering medical supplies and personnel for that town," the Fresno, Calif. native added.

During the trip, VMGR-152 was able to coordinate with the Cambodians to ensure mission success.

"The Cambodians have been very gracious hosts," Peck said. "We look forward to working with them again in the future."