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Osprey training squadron moves to new home

US Marine Corps News

9/2/2010 By Cpl. Jason Hernandez , Marine Corps Air Station New River

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, Jacksonville, N.C. — Marines from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 are continuing their move into the unit’s new home today, Building AS-508, a large and cavernous hangar recently completed aboard New River.

Although the move will be a mere 300 feet from the unit’s old hangar, it still requires the direct supervision and attention to detail of every man and woman within the squadron.

“As with all Marines, moving from place to place is a part of our lifestyle,” said Sgt. Maj. David K. Knutson, the squadron sergeant major. “I have seen a lot of work and planning coming from the Marines that make up the squadron.”

With the move, the squadron is leaving the hangar that has been its point of anchor since 1972.

“This hangar has been the squadron’s home for a very long time,” said Col. Paul J. Rock, VMMT-204 commanding officer. “I still remember this building from when I checked in as a second lieutenant. I came here to learn how to fly CH-46s.”

The unit’s advanced operational party began to work in the new hangar last week, ensuring telephone and computer systems would be fully functional before the main body arrived to occupy the new facilities.

For many in the unit, moving an entire squadron and its equipment from one hangar to another is a new experience.

“This is the first time in my 22 years in the Marine Corps that I’m moving in to a new building,” said Rock last week. “The main body is set to move in and so far it has gone well.”

Being one of the largest aviation squadrons in the Marine Corps, the move is no small feat. Yet the challenge pales in comparison to the larger responsibility of the squadron — to produce trained pilots and crew chiefs for the MV-22B Osprey.

“We’re actually ahead of schedule,” said Knutson. “As a training squadron, we train the pilots and crew members who make our (tiltrotor) fleet come together. That is why we’re making sure that this move does not stop us from continuing to provide the operating forces with trained and ready pilots.”

The change of scenery will provide the unit with many advantages.

“The newer work spaces are definitely a step up,” said Rock. “It’s a newer and better hangar. There’s an undeniable effect when people work in a well constructed new facility. It builds pride.”

Outside of the new working areas, the Marines of VMMT-204 are inheriting a newly installed climate control system which is expected to provide the squadron with comfortable temperatures in which to operate, regardless of the temperature outside.

The old hangar is set to be torn down to make room for newer, more up-to-date facilities for incoming squadrons. However, an exact date for the demolition has not been set.