The “Dragons” of HMM-265, 31st MEU embark for PHIBLEX ‘08
ABOARD USS JUNEAU (Oct. 13, 2007) -- Calm weather was disrupted by the roar of aircraft and their gusting winds as the “Dragons” approached the tiny ship.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/2007101512118
Oct. 13, 2007; Submitted on: 10/15/2007 01:21:18 AM ; Story ID#: 2007101512118
By 1st Lt. Jorge Escatell, 31st MEU
The “Dragons” of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, landed safely aboard the USS Juneau (LPD 10) in Okinawa,
Japan, Oct. 12.
Eleven aircraft, comprised of UH-1N Hueys, AH-1W Super Cobras and CH-46E Sea Knights are scheduled to support Amphibious Landing Exercise ‘08; an exercise designed to improve interoperability while conducting bilateral training between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. forces from Oct. 15-31.
These aircraft will serve a crucial role in supporting 6,500 troops from both AFP and U.S forces and the difficult missions taking place during PHIBLEX ‘08.
Captain John Bodwell, a CH-46E pilot with HMM-265 (Rein.), explained that some of the missions include casualty evacuation, fast roping and assault support missions for the ground fighters.
Additional missions will include transporting various dignitaries and media organizations to witness civil military operations also taking place during the exercise.
“It’s on a day-to-day basis, so your mission can change and even though we are also trying to get some of our required training complete; we are certainly ready to support our fellow Marines on the ground,” said the Dallas native.
While most pilots have conducted numerous flight operations and participated in past PHIBLEX exercises, some are experiencing the exercise and its arduous missions for the first time.
Most pilots spend their first two years training to ensure they are ready for the demanding missions placed upon them by the Marine Corps. One such pilot, 1st Lt. Sean R. Hulsey, a native of Littlerock, Calif., feels ready to gain the experience.
“I have been in the Fleet Marine Corps for three months so I am really excited about being able to apply all that I have learned during my training,” said Hulsey, a CH-46E pilot with the squadron.
Hulsey added, “It feels great to be able to interact with Marines and sailors and support them in their missions, but I also have the opportunity to meet and train with a different military (Armed Forces Philippine) and show them how we operate.”
Whether the mission is routine, combat exercise in nature or transporting dignitaries and journalists to witness different aspects of PHIBLEX ‘08, one thing is for certain, the “Dragons” will be ready to support their AFP brethren and fellow U.S. service members.