Untouchables touch down: New River support squadron lands in Afghanistan
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs
Marines march the colors during Marine Wing Support Squadron 373's transfer of authority to MWSS-272 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 27. The transfer of authority ceremony not only symbolized the end of MWSS-373's operational responsibilities in support of Regional Command Southwest, but served as a beginning to MWSS-272's commitment in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and its coalition partners in Afghanistan Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington
03.27.2011 Story by Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - The “Untouchables” of Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 accepted authority of support operations for the air combat element of Regional Command Southwest from MWSS-373 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 27. Following their deployment to Afghanistan MWSS-373 will return home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
“I think back over the past seven months and the several things that we have accomplished collectively as a unit and I am very impressed,” said Lt. Col. Thomas M. Fahy, the commanding officer for MWSS-373. “Every single Marine and Sailor was part of that effort. They should be proud, as I am proud for what they have accomplished.”
Fahy said the accomplishments of MWSS-373 during their deployment included supplying more than 10 million gallons of fuel to coalition aircraft, laying hundreds of miles of fiber optic cable, and moving thousands of tons of earth and rock to create and maintain helicopter landing zones.
“Lt. Col. Kruse, I am confident that we set you up for success,” said Fahy to MWSS-272’s commanding officer, Lt. Col. Dale R. Kruse, “I am confident that you will take our success one further step in the mission of the MWSS in Afghanistan.”
Marines and sailors bow their heads during the chaplain's invocation at Marine Wing Support Squadron 373's transfer of authority to MWSS-272 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, March 27. The transfer of authority ceremony not only symbolized the end of MWSS-373's operational responsibilities in support of Regional Command Southwest, but served as a beginning to MWSS-272's commitment in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and its coalition partners in Afghanistan. Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha H. Arrington
“I want to congratulate 373 on a tremendous deployment. You have done a fantastic job and set the bar very high,” said Kruse. “For the Untouchables, I am very proud to be standing here with you today. Your professionalism and performance in the pre-deployment training was outstanding across the board and I have full confidence that you will continue to succeed.”
Sgt. Maj. Robert A. Allen, the MWSS-272 sergeant major, said the Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C.,-based squadron has been training for the deployment for more than a year, and senior leadership from MWSS-373 remarked positively on MWSS-272 and said that they believe the squadron will excel during their deployment to Afghanistan.
“MWSS-272 has shown that they are going to pick up the torch and run with it a little further up the hill,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Mack, the sergeant major for MWSS-373.
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