April 29, 2006 — The Marines watch impatiently as a KC-130J Hercules flies to the target area and six pallets come falling down in its wake. The parachutes open and the cargo slowly descends to the ground. The Marines run out to detach the parachutes and load the palettes onto a flatbed truck - mission accomplished. The Marines of the 1st Air Delivery Platoon, MORE
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April 29, 2006 — Helicopters break down, especially ones subjected to the rigors of combat missions like those flying out of Al Taqaddum, Iraq. Always ready to apply their unique repair abilities to the helicopters are the Marines with Detachment A, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, who provide MORE
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April 29, 2006 — Some would say that to have successful ground operations there needs to be timely and accurate air support, and the Marines inside of the Direct Air Support Center are the ones who make that link happen. These Marines are with Marine Air Support Squadron 3 and their mission plays a vital role in the success of Coalition Forces during Operation MORE
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April 26, 2006 — The cargo bay doors of a KC-130J Hercules opened, bringing the night air into view, as a chill wind circulated through the inside of the plane. Five Marines braced themselves against the front of the cargo bay watching the two remaining parachute systems attentively. The massive plane jumped as its airspeed slowed to half of what it had been MORE
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April 26, 2006 — Two Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam era toured through Al Asad April 20, meeting with deployed service members. Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard and retired Marine Capt. John J. McGinty III ate lunch and dinner with several service members. Upon completion of dinner, the two honored visitors met with service members in the Morale, MORE
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April 25, 2006 — With the blistering sun on their backs and sweat dripping from their faces, the expeditionary airfield Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 began construction on a marshalling pad in Al Asad, April 19. The marshalling pad will act as a waiting area for fighter or attack aircraft to be armed or disarmed before taking off. "The marshalling MORE
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April 25, 2006 — Combat stress can consist of many more things than just combat, and when times get tough, while deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom, service members turn to the Chaplain's Office for help. "Our services are critical for those service members who wish to participate," said Cmdr. Craig G. Muehler, chaplain, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, MORE
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April 16, 2006 — Breaking the silence of morning with shouts and orders, Marines with the Incident Response Platoon hurry to get their humvees geared up with weapons, ammunition and the other needed supplies to complete their newly received mission. The IRP is a quick-reaction unit with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Wing Support Group 37 (Reinforced), MORE
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April 14, 2006 — From fixing wires to maintaining the power, the Marines with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 provide the base with both, telephone and data communications. "We plan, operate, install and maintain the tactical communications for the (Air Combat Element) and forward operating bases," said Master Gunnery Sgt. Roberto S. Pinedo, acting sergeant MORE
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April 14, 2006 — High above the Iraqi desert, fuel-thirsty jets can stay airborne for hours, in part because of the enlisted Marines manning an orbiting gas station in the sky. Crew chiefs and aerial observers with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, are critical to the readiness of Marine MORE
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