Stories

This identity design was created in adobe illustrator to represent the official unit insignia for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 12, 2025. The flying diamond insignia was first recognized during World War II as a shoulder patch. The patch was later mandated by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to represent all Marine Aircraft Wings.

2nd Marine Aircaft Wing

II Marine Expeditionary Force

AL ASAD, Iraq ? While researching the price of an item requested by one of the squadrons in the group, 2nd Lt. Jarvis L. Conic, Marine Aircraft Group 26 fiscal officer, and Staff Sgt. Don A. Henson, MAG-26 fiscal chief, interact with one of the local vendors Aug. 20. The Marines in the group?s fiscal office have been helping the local economy get back on its feet by doing business with vendors here. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? While researching the price of an item requested by one of the squadrons in the group, 2nd Lt. Jarvis L. Conic, Marine Aircraft Group 26 fiscal officer, and Staff Sgt. Don A. Henson, MAG-26 fiscal chief, interact with one of the local vendors Aug. 20. The Marines in the group?s fiscal office have been helping the local economy get back on its feet by doing business with vendors here.

Marines in Al Asad help Corps save cash, boost local economy

As if managing the Marine Aircraft Group 26 commanding officer’s budget wasn’t demanding enough, the Marines in the group’s fiscal office have been helping the local economy get back on its feet. While the group is deployed, the fiscal Marines have taken the role of purchasing agents to help the Marine Corps save money. For the last six months

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? A Fighting Griffin CH-46E crew goes through their start-up procedures before take-off here Aug. 19. The Fighting Griffins officially take over the mission from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264, Aug. 20. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? A Fighting Griffin CH-46E crew goes through their start-up procedures before take-off here Aug. 19. The Fighting Griffins officially take over the mission from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264, Aug. 20.

Fighting Griffins prepared, ready for success in Iraq

As the Black Knights of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 return home, HMM-266, the Fighting Griffins, have taken the helm and are supporting the forward deployed 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in the Al Anbar province. The Fighting Griffins arrived Aug. 10 and has worked side-by-side with their predecessors for the past 10 days. The Black Knights

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Gunrunners homeward bound after six-month OIF deployment

The Gunrunners of Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 have transferred their mission to the Warriors of HML/A-167. The squadron will soon return to Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., after six months deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “It’s an honor to be part of the history of Iraq,” said Cpl. Chris J. Henderson,

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Norris Chan, a plane captain with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 and Barstow, Calif., native gives the OK while point checking during a launch on Aug. 16. Point checking is part of the launch procedure and ensures everything in the rear of the aircraft is ready for action. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Norris Chan, a plane captain with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 and Barstow, Calif., native gives the OK while point checking during a launch on Aug. 16. Point checking is part of the launch procedure and ensures everything in the rear of the aircraft is ready for action.

Powerline keeps Banshee’s Prowlers on the move

The Marines of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 are attacking the enemy using electronic firepower and surveillance in direct support of all forces throughout Iraq. With cutting-edge technology, the Banshees are employing their sophisticated systems to protect Marines and soldiers on the ground. The hard work of all of the maintenance

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HML/A-167 ‘Warriors’ begin second tour aboard Al Asad

Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 arrived here recently to continue the combat support mission HML/A-269 has executed for the last six months.Flying AH-1W Super Cobras and UH-1N Hueys, the unit is here to provide offensive air support, utilities support and armed escort to Multi-National Forces–West and the Marines on the ground.“The

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AL ASAD, Iraq?An Air Force C-17 Globemaster sits on the flightline here Aug. 15. The transport aircraft was delivering a CH-46 Seaknight helicopter belonging to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 from Miramar, Calif. Many rotary wing aircraft are transported by fixed wing air in support of deployments around the world. - AL ASAD, Iraq?An Air Force C-17 Globemaster sits on the flightline here Aug. 15. The transport aircraft was delivering a CH-46 Seaknight helicopter belonging to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 from Miramar, Calif. Many rotary wing aircraft are transported by fixed wing air in support of deployments around the world.

Greyhawks hitch a ride into Iraq

Another shipment of CH-46 helicopters belonging to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 from Miramar, Calif., arrived here Aug. 15 and 17. As the gargantuan transporters slowly braked, Marines scrambled to safely offload the aircraft from the United States Air Force's C-17 Globemaster and C-5 Galaxy. The majority of the Greyhawk Marines arrived

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Jack-of-all-trades puts skills to good use in Corps

“One thing I always wanted to do was be a Marine,” said Sgt. Daniel R. Navrestad. “I said ‘If I’m going to do it, now is the time to do it. I’m 20 and I need to get it done before I get too old.’” In August 2002, the Galesville, Wis., native enlisted in the Marine Corps to realize a childhood dream. He is now supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom

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Moonlighters ensure combat effectiveness with hi-tech tools

Although dropping ordnance may be what fighter-attack aircraft are known for, Operation Iraqi Freedom has slightly altered the F/A-18 Hornet squadron’s mission. The Moonlighters of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332, like other fighter-attack squadrons flying today, are serving more of a reconnaissance role in Iraq. In combat,

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Leeann Tweeden, a model and television personality signs an autograph for a young Marine after the United Service Organization show on Aug. 17. - Leeann Tweeden, a model and television personality signs an autograph for a young Marine after the United Service Organization show on Aug. 17.