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

Marines control air space around Kalsu

The AH-64A Apache is the U.S. Army’s principal attack helicopter. It’s equipped with some of the latest avionics and electronics and can be operated almost anytime, in almost any weather, day or night. Here since April and flying the Apache, Task Force 1/151st Aviation Attack Battalion patrols Iraqi air from a small post south of Baghdad. The

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AL ASAD, Iraq?Staff Sgt. Chris K. Belt, crew chief, from Pensacola, Fla., keeps a sharp eye on the F/A-18 Hornet jet as it refuels over the Al Anbar province July 11. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 delivered its 10 millionth pound of fuel and marked another first for the combat deployed Hercules squadron. - AL ASAD, Iraq?Staff Sgt. Chris K. Belt, crew chief, from Pensacola, Fla., keeps a sharp eye on the F/A-18 Hornet jet as it refuels over the Al Anbar province July 11. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 delivered its 10 millionth pound of fuel and marked another first for the combat deployed Hercules squadron.

KC-130J pumps up the volume over Iraq

The KC-130J is setting the standard for Marine aerial refuelers. On July 11, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, affectionately known as ‘Otis’ in the states, exceeded the benchmark of delivering 10 million pounds of fuel over the skies of Iraq since they began deployed operations in February. This marks another first for the combat

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? A military working dog, Fido, a 90-pound Belgian Malinois demonstrates his aggression while his handler, Sgt. Christopher Moulton, a Augusta, Ga., native holds him back during a training session here. The military workings dogs train daily to keep their senses keen throughout their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? A military working dog, Fido, a 90-pound Belgian Malinois demonstrates his aggression while his handler, Sgt. Christopher Moulton, a Augusta, Ga., native holds him back during a training session here. The military workings dogs train daily to keep their senses keen throughout their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Military working dog teams secure 2nd MAW

When it comes to the security of Al Asad, nothing is left to chance. Cameras, firepower and a team of military working dogs are always ready. The dogs are able to use their noses to sniff out trouble. The Al Asad military working dog detachment is a joint service unit with Air Force and Marine canines and handlers. The partnership of dog and

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? Army Capt. Stephanie Boyd, a veterinarian and Hampton, Va., native, examines the eyes of one of the more than 50 military working dogs in the Al Anbar province. Dany, a five-year old German shepherd and his handler, Cpl. Robert La Place, a Sacramento, Calif., native are in the middle of a six-month deployment here. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Army Capt. Stephanie Boyd, a veterinarian and Hampton, Va., native, examines the eyes of one of the more than 50 military working dogs in the Al Anbar province. Dany, a five-year old German shepherd and his handler, Cpl. Robert La Place, a Sacramento, Calif., native are in the middle of a six-month deployment here.

Army ‘vets’ provide support throughout Al Anbar province

When a new shipment of food comes into the chow hall or a military working dog needs medical care, the office of the Veterinarian Service Support Squad from the 43rd Medical Detachment (Veterinary Services) from Fort Hood, Texas goes to work. While it may seem an odd combination, their mission is to provide veterinary support, food safety

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Brian H. Walker, an intelligence systems analyst with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, recently won the noncommissioned officer of the quarter board for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). Walker, from Houston, is a 2003 graduate of Texas Tech University and has bachelor?s degrees in history and economics. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Brian H. Walker, an intelligence systems analyst with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4, recently won the noncommissioned officer of the quarter board for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward). Walker, from Houston, is a 2003 graduate of Texas Tech University and has bachelor?s degrees in history and economics.

Houston Marine jumps on board, wins coveted honors

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Cpl. Brian H. Walker enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 2003 to repay a personal obligation to the United States. “We all have a debt to our country,” he said. “We all have to make a sacrifice for the freedoms we have and the lives we live. Some repay that debt by serving their country and others just

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Anthony Harper, a native of Lithia Springs, Ga., and Cpl. Sherwin Starks, a native of Winder, Ga., both F/A-18 Hornet mechanics with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142, perform a post-flight inspection minutes after the aircraft was parked on the Gator flightline here. The powerline division works two shifts, working 12-hours each, everyday. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Anthony Harper, a native of Lithia Springs, Ga., and Cpl. Sherwin Starks, a native of Winder, Ga., both F/A-18 Hornet mechanics with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142, perform a post-flight inspection minutes after the aircraft was parked on the Gator flightline here. The powerline division works two shifts, working 12-hours each, everyday.

Powerline keeps Flying Gators soaring

Since the Gators of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142 arrived in Iraq in March, the powerline shop has been at the forefront of their success in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Gators have flown more than 3,500 flight-hours while completing more than 1,500 sorties since their arrival. The high numbers of mishap-free flying is a testament

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Allen Jones, the air tasking order production chief with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 joined the Marine Corps in 2001 and is serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom here. He is a graduate of Austin High School in Decatur, Ala. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Allen Jones, the air tasking order production chief with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 joined the Marine Corps in 2001 and is serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom here. He is a graduate of Austin High School in Decatur, Ala.

Alabama native deploys for first time, serves in Al Asad

Since the age of seven, Cpl. Allen Jones, the air tasking order production chief with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, has been involved in athletic competition. From Pop Warner football in his hometown of Decatur, Ala., to starring in three sports at Austin High School and earning a scholarship to play college football, Jones’ life has

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? Jamal Ali, lead singer with Insoul, signs an autograph for another fan after their performance here July 3. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Jamal Ali, lead singer with Insoul, signs an autograph for another fan after their performance here July 3.

Insoul plays for troops

Insoul, an R&B band from Los Angeles, performed a two-hour set for the troops here, July 3. The show, which was sponsored by the United Service Organization, consisted of cover songs from the 70’s to today. It gave service members a chance to take a break from the day to day operations and stressful conditions of serving in a combat zone. “The

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Colin B. Castles, food service specialist and Sandown, N.H., native, ensures one of the hot boxes in the dining facility here is set to the right temperature for whenever they start serving meals July 5. The food service specialists here supervise the work done by contracted civilians and ensure it?s done in accordance with sanitation regulations. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Colin B. Castles, food service specialist and Sandown, N.H., native, ensures one of the hot boxes in the dining facility here is set to the right temperature for whenever they start serving meals July 5. The food service specialists here supervise the work done by contracted civilians and ensure it?s done in accordance with sanitation regulations.

Food service specialists keep Al Asad’s meals finger-lickin’ good

The food service specialists in the dining facility here know their role and they don’t have a beef with it. They know that being on top of their game keeps hundreds of hungry customers satisfied. Though they’re not the ones cooking, the Marines have a lot on their plates. Their responsibilities include supervising the preparation of meals,

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AL ASAD, Iraq ? 1st Lt. Jeremy A. Robinson, maintenance material control officer with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 and New Orleans native, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996 with a General Education Development certificate. Taking advantage of the opportunities service members have to continue their education he received a college degree and was commissioned a second lieutenant. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? 1st Lt. Jeremy A. Robinson, maintenance material control officer with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 and New Orleans native, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996 with a General Education Development certificate. Taking advantage of the opportunities service members have to continue their education he received a college degree and was commissioned a second lieutenant.