AL ASAD, Iraq -- In 1972 Marine Aircraft Group 29 was commissioned, 35 years later the group celebrated its birthday while serving in Iraq.
The “War Eagles” of MAG-29 held a celebration to honor the Marines of the past and present, May 1.
“This is a great opportunity to reflect on what we have done over the years,” said Col. Christopher Owens, the MAG-29 commanding officer. “As the Marine Corps and we change, it is important to recognize where we came from and celebrate the things that we have done.”
When MAG-29 was commissioned at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N. C., it was composed of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 29, Marine Air Base Squadron 29 and Marine Light Helicopter Squadrons 268 and 167, Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, and Marine Observation Squadron 1.
“We still have one of the first aircraft and it’s currently serving with us at HML\A-369” said Owens. “It is a UH-1N Huey straight from the factory. This aircraft shows that Marines know how to get the most out of anything.”
The War Eagles of the past have served in multiple operations, including Operation Desert Shield/Storm, United Nations Operations Restore Hope/Continue Hope in Somalia and Deny Flight/Provide Promise in the former Yugoslavia.
In 1994, they supported Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti. On June 7, 1995, MAG-29's continued support of Operations Deny Flight/Provide Promise was highlighted when Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 successfully rescued downed U.S. Air Force pilot, Captain Scott O'Grady.
In 1999, MAG-29 saw yet another real world contingency in the deployment of HMM-365(Reinforced). As the aviation combat element for the 26th MEU, HMM-365(Rein) supported numerous operations in the countries of Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia, as well as Humanitarian Assistance in Turkey.
In 2001 HMM-365(Rein) was deployed and among the first troops into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. MAG-29 (Rein) was ordered to deploy to Iraq in January of 2003 to become the 3rd Rotary Wing MAG for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Although the War Eagles have already secured a place in history, Owens believes that the group is adding important parts.
“Everybody has played their part in our history, from the Marines who served in Vietnam to now,” said Owens. “I think the (current) Marines measure up pretty well. The old War Eagles would be proud of the current generation.”
Although the War Eagles like to recognize what the group has accomplished in the past, they are now focused on the present.
“We managed to put together an all-star team that I wouldn’t trade,” said Owens about his Marines. “We are writing an important part of history right here, right now.”