2nd MAW News

2nd Marine Division - 2nd Marine Division

Gunnery Sgt. Rene R. Benedit, a quality assurance chief for the Moonlighters of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 and a Miami native, looks at the squadron?s Wall of Remembrance, Oct. 12, at Al Asad, Iraq. The six-foot high board is dominated by rows of the Marine Corps insignia, an eagle, globe and anchor, each representing a Marine, Soldier or Sailor killed in action since the squadron?s arrival here, in August. - Gunnery Sgt. Rene R. Benedit, a quality assurance chief for the Moonlighters of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 332 and a Miami native, looks at the squadron?s Wall of Remembrance, Oct. 12, at Al Asad, Iraq. The six-foot high board is dominated by rows of the Marine Corps insignia, an eagle, globe and anchor, each representing a Marine, Soldier or Sailor killed in action since the squadron?s arrival here, in August.

Sergeant Kurtis Young, an air traffic controller from Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Detachment C, identifies an aircraft inbound to the airfield, Oct. 10, at Al Asad, Iraq. Young, a Glendale, Ariz., native, is a member of the Al Asad ATC detachment which recently began providing the U.S. Combined Air Operations Center in Qatar with information from this area, in addition to their regular duties. - Sergeant Kurtis Young, an air traffic controller from Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Detachment C, identifies an aircraft inbound to the airfield, Oct. 10, at Al Asad, Iraq. Young, a Glendale, Ariz., native, is a member of the Al Asad ATC detachment which recently began providing the U.S. Combined Air Operations Center in Qatar with information from this area, in addition to their regular duties.

During their flight, Iraqi Commands pose for a photo with Cpl. David Finn, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron 252, while inside the KC-130J Hercules. ?I think it was great meeting the Iraqis,? said Finn, a native of Cleveland. ?They were respectful of everything I needed them to do and very polite. Overall, they are a well disciplined group.? - During their flight, Iraqi Commands pose for a photo with Cpl. David Finn, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler and Transport Squadron 252, while inside the KC-130J Hercules. ?I think it was great meeting the Iraqis,? said Finn, a native of Cleveland. ?They were respectful of everything I needed them to do and very polite. Overall, they are a well disciplined group.?

In fine Navy tradition, Sailors enjoyed coffee and cake as they celebrated the Navy?s Birthday, Oct. 13, while deployed in Al Asad, Iraq. Sailors from all over Al Asad got a chance to meet and socialize during the event. - In fine Navy tradition, Sailors enjoyed coffee and cake as they celebrated the Navy?s Birthday, Oct. 13, while deployed in Al Asad, Iraq. Sailors from all over Al Asad got a chance to meet and socialize during the event.

As Marines put the final touches on the first big top, Cpl. Terence Carter, one of the combat engineers from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, and native of New Bern, N.C., nails down angle bars to the base of the second Big Top, a KC-130J Hercules is visible in the background. - As Marines put the final touches on the first big top, Cpl. Terence Carter, one of the combat engineers from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, and native of New Bern, N.C., nails down angle bars to the base of the second Big Top, a KC-130J Hercules is visible in the background.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, sit in the bay of a CH-53E Super Stallion. The soldiers were flown to a forward location in Al Anbar province by the Warhorses of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 from Al Asad, Iraq, Sept. 21. - Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, sit in the bay of a CH-53E Super Stallion. The soldiers were flown to a forward location in Al Anbar province by the Warhorses of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 from Al Asad, Iraq, Sept. 21.

AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Rafael B. Fermin, an airframe and hydraulic mechanic with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774, works to repair a CH-46 helicopter. Fermin and the rest of his reserve squadron recently began their second deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. - AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Rafael B. Fermin, an airframe and hydraulic mechanic with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774, works to repair a CH-46 helicopter. Fermin and the rest of his reserve squadron recently began their second deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

United States Rep. Christopher Shays talks about the mission of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 with the squadron?s commanding officer, Col. Mark E. Wakeman, during a congressional delegation visit, Oct. 10, at Al Asad, Iraq. The congressmen from Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Dakota, New York, Wisconsin and American Samoa were briefed on 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's progress and ongoing operations, visited the Fighting Griffins of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 and the Banshees of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 and had lunch with service members from their represented areas. - United States Rep. Christopher Shays talks about the mission of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 with the squadron?s commanding officer, Col. Mark E. Wakeman, during a congressional delegation visit, Oct. 10, at Al Asad, Iraq. The congressmen from Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Dakota, New York, Wisconsin and American Samoa were briefed on 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's progress and ongoing operations, visited the Fighting Griffins of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 and the Banshees of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 and had lunch with service members from their represented areas.