USA Patriotism! ... "Showcasing Pride of America"USA Store! ... American / Patriotic themed gift products at USA Patriotism!

Home - Articles - USA's Birth - Great Patriots - Heroes - Honor Halls - Music - Photos
Poems - Quotes - Reference - Speeches - Stars for Troops - Stories - Student Patriots
Videos - New Content
- About - Contact - Submit - Press
- CureNow - Donate
- Privacy

Click Here To Google Search
 For USA Patriotism! Content
USA Patriotism! YouTube Channel Join / Like the USA Patriotism! Facebook pagePinterestLinkedInUSA Patriotism! Instagram ChannelUSA Patriotism! On TwitterUSA Patriotism! at Flickr

Patriotic Article
War and Tragedy

Collectibles, apparel, and other gifts ... for Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and veterans! Checks with USA, military, and other patriotic designs Free Gifts from The Bradford Exchange Online

Gunfighters Aid 1st LAR Insertion
by USMC Cpl. Isaac Lamberth - March 29, 2012

American Flag Western Boots

Checks with USA, military, and other patriotic designs

USA, military, and other patriotic themed pullover and button down Polo shirts

Tough Tex American Flags

Telescoping flagpole with free American Flag

Sgt. Jason Sparks, a native of Savannah, Ga., and a door gunner for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, scans for suspicious activity while providing air support for Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Helmand province, Afghanistan on March 15, 2012. Helicopters from the squadron often provide aerial security for Marines participating in ground operations. Photo by USMC Cpl. Isaac Lamberth
Sgt. Jason Sparks, a native of Savannah, Ga., and a door gunner for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, scans for suspicious activity while providing air support for Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Helmand province, Afghanistan on March 15, 2012. Helicopters from the squadron often provide aerial security for Marines participating in ground operations. Photo by USMC Cpl. Isaac Lamberth
  CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan (3/23/2012) - An hour before the break of dawn, offices on the flight line of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, were abuzz with the day's upcoming operations; one of which included providing close-air-support for Marines on the ground.

Prior to heading into a hostile area, two helicopters, a UH-1Y Huey and an AH-1W Cobra, from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, also known as the “Gunfighters,” fired their door mounted machine guns. The final function check of their weapons reassured the crew they would be ready to engage enemy forces if necessary.

After finishing their final tests, the duo flew south and circled over a location suspected of containing IED-making materials as they waited for ground units to arrive and search the area.

As the sun's rays began to touch the desert of southern Helmand province, a platoon of Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion arrived in MV-22B Ospreys, from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, to
check the suspected location as the Gunfighters provided overwatch.

Arriving from the north, the Ospreys landed in a cloud of dust. Within seconds of touching down, the Marines of 1st LAR poured out of them. As quickly as the helicopters landed, they left, leaving the Marines on the ground to begin their search under the watchful eyes of the Gunfighters.

Capt. Josh McClellan, a pilot with HMLA-369 who participated in the day's events, said the mission was to support ground troops and stop the manufacturing of IEDs.

While the Marines of 1st LAR were on the ground, the two helicopters from HMLA-369 circled overhead, carefully scanning for any suspicious activity and ready to repulse any insurgent attack.

McClellan, of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., said providing air support is crucial to Marines in the event they are attacked.

“We are here to deter anybody from attacking the guys on the ground,” he said. “If they do, we can nullify the threat.”

Lance Cpl. Devin Yang, a scout with 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st LAR said having 3D MAW (FWD) helicopters nearby was a comforting sight.

“Seeing the Cobras [and Huey] made us all feel safer,” said Yang of Tomah, Wis. “Since we are so far from friendly forces, the Cobra [and Huey] were a welcome support.”

Sgt. David Garcia, a crew chief for HMLA-369, said the helicopters have large-caliber machine guns, rockets and missile systems which can greatly assist ground troops and save lives.

Garcia, of Glendale, Ariz., said the helicopters can deal serious firepower if needed.

“If they [Marines] engage insurgents, we are here to help them out,” he added.

McClellan said fortunately the mission did not require the Gunfighters to engage but if they are needed to in the future, they will be ready to assist ground troops in a moment's notice.

More photos available in frame below

By USMC Cpl. Isaac Lamberth
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Provided through DVIDS
Copyright 2012

Comment on this article

USA Gifts Store! ... over 1,000 American / Patriotic themed products at USA Patriotism! USA / Americana theme ... polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts, hats, caps, swimwear, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, jackets, under garments, and other apparel items American Pride: Poems Honoring America and Her Patriots! by David G. Bancroft