CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan -- The Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 “Forerunners” transferred responsibilities to the MALS-40 “Thoroughbreds” during a transfer of authority ceremony here, Feb. 20.
Lt. Col. James C. Carroll III, the MALS-16 commanding officer, turned over responsibilities as the aviation logistics squadron, which supplies parts and equipment to the aviation squadrons of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), to Lt. Col. Clarence Harper III, the MALS-40 commanding officer.
“Many folks ask … ‘How did you make it for an entire year?’ I look at them and tell them ‘It wasn’t me. It was the Marines,’” said Carroll. “It was the Marines and sailors each and every day, that motivated me to keep kicking.”
After one year in Afghanistan, the Forerunners will return to their home station at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
The MALS-40 Marines and sailors intend to continue the aviation logistics mission in Afghanistan with “endurance, speed, spirit and agility,” said Harper.
MALS-40 will spend the next 12 months in Afghanistan, continuing the legacy, which MALS-16 established while supporting all aviation logistics requirements in Regional Command (Southwest).