AL-ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), inserted and extracted a raid force here, today.
The “Heavy Haulers,” escorted by attack helicopters from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, 3rd MAW (Fwd), transported more than 40 service members to an Island in the Euphrates River to locate and seize weapons that could potentially be used against Coalition forces.
“Overall I think the mission went really well from the aviation perspective,” said Maj. Michael A. Carter, director of safety and CH-53E Super Stallion pilot, HMH-462.
The Super Stallion is a vital asset in Iraq because it is the biggest helicopter platform. The CH-53E has the ability to transport a large amount of weight; transporting troops and equipment in combat operations or moving supplies around Iraq, explained Sgt. Keith M. Flick a weapons and tactics crew chief instructor with HMH-462.
“I am truly blessed to be able to do this, to be able to not only serve my country like this, but to serve other Marines,” said Carter. “It’s important to stop and take a moment to think about how connected we are on a day-to-day basis to the security of our nation as well as security of the region.”