Full Story
VMA 214 joins 31st MEU while underway
Submitted by: 31st MEU
Story Identification #: 20072725715
Story by Cpl. Kamran Sadaghiani, 31st MEU
ABOARD USS ESSEX (Feb. 3, 2007) -- Pilots of the Yuma, Ariz.-based Marine Attack Squadron 214, the “Black Sheep,” flocked to the flight deck, Feb. 3, in preparation for Amphibious Ready Group and Evaluation Exercises 07-1 with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The Black Sheep joined the MEU for their seven-month deployment cycle where they will be providing aerial support and firepower alongside Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced).
The last time the Black Sheep were deployed was with the 15th MEU from February through August 2006, said Sgt. Maj. Derrick Christovale, the squadron sergeant major. Working with the MEU is something the Black Sheep look forward to, said Lance Cpl. Stefan Ozwoldike, an operations clerk with the squadron.
“The last time we deployed we were able to work alongside our Navy counterparts in dealing with troop movements and just sharing general information about the job,” said Ozwoldike. “Everyday on the boat is a new challenge and learning from the other units is what makes the deployment so interesting. Seeing how one group does things compared to another and finding the best way for everyone to accomplish the mission is a unique experience.” Others shared Ozwoldike’s optimism.
“Coming aboard ship is a great opportunity for the squadron to get with HMM- 265 and the ship personnel to familiarize us with each other,” added Maj. Jason Waldron, the Black Sheep’s executive officer. “Many of us have a small level of familiarity on ship, which will essentially broaden our experience to operate in this environment.”
While many of the Marines and Sailors of the squadron are re-adjusting to ship life, Waldron said that this is an opportunity for them to get out of their comfort zone and regain their “sea legs,” especially for the pilots, Waldron explained.
“Becoming seaborne is a good experience because flying on ship has its inherent hazards and operations are fast-paced” said Waldron, a Glen Ellen, Calif., native. “Being on a boat is not like being on an air station. Not only are the working spaces smaller, but our landing space is shorter and narrower. We need to be very precise and exacting because there is very little margin for error. Landings and takeoffs must be surgical. There are obstructions like the flight line crew members and the observation tower, in addition to only seven-hundred and fifty foot of runway unlike an open airfield.”
Although all the pilots are certified in carrier landings, flying aboard a vessel gives the pilots an actual physical experience, to better help learn or refresh their abilities, Waldron said.
“We need to support the MEU so our squadron can drop bombs on bad guys,” said the Detroit native. “Because some of our personnel remained behind, we’re working with less personnel and smaller working spaces. This allows us to adapt and overcome.”
The Black Sheep’s arrival marks the second occasion that a Marine attack squadron and its staff will share the responsibilities as the MEU’s aviation combat element.
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