MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE (Sept. 27, 2012) -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 conducts pre-deployment ground training in preparation to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
The operation began on Oct. 7, 2001 in response to the attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11 of the same year.
“The training that we are currently undergoing is block two pre-deployment training,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas A. Morris, HMH-461 commanding officer.
The purpose of OEF was to destroy Al-Qaeda, find and capture Osama bin Laden and destroy the Taliban regime that had been supporting terrorist organizations.
HMH-461 will be receiving new gear, including the new sleeping system, new ruck sacks and new protective vests, said Morris.
“We are also taking briefs that cover risk of isolation, law of armed conflict, rules of engagement and counter improvised explosive device,” said Staff Sgt. Michael L. Drummond, HMH-461 operations chief.
Marines with HMH-461 will also be receiving further training, including pistol qualifying and undergoing table three on the range to increase their shooting prowess, said Drummond.
HMH-461 is undergoing pistol training because not only is it a good skill to have during any deployment but it is a necessity because all pilots carry a pistol as their main weapon during operations, said Morris.
“We will be deploying at the beginning of the year and we will be there until the latter half of that year,” said Morris.
With the exception of the Marines that just returned from the Horn of Africa, all of the squadron will be deploying.
During HMH-461’s time deployed they will be supporting OEF by lifting and transporting personnel and cargo where it is needed.
“We are looking forward to the deployment and being able to do our part in support of OEF,” said Morris.