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MEU leaves mark in Atterbury history

By Spc. Elizabeth Gorenc

CAJMTC Public Affairs

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - "We are an expeditionary force, so we are always ready," said Pfc. Clay Labelle. "Whenever anything happens, we are there as quickly as we can be."

The Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit proved just that while they were at Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center training for an upcoming scheduled deployment.

The squadron came to Camp Atterbury with intentions of completing mobilization training.

Shortly after they arrived here, tornados and flooding hit the local area.

Marines placed their training on hold to aid local communities during the natural disasters.

While their comrades dispersed to local communities to provide direct aid, the 264 stayed at Camp Atterbury to ensure responding aircraft were sufficiently fueled in order to carry out life-saving missions.

"It's unfortunate that these natural disasters had to happen," said Labelle. "But I am happy we were able to be here with all of our equipment to help save lives."

During their stay at Camp Atterbury, the squadron refueled a wide range of aircraft to keep the deployment training and disaster recovery missions running.

According to Sgt. David Owens, the team of Marines successfully completed refueling missions with CH-53 Super Stallion, CH-46 Sea Knight, AH-1 Cobra, UH-1 Huey, OH-58 Kiowa, UH-60 Black Hawk,and HH-65A Dolphin helicopters at Camp Atterbury.

Marines also landed the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft at Camp Atterbury June 12, for the first time in Camp Atterbury history.

"It's excellent to know that [Marines] will be part of Camp Atterbury history," said Labelle. "Actually, it's just great to be here training and be part of Camp Atterbury."

The Osprey came for it's début to drop off Marines and equipment for training, conducted a hot refuel and then continued on its way to finish out its mission.

"Hot fuels are conducted while the aircraft is still running," said Owens. "This way we don't have to wait for the engine to cool down and can get a faster turn around time for aircraft getting back to their missions."

The squadron worked with the National Guard Soldiers on base to refuel aircraft during the disaster-related support missions and throughout their deployment training.

"It has been great working with the National Guard," said Owens. "It gives us a chance to exchange techniques with different branches and become one team."