Marine Harrier squadron prepares to deploy

  Yuma-based Marine Attack Squadron 211 continues to conduct training exercises in preparation for its deployment early next year.

  The Avengers are scheduled to deploy with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in January. The deployment, originally scheduled for VMA-214, was given to 211 because it's the most ready attack squadron in the Marine Corps.

  VMA-211 has been preparing for about a year to deploy to Iraq to replace VMA-311 in September, but that deployment was canceled, said Capt. Andrew D'Ambrogi, VMA-211 adjutant.

  "We're now the No. 1 ready squadron, able to go anywhere in the world after being recently evaluated on all skill sets."

  The replacement of 311 this winter and the cancellation of 211's Iraq deployment this past September also help the Harrier squadrons get back into a more consistent deployment rotation.

  Over the past year, the squadron deployed to Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., to train with Navy SEALs and other Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center entities in close air support, air to ground tactics and weaponry.

  In April, the squadron supported Exercise Green Flag West at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nev. Marines worked with joint tactical controllers on the ground during multiple close air support missions, nontraditional search and reconnaissance missions, as well as with the Army and Air Force.

  During Desert Talon in June, the squadron was trained and evaluated. Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 gave the squadron the final approval in regards to their efficiency, proficiency and tactics.

  "After Desert Talon ended, we regained our six jet detachments that had deployed with the 11th MEU, bringing the squadron back to full strength," said D'Ambrogi.

  During the summer, the squadron's training tempo remained high as it offered support in training exercises throughout local and southern California areas.

  Pilots have done their part supporting Mojave Viper, a Marine ground-based training evolution at Marine Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif. It incorporated close air support, fields of fire and fire support for Marines training on the ground.

  They even helped air traffic control soldiers from Yuma Proving Ground meet training requirements during the Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Course, by performing day and night close air support missions.

  Squadron pilots recently participated in field carrier landing practice at the Auxiliary II Airfield on the Barry M. Goldwater Range. The training simulates landing aircraft on a ship, specifically the ships found in a Marine expeditionary unit.

  Training at Aux II is great for the pilots, because it is a way to get them all carrier qualified without actually being on ship, said D'Ambrogi.

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This story previously appeared in The Desert Warrior, the newspaper of the Marine Corps Air Station.