Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brian Blalock, VMR Detachment aircraft commander, makes final preparations before flying to Afghanistan for a mission in Southwest Asia July 26, 2012. The detachment receives between 40 and 60 travel requests each month for military leadership, distinguished visitors and anyone deemed mission critical around the area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bryan Swink)
Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brian Blalock, VMR Detachment aircraft commander, conducts a pre-flight check before flying to Afghanistan for a mission in Southwest Asia July 26, 2012. The Fixed Wing Marine Transport Squadron Detachment’s mission is to transport military leadership, distinguished visitors and anyone deemed mission critical around the area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bryan Swink)
Marines from the Fixed Wing Marine Transport Squadron Detachment in Southwest Asia take off for a transport mission in Afghanistan July 26, 2012. The detachment usually flies approximately 20 days in a given month. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bryan Swink)
by Senior Airman Bryan Swink
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
7/26/2012 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The mission of these Marines is quite simple - get people where they need to go, when they need to be there.
Along with their detachment counterparts at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, the Fixed Wing Marine Transport Squadron Detachment's mission is to transport military leadership, distinguished visitors and anyone deemed mission critical around the area of responsibility.
This small detachment, consisting of four enlisted personnel and five officers, stays busy. They receive between 40 and 60 travel requests each month and end up flying approximately 20 days in a given month.
"Each request is prioritized based on importance," said Gunnery Sgt. John Heine, VMR Detachment noncommissioned officer in charge.
The three Marine corporals assigned to the detachment handle all the logistical requests in regard to the distance being traveled, the amount of fuel to accomplish the mission and passenger handling at the arrival location to name a few.
"We plan and coordinate every aspect of the mission," said Cpl. Eddie Saenz, VMR Detachment operations chief. "Before the aircraft even leaves the runway until it returns is systematically coordinated.
Working in the operational side of things is quite a new experience for these enlisted Marines. They all have a background in administration, but each quickly adapted to the new situation and responsibilities.
"The transition hasn't been bad at all," said Cpl. Jenequa Benavente, VMR Detachment operations clerk. "We adapt and overcome ... that's what Marines do."
This mission is a busy one and the hard work and dedication hasn't gone unnoticed.
"Their work and adjustment has been phenomenal," said Lt. Col. Daniel Goodwin, VMR Detachment pilot and commander. "With no previous experience in the operational side, they have adjusted extremely well and performed flawlessly."
This rotation is about halfway through their deployed tour in Southwest Asia, but you won't see them coasting on cruise control ... they're Marines.
