Tomcats to return to Yuma after 31st MEU deployment

[Jason Hyatt]

Story by Cpl. Daniel Malta
08-07-2010
Approximately 80 Marines and sailors from Marine Attack Squadron 311 are
scheduled to return Thursday from a seven-month deployment to Japan, where
they supported the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

While overseas, the squadron participated in several training events
including exercises Foal Eagle, Cobra Gold and Balikatan.

The exercises took place throughout Southeast Asia, where the Tomcats
focused on providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and close
air support to the ground operations, said 1st Lt. Chris Wood, VMA-311
intelligence officer.

The Marines learned to work with other countries in many ways, whether it
was training with the Royal Thai Armed Forces in Cobra Gold executing
amphibious and heliborne raids or aiding the Philippine people by supporting
the humanitarian efforts of Balikatan.

Along with the honor of being able to visit Iwo Jima, where the Marines
toured the old battlegrounds, the squadron designated a new flagship
aircraft, which boasts a new paint job and tail design
The last month of their deployment was spent at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa,
Japan, for air-to-air combat training with Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 94.

"Kadena was a great opportunity for us to refine our expeditionary mindset,"
said Wood "Also, the squadron got some great experience as we learned how to
work hand-in-hand with both the Navy and the Air Force on a daily basis."

Before leaving Okinawa, the Tomcats finished the seven-month deployment with
more Marine Corps training, such as visiting the gas chamber and taking
their physical fitness tests before returning home.

The remainder of Marines in Japan including the Harriers are scheduled for
return Saturday and Sunday.

The rest of VMA-311 is currently on the USS Peleliu with the 15th MEU
performing counter piracy and humanitarian operations

[David Loera]

Awesome info Jason Thanks, I cant wait to see the new color bird

[Joe Copalman]

Awesome info Jason Thanks, I cant wait to see the new color bird

I hope it has a Pokemon on the tail...