1. The membership voted to increase our annual dues from $35 to $50. This is solely to help fund our scholarship programs. We now have two of those, the MCATA Memorial Scholarship and the Gold Star Family Scholarship that awards scholarships to families of our VMGR community whose relatives died in KC-130 combat or accident related incidents. In the past $10 of the $35 dues went to our scholarships. Now we will have $25 going toward those great causes. You’ll see the change in the dues notice in December.
2. 2024 Reunion was held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Kemah, Texas. Reunion after-action inside.
3. The 2025 Reunion will be held in San Diego, CA, at the Handlery Hotel , October 15-19, 2025.
4. Details and registration information will follow in the spring.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARINE AIR TRANSPORTER
EDITOR
Rich Driscoll
The Marine Air Transporter is published tri-annually with an additional issue prior to the annual Reunion. Opinions are those of the authors of submitted letters and articles and are true to the best of the MCATA staff’s ability to verify. They do not reflect the opinion or policy of the Department of Defense, Navy, or Headquarters United States Marine Corps.
2024-2025 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Dave Harshbarger, USMC, Retired, Navigator
Vice President
Kevin “Buck” Swanlaw, USMC, Retired, Loadmaster
Secretary
Rich Driscoll, USMC, Retired, Navigator
Treasurer
Randy Richter, USMC, Retired, Navigator
Judge Advocate
Pete Woods, USMC, Retired, Loadmaster
Chaplain
Bob Guest, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
Historian
Alan Stinar, USMC, Maintainer
Jacob Cobb, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
Information & Technology Director and Webmaster
Rich Driscoll, USMC. Retired, Navigator
Communications and Public Relations Director
Mike Marshall, USMC, Loadmaster
Voting Directors
Matt Piliere, USMC, Navigator
Jacob Cobb, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
John Williamson, USMC, Retired, Navigator
Pete Johnson, USMC, Navigator
C.W. Wilson, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
John O’Neill, USMC, Retired, Mech
Troy Lureman, USMC, Flight Engineer
Alan Stinar, USMC, Maintainer
Bob Guest, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
Rich Driscoll, USMC, Retired, Navigator, Junior Past President
Emeritus Directors Advisory Board
Jack Flannery, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
Jack Dickson, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
Humberto Reyes, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer
Past Presidents
Rich Driscoll, USMC, Retired, Navigator
Con Shuck, USMC, Retired, Flight Engineer (Deceased)
MCATA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Texas to foster, encourage and perpetuate the memory and spirit of friendship among our comrades in arms who are or have been members of any Marine Corps Air Transport Squadron and to preserve incidents and memories of our association together. The Marine Corps Air Transport Association represents a complete cross section of all those who are or have served our country in Marine Corps Air Transports regardless of rank, flight status or MOS. All donations to MCATA are tax deductable.
Transporters, what a year. We as an organization completed more this year than we have in previous years. The planning for the installation and dedication of the VMGR Memorial Monument assumed all our time for the first half of the year. If you missed the dedication, I hope you will view it on our website www.mcata.com. I really would like to thank the entire committee for the endless work and dedication they all showed, making this event unbelievable. The committee consisted of Johnathan Keene, Matt Piliere, Rich Driscoll, Alan Stinar, Jacob Cobb, John Williamson, John Klossner, Barbara Smith, Kim Hollwedel and me. I would also like to thank all the members that volunteered to escort our Gold Star Families at the event. Without the dedication of this unbelievable group of Marines the dedication would not have happened.
After the dedication we went full force in making the reunion in Kemah, Texas happen. Thanks to the efforts of Pat and Deb LeMoine, John Cole and Jacob Cobb the reunion ended up being a momentous event. The hotel and surrounding area offered exactly what we wanted and needed for our organization. The highlight of the reunion was our guest speaker. Jake Delaney began his career as a navigator at VMGR-352. He applied and was accepted for an enlisted commissioning program and after completion of flight school was assigned again to VMGR-352 as a copilot. He successfully became an aircraft commander, instructor pilot and finally a test pilot. Jake applied for the Astronaut program and NASA initially did not accept him. NASA did however, offer Jake a job at Langley AFB, VA in the research area. He applied for the Astronaut program again and this time was accepted. In April of 2024 Jake graduated as is now a qualified astronaut and is in training to work at the International Space Station and for future flights back to the moon. Jake is only the 2nd Marine aviator to become an astronaut, (the 1st being John Glenn). Jakes’ speech at the reunion talked about the crew concepts and teamwork he learned as a KC130 navigator and pilot and how it relates to
his training now. We wish Jake and his family the greatest of success. We look forward to seeing his name on a future NASA Mission.
Also, at the reunion we had several changes for the MCATA Board. I offered to stay as president for the next two years which was approved by the Board and membership. Matt Piliere stepped down as vice president after 3 years and Kevin Swanlaw volunteered to take the position. John Klossner stepped down as treasurer and Randy Richter volunteered and was approved as the new MCATA Treasurer. Randy will work with John over the next year for a full turnover of this very important position. We also created a new board position of Communications Director and Mike Marshall volunteered and was approved for this new position. I would like to personally thank both Matt and John for their efforts over the last three years especially all the work that went into the successful completion of the VMGR Memorial.
At the board and general membership meetings it was approved that the MCATA reunion for 2025 would be held in San Diego on 15-19 October at the Handlery Hotel. This is the same hotel MCATA held the reunion at in 2019. Thanks to John Williamson for finding a planning organization that is helping with this event. Kevin Swanlaw and I are planning on making a trip to San Diego in March or May to do any local coordination needed and finalize details. We are looking for anyone in the San Diego area to help coordinate the event. If you are interested, please let me know.
MCATA has formed a committee that will start meeting in January to discuss and plan for the future of MCATA and look for a way that we can continue to grow and interest more of the younger KC-130/VMGR Marines to join. We have made great strides in membership over the last 8 years but to sustain that success we need to plan for the future of MCATA. Matt Piliere will be leading this committee. Our first meeting will be via zoom on Jan 14, 2025. If you are interested in joining the committee, please call Matt.
Finally, there is an app for your phone for all MCATA members. It is called Wild Apricot Members App. You can log in with your MCATA log in. There are further instructions in this newsletter and on our website.
I wish all members and their families good health and Godspeed during the next year.
Semper Fi,
Bags
president@mcata.com
VMGR Memorial Committee (Rein) L-R Kim Hollwedel, Johnathan Keene, John Klossner, Matt Piliere, Dave Harshbarger, Gordon England, Rich Driscoll, B.J. Smith, John Williamson, Jacob Cobb, Bob Guest, Alan Stinar.
The Honorable Gordon England, two time Secretary of the Navy, was our guest of honor and largest contributor to the project (by far). We owe him a great deal of gratitude.
Semper Fi!
Highlights of 2024 General Membership Meeting
Old Business: 2025 Reunion
2025 Reunion- Discussion about we started late and need to start on 2026 sooner. John Williamson looked at 3 bids. We are using an event planner for the first time. Will be at Handley Hotel where we had it in 2019. Event possibilities, MCRD, USS Midway Museum.
Motion passed.
New Business: 2026 Reunion
2026 Reunion- Discussed place for 2026 Reunion. In keeping with our plans to rotate East and West Coast we will go to the Quantico area. Gives members chance to see USMC Museum and memorial. B.J. Smith volunteered to help coordinate. Johnathan Keene also volunteered to help. Discussed inviting Gold Star family members. Should use event planner to coordinate.
Motion passed.
Good of the order:
Discussion about membership and retention.
• Members getting older. Need more visibility. We are still unknown to many. Ideas:
• Suggestion to get tables at Marine Corps Ball to bring visi bility to younger Marines.
• Assign a person to each squadron for liaison and to distribute newsletters.
• Give MCATA awards at squadron formations and ceremonies.
• Need to get more pilot/officer participation.
• Roadblocks:
• May be old animosities still lingering.
• Airline pilot schedules interfere with reunion.
• Impression that this is an enlisted organization.
• Legacy vs J Model
• Ideas:
• Evangelize organization.
• No monthly meetings or funny hats.
• Focus on modern day (Desert Storm forward)
• Invite VMGR folks to impromptu meetings for a beer in your local area.
New Role:
Need dedicated communications and social media director.
President asked for motion to find individual to fill this role.
Motion passed.
Mike Marshall volunteered to fill role of Communications and Social Media Director. Placed in nomination by Red Hollwedel and Elwood Hensy. Voice vote to accept passed.
Election of new Officers:
All officer’s three-year terms expired and new officers need to be selected.
President Harshbarger said he’d stand for re-election. No challengers. Motion made to accept by acclamation by Delbert Cogswell. Seconded by Ed Grigalis. Motion passed on voice vote.
Rich Driscoll said he’d stand for re-election to secretary. No challengers and re-elected by acclamation.
John Klossner indicated he no longer wished to serve as Treasurer if we could find replacement. Randy Richter volunteered and his name was placed in nomination by Alan Stinar and seconded by Chuck Mullins. Voice vote called and Randy Richter elected new MCATA Treasurer.
Vice President Matt Piliere said he’d step down if a replacement could be found. We discussed possible need for two VPs, but decided that was not necessary at this time.
Kevin Swanlaw volunteered to run for Vice President. Name was put in nomination by Red Hollwedel and Mark Walderbach. Voice vote called and Kevin Swanlaw was elected new MCATA Vice President.
Chaplain Remarks: Bob Guest read the names of eight of our comrades who passed away this year.
Raise membership dues:
Discussion about need to raise membership dues to fund scholarships. Motion made to increase dues from $35 per year to $50 per year with the increase going to our scholarship fund by Red Hollwedel and seconded by AJ McAnelly. Motion passed on voice vote.
2024 Scholarship awardees names read.
(See list on page 8.)
All agenda items complete. President Harshbarger calls for motion to adjourn.
Motion made by Jacob Cobb. Seconded by John Williamson. Voice vote called on the motion. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM.
Next meeting at the 2025 Reunion in San Diego, CA.
2024 Reunion After Action
The 2024 Reunion was A Big Success!
Transporters,
We want to report that the 2024 MCATA Reunion and Convention is complete and was a great success. The weather was spectacular all week in Kemah and it was pleasant to be outside for sightseeing on the Kemah Boardwalk. The event was held at the Courtyard Marriott adjacent to the Kemah Boardwalk.
Tuesday: A few “really early birds” showed up Tuesday afternoon to help us get things organized. This happens every year and we appreciate all those who volunteer to help. There might have been a few adult beverages consumed in the hotel lobby and a few lies told just as a warmup.
Wednesday: We had more "early bird" members check in and the hospitality room was already rocking by mid-afternoon as a prelude and warm up to official activities.
Thursday: This was official check-in day and attendance surged. The bus trip to the Galveston for a boat tour of the Galveston Harbor and walk around the city had about 40 attendees. The USS Texas battleship was recently reworked and was sitting in the harbor waiting for us to cruise by for a close up look. That evening, back at Kemah, folks found their way to one of the many restaurants on the Boardwalk for dinner then back to the hospitality room for more festivities.
Friday: On Friday we had a tour of the NASA Space Center Museum and most of our reunion goers attended. The museum was great and quite entertaining and informative. In addition to the museum with its interactive videos and displays we got to visit the actual control center for the Apollo moon landing. The room looks like the controllers just stood up and walked out 50 years ago and left everything as it was. There was a great reenactment of the control room for the last few minutes of the lunar lander actually touching down.
Saturday: On Saturday morning the Board of Directors met to discuss MCATA business and following that we had a general membership meeting. You can find a copy of the minutes of that meeting on page 4.
Saturday night we had about 155 members and guests at our banquet. The Color Guard from the Marines of Inspector Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines from Ellington Joint Reserve Base was as sharp as expected! It's easy to be proud of these young Americans. We had a wonderful raffle with many donated gifts that helped us raise money for the scholarship funds and we announced the winners of the 2024 MCATA Memorial Scholarships.
Our guest speaker was a Marine that started his career as an enlisted navigator and is an astronaut in training for a trip to the International Space Station. His name is Luke Delaney and you can read his biography at https:// www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-astronautluke-delaney/. Luke explained how important his Marine Corps training and particularly the crew concept of the KC130 was to his entry into the astronaut world.
The Courtyard Marriot Hotel did a great job putting up with our boisterous noise. At the last minute they were able to secure us a bigger hospitality room which was really helpful.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
The 2025 MCATA Reunion and Convention will be held Oct 15-19, 2025 in San Diego, California. We will send more detailed information soon.
Mark Walderbach standing next to the Moon Rover display.
San Diego Night Skyline
2025 Reunion San Diego
The 2025 Reunion will be held in San Diego again next year. The last time we were there was in 2019. We will again stay at the Handlery Hotel. The Handlery Hotel is conveniently located along Interstate 8 between I-5 and I-805 and near many great places to visit. Here’s a quick list:
MCRD San Diego-10 minutes
Sea World-15 Minutes
MCAS Miramar-25 minutes
USS Midway Museum-20 minutes
NAS North Island-20 minutes
Midtown San Diego-10 minutes
Balboa Park-15 minutes
Other sights nearby are the San Diego Air and Space Museum, Maritime Museum Association of San Diego, San Diego Museum of Art and many great shops and restaurants.
As soon as plans are finalized we will let everyone know when they should begin making reservations. Sometime later in early summer all banquet meals and event options should be finalized and we will open reunion registration. Stay Tuned!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Tentative Agenda for 2025 Reunion
Wed. 15 Oct– Early Bird Check in
• Hospitality Room open 8-11 pm
Thurs. 16 Oct– Regular Check in
• Hospitality Room open 8-11 pm
Fri. 17 Oct– Tentative visit to VMGR-234
• Hospitality Room open 8-11 pm
Sat. 18 Oct– Business Meetings and Banquet
• Board Meeting 9-10:30 am
• General Membership Meeting 11 am-12:00 pm
• Hospitality Room closed during membership meeting.
• Reception and Happy Hour 5-6 pm
• Banquet and Dinner 6-10 pm
Sun. 19 Oct– Goodbyes and Fly/Drive Away.
Some hotel items:
• Single and double room rates TBD
• Parking TBD
• Breakfast TBD
• Reservation Phone # and Online Reservation Link To be published in the spring!
Special event options will be announced later.
2024 MCATA Scholarship Awards
The table below lists our 2024 scholarship award winners, their sponsors, award amounts and award sponsorships. Many of our scholarships are possible because of the tremendous generosity of our members and organizations that support us like the Wingman Foundation.
This year, for the first time, we are awarding a new category of sponsorships to the families of our VMGR Memorial Gold Star families.
2024 MCATA SPONSOR AMOUNT NAMED SPONSORSHIP
Kyzer Wilmer Jack Flannery
Nelms Mackenzie Steve Acra
Dickson Camdon Jack Dickson
Bernabei-Grassi Gabriela Bob Grassi
Fritch Hannah Larry Spanngler
$1,500.00 Joyce Bersano
$1,500.00 Maria & Dave Harshbarger
$1,500.00 Patricia Fogarty
$750.00 Troy and Nora Lureman
$1,500.00 MCATA
Lathem Jenna Jason Lathem $750.00 MCATA
Howard Matthew William Reupert
Smith Constance Charles Smith
$1,500.00 MCATA
$1,500.00 MCATA
Gtabbard Chelsey-Lynn John Williamson $1,500.00 MCATA
Kringel Ahley John Williamson $1,500.00 MCATA
Lindsay Shane Jack Taylor $1,500.00 MCATA
Beattie Victoria Robert Beattie $750.00 MCATA
2024 GOLD STAR NAMED
Kevin Herrmann Ashlynn Hermann
$1,500.00 Russ Tucker & Maryanne O'Canna
Daniel McCollum Daniel McCullum $1,500.00 Wingman Foundation
Scott Zythewicz Cameron Zythewicz Ray $1,500.00 Wingman Foundation
John D'Adamo Cheye D'Adamo
$1,500.00 MCATA
Robert Mulliuns Wyatt Peteers $1,500.00 MCATA
Honoring Our Fallen
Students from Deer Creek School
Note from Deer Creek School on Facebook December 16, 2024:
“Students traveled to Itta Bena yesterday to lay wreaths at the Yanky 72 Memorial site. This has become an annual tradition for Deer Creek School. We would like to wish the families and friends of these Marines, as well as all military, a Merry Christmas! “
History: Deer Creek School was established in 1965 in the old Arcola, MS Public School. Some local businessmen bought the school after it consolidated with Hollandale in 1958. In 1965, the school was opened with eight students and one teacher, Mrs. Bernice Lowe. In 1966, grades one through eight were added and the building project began. In 1970, the auditorium was partitioned off and Senior High classes were held. In the summer of 1971, the Junior and Senior High buildings were built. Deer Creek School’s first graduation was held in May of 1971. The tradition of the Junior class Magnolia Chain was started then and is still carried on today. In October of 2015, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary.
For more information about Deer Creek School go to: https:// deercreekschool.org/
Wreath Laid at VMGR Memorial
Alan and Carrie Stinar laid a wreath at the VMGR Memorial Monument at the National Museum of the Marine Corps to honor the 43 fallen whose names are etched on that stone.
The monument is the final result of over two years of hard work and dedication by MCATA and many donors and supporters who made it possible.
The monument was dedicated in June and we had over 500 individuals in attendance including about 300 family members of our fallen brothers and sisters. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the tremendous sacrifice and loss felt by each of these families and by the VMGR community at large.
We hope that this monument and that ceremony provided some healing and closure to those who still grieve. In honor of them MCATA decided to expand our MCATA Memorial Scholarship and add an additional scholarship program specifically for VMGR Gold Star Family descendants.
For more information on the VMGR Monument and the VMGR Gold Star Family Scholarships go to our website at www.mcata.com.
From the Desk of the IT Director
MCATA Mobile App
We often get asked about a printed MCATA directory. We used to publish those, but the cost of printing and mailing is prohibitive and there are privacy issues in having people’s contact information out where some unauthorized person might get hold of it.
But, if you are a member in good standing (annual dues paid) and you have a mobile/cell phone with smart capabilities (and almost every human seems to) you have a directory right in your pocket. You also have a complete MCATA app that has many more capabilities With the app you can:
• Renew your membership or cancel a pending renewal
• View a member directory
• View another member's profile
• Email your fellow members
• View an event calendar and event details
• View details of upcoming events
• Add events to your calendar app
• Register for an event and pay the registration fee
• Join a waitlist for an event that has reached its registration limit
• Add guests when registering for an event
• View your existing event tickets
• Pay an outstanding event registration fee
• View and update your member profile
• View your membership card
There is a MCATA mobile app for both Android and iPhone systems. The app for Android can be downloaded from the Google Playstore and for the iPhone from the Apple App Store. The app is called Wild Apricot for Members. There is one for admins as well, but don’t download that one. In the store the app you want will look like the image at the top of this page. (Note: WildApricot is the name of the company that we subscribe to for our member management database and website.)
(The iOS version of MCATA’s member app was designed for the iPhone but is compatible with the iPad and iPod touch, and requires iOS version 15.0 or later.)
Once you download your app to your phone, move it to one of your home pages for ease of locating and using it. Upon opening it you will be asked a few questions that will get you logged in.
Logging in
When you first open the member app, you'll be asked whether you wish to receive notifications, like renewal reminders, from the app. Next, you'll be asked to log in using the same email address and password you use to access your MCATA website.
Member Directory Screen
Once you get your mobile app downloaded and installed go to our MCATA website www.mcata.com for further instructions on how to use it.
Semper Fi, Rich
AROUND THE FLEET VMGR-152
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Joshua Mallow, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 6, 2024. VMGR-152 hosted the change of command ceremony to formally recognize the total transfer of authority from Lt. Col. Jay Palmer to Lt. Col. Joshua Mallow, commanding officer of VMGR-152. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Shannon Doherty)
Remarks by LtCol. Jay Palmer
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Egbon, an aircraft communications and navigation systems technician with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, is promoted to the rank of corporal by Sgt. Christopher Levering, an aircraft communications and navigation systems technician with VMGR-152, and promoting officer Capt. Dillon Neir, a KC-130J pilot with VMGR-152, on a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Exercise Evergreen 2024 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Aug. 21, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Colin Thibault)
From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Gaulitz and Master Sgt. Emmanuel Alegria, both flight engineers with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, and Sgt. Jeremy Dastrup, a loadmaster with VMGR-152, rig an extraction shoot onto a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Exercise Evergreen 2023 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez)
Change of Command Pass in Review.
VMGR-152 Change of Command
Promotion of Cpl. David Egbon USMC
AROUND THE FLEET VMGR-153
U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Aug. 9, 2024. Lt. Col. Andrew D. Myers relinquished his duties as commanding officer of VMGR153 to Lt. Col. Paul C. Cordes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anabelle Reed-O’Brien)
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew D. Myers, right, off-going commanding officer, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft receives awards during the change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, Hawaii, Aug 9, 2024 Lt Col. Andrew D. Myers relinquished his duties as commanding officer of VMGR-153 to Lt. Col. Paul C. Cordes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anabelle Reed-O’Brien)
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul C. Cordes, incoming commanding officer, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 153, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft provides his remarks during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Aug. 9, 2024. Lt. Col. Andrew D. Myers relinquished his duties as commanding officer of VMGR153 to Lt. Col. Paul C. Cordes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anabelle Reed-O’Brien)
AROUND THE FLEET VMGR-252
U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. David Law, a native of Indiana and a flight engineer with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 embraces his family at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 10, 2024. A detachment of U.S. Marines from VMGR-252 returned from a 9-month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Ornelas-Baeza)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Isaac Johnson, a native of Indiana and a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, poses for a picture with his family at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 10, 2024. A detachment of U.S. Marines from VMGR-252 returned from a 9-month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Ornelas-Baeza)
Families of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 wait for their loved ones to arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 10, 2024. A detachment of U.S. Marines from VMGR-252 returned from a 9-month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Ornelas-Baeza)
U.S. Marines display a banner while awaiting the arrival of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 10, 2024. VMGR-252 returned from a 9-month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Ornelas-Baeza)
AROUND THE FLEET VMGR-352
U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Christian Villalobos, a KC-130J Super Hercules flight engineer with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts maintenance procedures in a KC-130J at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 4, 2024. VMGR-352 stopped at MCAS Kaneohe Bay while flying from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to deliver essential personnel, supplies and equipment to 3rd MAW squadrons deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Swyers)
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Steve Mendez, a KC-130J Super Hercules loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts preflight checks in a KC130J at Changi Airport, Singapore, Sept. 9, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Swyers)
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Mark Bock, right, the commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, instructs Lance Cpl. Roberto VillalbaOrozsco, a logistics specialist with VMGR-352, on pre-flight checks on the exterior of a KC130J Super Hercules at Al Udeid Air Force Base, Qatar, Sept. 14, 2024. VMGR-352 stopped at Al Udeid Air Force Base during a flight beginning at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, California, and circling the globe. The flight served to deliver essential personnel, supplies and equipment to deployed 3rd MAW squadrons, and demonstrated the KC-130J’s extended range and the Marine Corps’ global reach, operational flexibility, and mission readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Swyers)
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Linville, a KC-130J Super Hercules loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, cleans a KC-130J with other service members at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emeline Swyers)
AROUND THE FLEET VMGR-
U.S. Marine Corps service members assigned to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234 pose for a photo during Red Flag-Alaska 24-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 25, 2024.
Two AV-8B Harrier II’s assigned to the Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 fly in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during Red Flag-Alaska 24-1, Alaska, April 25, 2024. The JPARC airspace covers more than 77,000
VMGR 234 Rangers join forces with Santa this year! With Rudolph’s red nose lighting the way, their C-130 is all set to make those magical deliveries around the globe.
AROUND THE FLEET VMR-1
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ethan Jolly, a C-130 loadmaster with Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1), narrates during the 73rd Birthday Celebration of VMR-1 on Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 04, 2024. The celebration was held to recognize the impact VMR-1 has had on the Fleet Marine Corps, Marine Corps Installation Command and the Marine Corps over the past 73 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kree Laing)
A birthday cake for Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR1), is displayed during the 73rd Birthday Celebration of VMR-1 on Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 04, 2024. The celebration was held to recognize the impact VMR-1 has had on the Fleet Marine Corps, Marine Corps Installation Command and the Marine Corps over the past 73 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kree Laing)
VMR-1 welcomes the first Marine Corps C-40A aircraft during a ceremony held on May 19, 2023 at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. (Courtesy Photo/Carl Richards Released)
News and Other Stuff
Marines Begin Relocation from Okinawa to Guam
Tokyo, Japan – The United States has initiated the long-awaited relocation of thousands of Marines from Okinawa to Guam. This move, which began on December 14, 2024, follows decades of negotiations and growing local grievances over the heavy American military presence on the Japanese island.
Approximately 100 logistics support Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force stationed on Okinawa have been transferred to Camp Blaz in Guam to start the initial logistical work. This marks the first phase of relocating 9,000 Marines out of Okinawa, with around 4,000 of them moving to Guam in phases.
The relocation plan, agreed upon by Tokyo and Washington in 2012, aims to reduce the burden of American troops on Okinawa, where they have faced criticism for noise, pollution, and other issues. Japan has contributed $2.8 billion for infrastructure upgrades at the new base, while the U.S. government will cover the remaining costs.
The Marines and Japan Self-Defense Forces will conduct joint training in Guam, ensuring continued cooperation and readiness in the region. This move is expected to be welcomed by Okinawan residents, although the overall impact remains to be seen due to ongoing military activities on the island.
The relocation underscores the strategic importance of Guam as a hub for U.S. forces in the Pacific, enhancing the defense capabilities and operational flexibility of American troops in the region.
(Story generated by Microsoft CoPilot AI. Credits to ABCNews.go.com, The Straits Times, APNews.com.)
Note from the Editor: As we in the VMGR community are aware, this effort has long been in the works and delayed time after time. One of the first phases of this was moving VMGR-153 from Futenma to Iwakuni a few years ago. Another interesting development in the area is the current reconstruction of the World War Two airfields on Tinian where the B-29’s operated. This is clearly a recognition of the threat China now poses in the Indo-Pacific region and our need to have, more and more widely dispersed bases. We will follow the progress in our future communications.
U.S. Air Force Rebuilds Historic Tinian Airfields
Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands – The U.S. Air Force has embarked on a significant project to restore the historic airfields on Tinian Island, a strategic location in the Pacific Ocean. This initiative is part of the Pentagon's Pacific Deterrence Initiative, aimed at enhancing the U.S. military's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Tinian Island, known for its pivotal role during World War II, is being revitalized under the Air Force's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept. This approach involves dispersing units and capabilities into smaller, more flexible groups to enhance resilience and operational effectiveness
Tinian North Airfield WW 2
The restoration project focuses on North Field, which once hosted the world's largest air base and played a crucial role in launching bomber attacks on Japan. The $409 million contract awarded to Fluor, an engineering and construction firm, will see the rejuvenation of over 20 million square feet of degraded pavement. The goal is to transform North Field into a "power projection platform" capable of supporting refueling, takeoff, landing, and parking operations.
This project underscores the strategic importance of Tinian in contemporary defense planning, particularly in light of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. By restoring these airfields, the U.S. aims to bolster its deterrence capabilities and ensure readiness for potential future conflicts. In 2012 a Marine Corps KC-130 (naturally) was the first aircraft to land on Tinian North since WW 2.
ITEMS OF INTEREST-Old Corps
VMR-252 Navigation Shop-WW2
Copied from Naval Navigation Doctrine Handbook
Russ Tucker shared this on Facebook and we wanted to share it with all of you. Some of you may have a similar piece of memorabilia stashed around your house. We all have a lot of these kinds of things somewhere.
Russ says he doesn’t recall being a “second” navigator” and progressing to “first navigator”. He says he seemed to just be expected to go do the job right out of Nav School. He was sent to Vietnam and spent a year there as we understand. Russ and Maryanne are regulars at our reunions, so if you want the “real” sea story you can come and ask him yourself. What kind of memorabilia do you have lying around or hidden away?
Semper Fi!
In Memoriam
(Nophotoavailable)
Bruce A. Major OBITUARY
MAJOR, BRUCE A., 80. Bruce is survived by his wife, Jane P. Major, his children, Jennifer McCreadie (Matthew), Michael (Beth Major), 4 grandsons, 3 brothers and a sister. Bruce was a 19 year resident of Newport Beach and in Orange County for the past 46 years.
He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 22 years of active duty as an aviator, flying 3 different types of aircraft and commanding 2 squadrons. Next was a 20 year career with the Boeing Company.
Funeral mass will be October 4 at 11am at St John Vianney Chapel on Balboa Island. Reception following.
David “Dave” Dedrick
David “Dave” Dedrick took his final flight on 22 July, 2024. Dave was a proud Marine Corp Navigator and retired Master Sergeant. He is survived by his wife Cheri and family. We have no official obituary at this time.
Ralf Roraff-Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ralph Roraff (Las Vegas, Nevada), who passed away on June 17, 2024, at the age of 74, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Ralph Roraff to pay them a last tribute.
As Ralph departs from our midst, his spirit ascends to join the cosmic dance of stars, a shimmering constellation of memories that will forever grace the night sky of the hearts of those who loved Ralph. Though Ralph may no longer walk beside us, his legacy lives on a testament to the enduring power of love to transcend the boundaries of time and space.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Ralph Roraff and Anna Roraff. He is survived by: his sons, David Roraff and Jonathan Roraff. There will be a family internment at MCAS Miramar on a later date.
In talking to Marines in the various squadrons and around our Transport community we find a surprising myth. Some think that MCATA is only for pilots, aircrew, non-active duty and maybe just retirees. Some suggest that’s because our logo has a set of aircrew wings on it. Some active duty presumed it was only for those off active duty or retired. Let us dispel that myth now!
If you were, or are, in any role in the Marine Corps, regardless of rank or MOS, that remotely supported or currently supports the KC-130 or any other fixed wing transport aircraft you are eligible. The organization is not just for aircrew and pilots. Membership for active duty and active and drilling reserves is FREE.
….
Please make your check or money order payable to the Marine Corps Air Transport Association and mail with this form to: M.C.A.T.A. • C/O John Klossner, 4 Loch Lane, Walden, NY 12586
Or go to www.mcata.com/join-us to join and pay by credit card.
$50 for regular or associate membership all ages. $35 goes toward Scholarship Funds. (Associate members are those who are not eligible under regular rules but support our causes. Associate members may not vote.)
FREE for Active Duty, Drilling Reserves and Widowed Spouses but you must sign up.
Please check the appropriate boxes:
❏ Enclosed my check for $_______. Please enroll me as a NEW member.
❏ Enclosed my check for $________. Please RENEW my membership.
❏ I owe no dues and certify that I am or have been on active duty or am or have been an actively drilling reservist during the current calendar year for which I am applying.
❏ Donation to Memorial Scholarship Fund $____________. In memory of:___________________________________________.
❏ Donation to General Fund $_______.
Name
Address:
Street _____________________________________________________ PO Box or Apt #______________________________________________
City _______________________ State _________ Zip +4___________
