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Sumos squadron receives Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award
7 Nov 2014

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) received the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award here Nov. 7.

The award, which was presented by Marine Air Group 12 (MAG-12) commander officer, Col. Hunter H. Hobson, to VMGR-152 commanding officer, Lt. Col. Matthew W. Stover, distinguishes the squadron for having an outstanding safety record throughout calendar year 2013. The CNO Aviation Safety Award is the highest award available within U.S. Naval Aviation.

Lt. Col. Stover said of the award, “It is the pinnacle of safety awards. It is recognition throughout Naval Aviation that we are indeed one of the safest squadrons in the Navy and Marine Corps. It is a continuous process we strive for. Our record spans well over 30 years now and we are approaching 308,000 mishap free flight hours. As professional aviators and Marines, we continue to strive to do things not only safely, but efficiently and professionally; that is the hallmark of being a Marine, and I think this award reflects that.” 

Over the course of 2013, the squadron, nicknamed “Sumos,” participated in multiple exercises and operations across the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility. They continued to ensure operational support to Marine Corps Forces Pacific and III Marine Expeditionary Force in their conduct of exercises, to include Balikatan, Lava Viper, PHIBLEX, Talisman Saber, RIMPAC, Ryukyu Warrior and Cobra Gold.

During 2013, the squadron transferred 3,817,718 pounds of fuel, transported 15,736,391 pounds of cargo and 32,040 passengers, and flew some 7,700 mishap-free flight hours. This enhances a well-established trend of safety and efficiency, as VMGR-152 has accumulated more than 300,000 mishap-free flight hours spanning the last three-plus decades and counting.


Public Affairs Office

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Misumi-cho, Iwakuni City Yamaguchi Pref., Japan PSC 561 BOX 1868