MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Corps Aviation Association is a non-profit organization that recognizes the best aviators in the Marine Corps.
Each year the MCAA publishes its recipients for all 29 awards, which helps boost comradery and its fraternal membership.
This year Marine Aircraft Group 12, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, had three squadrons and two individuals win these historical awards of excellence.
Of the three squadrons, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 won the Donald E. Davis Award, or Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron of the Year, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 won the Robert M. Hanson Award, or Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron of the Year, and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 won the Commandant’s Aviation Trophy.
Of the two individuals awarded, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Philip Schmitz, the assistant operations officer with VMFA-242, won the Robert Guy Robinson Award, or Marine Naval Flight Officer of the Year, and Master Sgt. Jeffery Swindell, an aviation supply specialist with MALS-12, won the Kenneth W. Southcomb Award, or Aviation Supply Marine Aircrew of the Year.
MALS-12 won the Donald E. Davis Award due to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft being deployed overseas to MCAS Iwakuni for the first time, playing a pivotal role in helping Carrier Air Group 5 move from Atsugi, Japan, to the air station, and by helping CAG-5’s aircraft intermediate level maintenance department.
“I’ve been in the squadron for five years, and when I arrived here in 2013, the squadron also won the 2012 award in 2013. So in six years MALS-12 has won the award three times,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Fallon, the commanding officer of MALS-12. “At the end of my tour as the C.O., this is a significant achievement for the squadron as a whole, and I couldn’t be more proud of the Marines and all of their hard work.”
Swindell won his award first and foremost for his previous experience working at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, or SPAWAR, in San Diego, as he’s been invaluable in helping the squadron solve and prevent trouble tickets on a local level. His exceptional leadership and attitude towards his Marines and with this being his second tour with MALS-12 contributed greatly as well.
“His leadership is his most significant contribution to the supply department,” said Fallon. “He has been in this command before. He is devoted to this command, but more than that, he is devoted to his Marines.”
VMGR-152 won the Commandant’s Aviation Trophy by setting the standard for operational readiness and participating in every major III Marine Expeditionary Force exercise throughout the Pacific Command area. With over 84 percent operational readiness and being deployed 49 weeks out of the year, the squadron also flew approximately 5,800 mishap-free flight hours across approximately 1,800 sorties, or an operational flight by one aircraft.
“It is an honor to be recognized for our hard work and dedication to mission,” said U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Eric Brown, a KC-130J Super Hercules copilot with VMGR-152. “I feel lucky to be part of the squadron that earned the Commandant’s Aviation Trophy. This is my first fleet squadron, and the productivity, efficiency and dedication is inspiring. Receiving the award provides further validation for the pride and integrity of VMGR-152.”
VMFA(AW) 242 earned the Robert M. Hanson Award by being the most outstanding Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron. Schmitz earned his award for his excellent contribution to Marine aviation in combat, research and development, weapons employment and overall performance in Marine aviation.
When the squadrons and Marines were informed that they won, they were invited by the Joe Foss Squadron in Okinawa for a banquet dinner congratulating them for their excellence. Each squadron volunteered an individual to receive their award and everyone got to meet Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
The Joe Foss Squadron, named after Joseph J. Foss, is the only squadron out of 25 within the MCAA stationed overseas.
The Marines and squadrons to be awarded are scheduled to receive their awards from the MCAA May 15-18, 2018.
“With MAG-12 having three unit award winners, I think that just shows the dedication and the hard work that the MAG puts in,” said Fallon. “They are really good squadrons and very much deserve the awards they got, and I think it’s indicative of MAG-12.”
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