CLARK AIR BASE, Republic of Philippines -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 arrived Feb. 19 at Clark Air Base in the Republic of the Philippines with an armada of over 125 Marines and Sailors, including six CH-53D helicopters, to take part in Exercise Balikatan ’04.
The exercise is bilateral in nature with the armed forces of the Philippines training alongside units from the Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force.
The exercise will allow the Ugly Angels to showcase their many talents in a variety of stages as they will be participating in a mass casualty drill, troop movements, loading and off-loading equipment, as well as other cultural interaction projects.
“The overall objective of the exercise is to improve relations between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines through military engagement and bilateral training,” said Lt. Col. Raymond F. L’Heureux, HMH-362 commanding officer. “HMH-362 will deploy to Exercise Balikatan ‘04 ready to accomplish the tasks and missions at hand.”
The Ugly Angels, originally from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, arrived here from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, where they are presently a part of the Unit Deployment Program. They come to the Philippines with the readiness to succeed at any challenge presented to them, according to Cpl. Eduardo De Dios, HMH-362 aviation technician.
“HMH-362 is the hardest working helicopter squadron in the Corps,” boasted De Dios. “We always complete our missions.”
The Ugly Angels will only have a month to show what they can do, but their commanding officer is not worried about the lack of opportunities.
“We will take full advantage of the outstanding training scenarios Balikatan offers us. We can’t wait to get started,” said L’Heureux.
The Ugly Angels will be returning back to Iwakuni March 11, but not without first leaving their mark in the Philippines.
“We are going to do our best and hopefully have a little fun while we are at it,” said Staff Sgt. Herman R. Scudder, HMH-362 intelligence chief.