MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 Red Lions arrived here April 9 for a six-month tour under the Unit Deployment Program.
The unit hails from Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and comes equipped with eight CH-53D Sea Stallion aircraft and approximately 180 personnel.
The Red Lions' primary mission while stationed here will be to support real-world operations throughout the Western Pacific Region, according to Lt. Col. Mark Erb, HMH-363 commanding officer.
"Our main job is to provide assault support for the Third Marine Expeditionary Force if they should need us," said Erb, "and to take advantage of any training available to us while we're in the Pacific Theater."
The Red Lions are replacing HMH-463 Pegasus and hope to continue with the success UDP squadron's have had here in the past.
"We're going to be participating in various operations throughout the Pacific Region," said Erb. "Our Marines are very motivated to be here."
Many of the squadron's Marines are not only on their first deployment, but their first visit to another country as well, according to Cpl. Wayne Willis, HMH-363 aviation mechanic.
"This is my first time overseas," said the Petersburg, W.Va., native. "I'm really looking forward to learning more about the new cultures this deployment will bring us across."
Also on his first overseas assignment is Sgt. Corey Colbert, HMH-363 avionics technician, who believes that the deployment will help bring the already tight-knit squadron even closer together as a team.
"Being away from our home station and everything we're used to will really pull us together as a team," said Colbert. "Along with all the great opportunities to learn about a different culture, I think this will help unit cohesion and build morale."
The Red Lions have the full intent to make the best out of their opportunity to work in the region, according to Erb.
?I want to encourage our Marines to get out and interact with as many people as they can,? said Erb. ?They?re getting the chance to get out and to see the world. This is what they joined for.?