MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 proved itself again as one of the top U.S. Naval aviation squadrons of 2013 by flying more than 7,700 mishap-free hours.
Lt. Col. Matthew Stover, commanding officer of VMGR-152, accepted the squadron’s 15th Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award from Col. Hunter Hobson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 7, 2014.
The Chief of Naval Aviation Safety Award is the highest safety award bestowed upon select squadrons within U.S. Naval Aviation for having outstanding safety records throughout the year.
“It is the pinnacle of safety awards,” said Stover. “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.”
VMGR-152 flew more than 2,900 sorties during 2013, transferring 3,817,718 pounds of fuel, 15,736,391 pounds of cargo and 32,040 passengers. The squadron participated in multiple exercises throughout the Western Pacific area to include: Asan Fury, Balikatan, Cobra Gold, Forager Fury, Joonbi South, Kodiak Mace, Lava Viper, Midnight Sun, PHIBLEX, RIMPAC, Ryukyu Warrior, Southern Frontier, Terminal Fury, Talisman Saber and WTI-2-13.
“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,” said Stover.
This award further illustrates the vision Stover had upon VMGR-152’s arrival on station in July of 2014.
“The Sumos have a long and proud heritage,” said Stover. “One that includes a direct relationship with Iwakuni during our previous basing here in the 1950s and 60s. I can tell you that my Marines are looking forward to the transition and to interacting with, and coming to know, our new friends in the greater Iwakuni community. We have earned a strong reputation over the years as professional aviators and Marines. I am confident that we will further build upon that reputation in our collective interactions here.”