MALS-16 Recognized For Keeping Helos Flying

Aero-News learned recently Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, or MALS-16 -- based at California's Marine Corps Air Station Miramar -- recently received the 2006 Secretary of Defense Field-Level Maintenance Award.

"The unit's success during the awarding period enabled supporting units to fly more than 6,500 peacetime-flight hours as well as 63,900 combat-flight hours," said Major General Samuel T. Helland, the former 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, in his nomination letter for the MALS-16 which falls under Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd MAW.

The Department of Defense-wide award recognizes outstanding achievements and encourages excellence among units performing maintenance on military aviation assets and related equipment and weapons systems.

In fiscal year 2006, the squadron provided logistical support to 21 squadrons from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps while sustaining an 80.3 percent mission-capable rate.

Those 21 squadrons included four Navy Carrier Air Wing Detachments and two Marine Expeditionary Units.

According to Lt. Col. Robert M. Ehnow, the squadron's commanding officer, MALS-16 conducted a historical merger with sister squadron, MALS-11, while simultaneously deploying more than 1,500 Marines and sailors, during the award period.

While forward, the squadron integrated personnel from eight different MALS into one cohesive force with the motto, "one team, one fight."

Other achievements of the squadron, both aboard the air station and in Iraq, include providing support to 11 variant aircraft types and models as well as the 247 aircraft attached to MAG-16.

The squadron added the CH-53D Sea Stallion and UH-60 Blackhawk rotary-wing aircraft to its maintenance repertoire in 2006 and achieved mission-capability ratings above 90 percent with these aircraft.

According to the nomination package, the quality assurance division earned a 92 percent "on track" grade from the commander of Naval Air Forces Aviation Maintenance Inspection.

The inspection team noted MALS-16's maintenance department as the most involved and efficient quality assurance department they had ever seen.

"We're ecstatic to win the award," said Major Craig Raleigh, the squadron's operations officer.

"The Marines here take so much pride in everything they do, and you can tell by walking around the squadron. Even after two year-long deployments and a high operational tempo, you can tell how excited the Marines are to be a part of MALS-16 and win the award," said Raleigh.

The logistics squadron previously won the award in 1988 and 1991.

(Aero-News salutes Lance Cpl. Jessica N. Aranda, MCAS Miramar)

FMI: www.marines.mil