Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Michael Quintos launches an AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft during the fly off of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), from the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). VMA-211 departed Essex for the last time to be replaced by Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 513 when the ship departs for fall patrol later this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released) By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio, USS Essex Public Affairs
USS ESSEX, Philippine Sea (NNS) -- Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211) flew from the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) for the last time Aug. 10.
Essex Sailors launched seven AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft assigned to VMA-211, based out of Marines Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. The fly off marks the unit's final deployment on the "Iron Gator", as Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) will take its place when Essex deploys for fall patrol later this year.
"I've been with VMA-211 for three years and 11 months, and this was my first Essex deployment," said Capt. Mark Noble, of Sioux Falls, N.D. "It's been a good deployment, actually. We did quite a bit of flying, like most VMAs do when they come aboard Essex. We have been pretty lucky with the maintenance in many of the jets, and we've also worked hard to do a lot of training with our younger guys."
VMA-211's mission is to provide offensive air support, conduct reconnaissance and provide limited air defenses for Marine expeditionary forces. It's a mission the squadron has embraced during its time on Essex, setting the standard in numerous multinational training exercises throughout the Asia Pacific region.
"We participated in Cobra Gold in Thailand, Balikatan in the Philippines and Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09) in Australia," said Noble. "TS09 was the largest exercise of the three," said Noble.
Essex Sailors and Marines completed TS09 July 25. The three-week, bilateral exercise was designed to improve interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces. It also served as a memorable experience for many VMA-211 personnel.
"The most memorable part of this exercise would be a close-air support exercise on an island in Australia," said Capt. Mike McKenney, of Yuma, Ariz. "We did not drop many bombs or fire ordnance in Balikatan or Cobra Gold but were able to during Talisman Saber. It was a first for many of us. It was just part of a terrific experience working with the Navy and the Australians."
Marine Attack Squadron 211 began its illustrious history as VF Squadron 4M in January 1937. The squadron adopted the plunging lion as its insignia a few months later. The swift and destructive rush of the king of the East is said to represent the attacking spirit of a fighting squadron.
The squadron falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13) and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW)
Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
An AV-8B Harrier jump-jet lifts off the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during the fly off of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for Task Force 76. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)