Avengers played it safe in 2004, were rewarded

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Maj. Gen. Samuel T. Helland, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, presented Marine Attack Squadron 211 with the 2004 Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award Sept. 27 on the station parade field.

The award recognizes outstanding safety achievement during aircraft operations.
Helland presented the award to VMA-211 in an all-hands formation made up of all 3rd MAW Marines on station.

“This award recognizes superior leadership, a proactive all-hands commitment to the principles of operational risk management and superlative airmanship,” according to the citation. “They consistently demonstrated professionalism, superb skill and the highest level of operational readiness.”

It was amazing for the squadron to win the safety award considering almost half of the squadron was deployed to Japan and then Iraq the entire year, said Maj. Richard Weaver, VMA-211 executive officer.

The Avengers also deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit twice, once from December 2003 to July 2004, and then again from July 2004 to February 2005. The Avengers had nine pilots and six aircraft attached to the 31st MEU throughout the year.

“Typically when a squadron is gone all that time, it’s very hard to win the safety award,” said Weaver. “They spent some time on ship, in Japan and other locations without any mishaps.”

With the two deployments in one year and still winning the safety award, it shows  the good training and clear direction of the squadron, said Capt. Ben Beard, VMA-211 department of safety and standardizations.

“This award is a testament to the maintenance department and the leadership of the squadron,” said Beard. “The award encompasses all flight operations the squadron has done. The maintenance excellence and the aircrew proficiency demonstrate the effectiveness of the squadron while maintaining a near flawless safety record.”

The Avengers also credited their success with the ability to communicate within the squadron.

“Here at the squadron, we know how to communicate,” said Gunnery Sgt. Max Flores, VMA-211 quality assurance. “We make a big deal out of little things. That way, Marines are able to recognize future problems, whether big or small. The squadron is also proactive instead of reactive. The primary focus is safety.”

We try to maintain a safe environment, not only for the pilots, but also for the rest of the squadron Marines, added Flores.  

“The Marines here do their job and do it right,” said Weaver. “It goes without saying, but we prefer pulling an aircraft that is unsafe rather then risking the lives of Marines. That’s what we live by – safety.” 

The award is for the unit, but it takes everyone in the unit to get the award, he said. It took every Marine, from the privates up, to receive the award.

“The Marines in VMA-211 do things right. It may take longer than it should, but it’s done right,” said Sgt. Maj. Kelly M. Bemis, VMA-211 sergeant major and native of Alma, Mich. “Even though we won the safety award this year, we will continue to strive and be safe and carry on with safety as our primary focus.”

This marks the third time the Avengers have received this prestigious award in the past ten years.