50,000 Mishap-Free Hours for Cherry Point (NC) Group

Marine Attack Squadron 223 was recently named the recipient of the Secretary of the Navy Safety Excellence Award. The squadron, which hosts 300 Marines, has created a record for AV-8B Harrier mishap-free flight hours with approximately 50,000 flight hours and no mishaps.

"We deployed six airplanes and nine pilots with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in addition to a deployment aboard the USS Bataan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Capt. Ryan B. Ward, the aviation safety officer for VMA-223.

"Given the operational commitments we have faced as a squadron, the fact that we have maintained a mishap-free record is a great attribution to our Marines and maintenance departments," said Ward.

The squadron's safety achievements are largely attributed to the Marines of VMA-223 and their dedication to operational risk management. "The Marines have been putting in the extra hours needed to preserve the squadron's assets," said Ward. "We placed our lives in their hands, and the Marines have performed remarkably."

Though the squadron has an operational mindset and must focus on mission accomplishment, Ward said safety is always part of the mission. "The squadron has an operational mindset in terms of operational risk management, safety and in doing things the right way," said Ward.

The award not only shows that the squadron has achieved a mishap-free record, but also shows that the Marines of VMA-223 work hard in every characteristic of squadron life. "The fact the award probably shows most is that the squadron has shown excellence in every facet of squadron life, from a maintenance and flying aspect," said Capt. Richard M. Rusnok, personnel officer and pilot with VMA-223. "This is not only on a duty basis, but also concerns off-duty times," he said.

Though VMA-223 has been nominated for the safety award, Rusnok said the squadron will continue to excel in terms of safety. "The Marines have done an outstanding job and have something to be proud of as a unit, but safety is not something to let your guard down about," said Rusnok.

Representatives from VMA-223 are scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., in the upcoming months to officially receive the award.

[Thanks to Cpl. Jessica L. Moss, USMC --ed.]

FMI: www.hqmc.usmc.mil