The flexibility of the V/STOL aircraft in support of the evolving front line is a key theme of the interview this week with General Walsh. Displayed are several photos of recent VMA-231 operations in Afghanistan showing the Harrier operating off of an expeditionary airfield.
[slidepress gallery=’harrier-april-12-homepage’]
Credit: Marine Aircraft Group 40, Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, February 2nd, 2010
- The first two photos show Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, refueling an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, at the new fuel pits, February 10th, 2010.
- The third photo shows an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, lifting off after refueling the evening of Feb. 10. Aside from refueling, the squadron can also rearm aircraft here instead of flying back to Kandahar Airfield or Camp Bastion.
- The fourth photo show an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, approaching the landing strip February 10th. The recently-improved airfield allows the squadron to land, refuel and rearm aircraft quickly to get them back into the fight.
- The fifth photo shows Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, conducting final inspections on an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, after refueling the aircraft February 10th.
- The sixth photo shows an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, taxiing to the fuel pits after successfully landing at the recently-improved runway, February 10th.
- The seventh and eighth photos show an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, making an evening landing at the flightline, February 10th. The squadron tested the capability to land, refuel and rearm at Camp Dwyer, which will increase the unit’s options for future operations.
- The ninth photo shows Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, refueling an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, at the new fuel pits, February 10th.
- The final photo shows an AV-8/B Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, taxiing to the fuel pits after successfully landing at the recently-improved runway, February 10th. Aside from refueling, the squadron can also rearm aircraft here instead of flying back to Kandahar Airfield or Camp Bastion.
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***Posted April 13th, 2010