USMC Aviators Launch a Close Air Support Mission - Iraq

This is a video of a launch of a US Marine Corps close air support mission from Al Asad Air Base, in Iraq's Al Anbar Province. The squadron is HMLA-269, the "Gunrunners." They were part of the 2nd Marine Air Wing (Forward), deployed in Iraq. The video was shot by still photographer Ed Darack, who was embedded for a comprehensive overview of the 2nd Marine Air Wing for Smithsonian Air and Space Magazine.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• US
• Marine
• Corps
• Ed
• Darack
• Cobra
• UH-1
• Huey
• Skid
• Supercobra
• Iraq
• Anbar
• Province
• Al
• Asad

[Matt218]

I'm Army, but our job couldn't be done without you guys and vice versa. Stay safe.

[pcsbyte]

USMC

[Motocrosser14]

bAHAHAH Someone drew the short straw and got the side that didn't have the Gatling gun. Hahha!!!

[CookingwithVictoria]

@4236943 Why skip TBS?

[4236943]

If they let me skip The Basic School and go straight to flight school I'd join the Marines in a heart beat

[ibwpyro13]

USMC OORAHHH!!!!

[michaelprodigy]

i'd LOVE to man that gatling gun.

[DaveMonty011]

yeah same :L

[vwguyaz87]

Its 10 weeks OCS, 6 months TBS, and 16 months flight school with some time in between. I am contracted for air and am trying to get to OCS this summer.

[michaelkkchau]

I thought al asad was from cod 4

[8RSA8]

ok..thanks