MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Japan -- Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., the III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, presented the Marine Corps Achievement in Safety Award to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (REIN) on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Nov. 16.
For its achievements in safety, the squadron, part of 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, was awarded a citation signed by the commandant of the Marine Corps and a commemorative wall plaque.
The award is presented annually to a Marine Corps command that establishes the most outstanding safety program, according to Marine Corps Order 5100.32.
“This is a very prestigious award; it was a total team effort. You earned this award operating in expeditionary environments, and you should all be very proud of receiving it,” Glueck said. “The commandant himself signed this award, so you should know that your efforts are being recognized at the highest levels.”
The intent of the award is to provide recognition of commands and personnel for significant contributions and accomplishments made in the field of safety and mishap prevention, a key component of Marine aviation.
“You know when it comes to Marines doing their jobs, it’s the ‘silent professionals’ and the ones that go above and beyond that make things happen when it comes to mission accomplishment,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Domingo Torres, the maintenance chief for the squadron. “I can say I am proud of each and every Marine from the private to the senior ranking Marine. The Marine Corps Achievement in Safety Award is another notch in our belt … that makes this squadron what it is.”
According to Torres, it is each and every Marine from every section who made receiving the award possible.
“It doesn’t matter (which) department you work in. Every Marine here is an important piece to the puzzle,” Torres said. “Without each other, this squadron couldn’t survive. Because of the long hours we as Marines put in to make this squadron what it is, we should be proud of such a superb award.
“I am extremely proud of each and every one of you,” Torres said. “Keep up the outstanding work, dedication and devotion to duty not only as a Marine but as an HMM-265 ‘dragon.’”