MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- There are many fighter squadrons in the Marine Corps. However, one squadron has set itself apart from the rest.

Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 was awarded the Robert M. Hanson Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year Oct. 15, 2005, during a Marine Corps Aviation Association ceremony in Reno, Nev., for exceeding all challenges and overcoming all obstacles, displaying exemplary performance from May 1, 2004 to April 30, 2005.

“It is certainly an honor anytime the Marines of a squadron are recognized for all of their hard work, it is a testament to their devotion and work not only in combat, but how they work everyday,” said Lt. Col. Christopher J. Mahoney, commanding officer, VMFA(AW)-242, Marine
Aircaft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The award was estahblished in 1968 in memory of Capt. Robert M. Hanson, who was a fighter ace killed in World War II after shooting down 25 enemy aircraft. The award is presented to the best fighter attack squadron in the Marine Corps.

The award proves that Miramar’s VMFA(AW)-242 is a cut above the rest in the world of Marine Corps aviation.

Marine Aircraft Groups 11, 12 and 31 all submit nominations.

The squadron is chosen by assessing what they have done operationally, the number of meritorious promotions, outside work activities and PME.

“We were chosen from the entire gamut of what we do operationally, maintenance record and Marine development,” said Capt. Marc E. Blankenbicker, Weapons Systems Officer, VMFA(AW)-242.

During their last deployment to Iraq, the ‘Bats’ participated in Operation Phantom Fury and the November 2004 Fallujah offensive.

In three weeks of urban warfare, they dropped payloads around 15 times a day.

“We flew all of those missions without any mishaps,” said Blankenbicker, a 27-year-old Avon, Conn., native.

“Iraq was the first time since Vietnam that the squadron has been involved in combat operations,” said Staff Sgt. Rhonda Jackson, operations chief, VMFA(AW)-242.
While in Iraq, the main mission of the squadron was to support the infantry.

“Whatever the infantry needs, we are there to provide it. Whenever the infantry called for support we would bend over backwards to give it to them. We are land based and inherently closer to the infantry. We take that very seriously,” said Blankenbicker.

“We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to put our squadron’s talents to work in a combat environment,” said Blankenbicker. “Being based around the infantry allowed us the opportunity to excel and show off our strengths. We were the right squadron at the right place at the right time.

“We could not have accomplished what we have and continue to accomplish without the noncommissioned officers and junior Marines working as hard as they do for mission accomplishment,” said Blankenbicker. “In Iraq they worked 12-hour days for seven months to make sure we could always support the infantry.

“What keeps us driving is when a lance corporal is hunkered down behind a wall taking fire, and he needs help. We want to be the ones to give it to him. We are another weapon that the infantry can exploit,” said Blankenbicker.

The award was a major accomplishment for the unit and the ‘Bats’ remain focused on training hard to ensure success during the next deployment, said Blankenbicker.

VMFA(AW)-242’s continued focus is training their Marines to maintain level of proficiency not only for the pilots, but the rest of the aircrew as well, said Blankenbicker.