MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with hundreds of Marines and sailors departing the air station Jan. 19, 2008.

 The main body of Marines and sailors departs for Iraq to replace 2nd MAW in support of OIF.

 The advance party left Jan. 7 to lead the way and make preparations for the year-long deployment of the wing.

 Some of the 3rd MAW components will deploy for six to seven months, while others will stay in Iraq for a year.

 More than 15 squadrons from the wing will rotate in and out of Iraq throughout the deployment.

 Their primary mission is to provide combat ready expeditionary aviation forces capable of short notice world-wide deployment to Marine Air Ground Task Force, fleet and unified commanders.

 “Our mission to provide well-trained, organized and equipped combat-ready forces remains our number one priority,” said Maj. Gen. Terry G. Robling, the commanding general of 3rd MAW.

 While deployed, the Marines will conduct multiple support missions to assist ground coalition forces throughout the country.

 “We’ve conducted numerous preparations for the deployment,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Ernie Chavez, the operations chief for 3rd MAW. “We are prepared to support 1st Marine Expeditionary Force with aviation support in the Al Anbar Providence.”

 For Pfc. Deambri Judice, an aviation operation specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, this will be her first deployment and she looks forward to the experience.

 Judice plans to deploy for the entire year and enhance her job proficiency.

 “I feel ready to endure this life-changing deployment,” said Judice. “The entire squadron is ready.”