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<a href="http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette">www.mca-marines.org/gazette</a> 35 M a r i n e C o r p s G a z e t t e • M a y 2 0 0 9 As we move forward in planning events to commemorate, it is important to understand and communicate the role of the Marine Corps and its unique contribution to our Nation. We are a distinct organization comprised of warfighting elements that, when pulled together as the MAGTF, is more effi- cient and effective than its individual parts. Combined arms operations and expeditionary capabilities pioneered by our earliest Marine aviators and refined over the years have served to make the Marine Corps a lethal force that can strike from virtually anywhere in the world at any time. Marine aviation’s value to the indi- vidual Marine and the Marine Corps as a whole has centered on a number of long-established and essential hallmark qualities. These qualities have been seen during past campaign successes, are witnessed during today’s combat operations, and are key planning fac- tors for future aircraft and aviation ca- pabilities. These elements include: • Adaptability—embracing new thoughts, technology, and capabilities. • Agility—successfully performing in every climb and place. • Being of one mind—every Marine is a rifleman, the “bond of understand- ing.” The Centennial of Naval Aviation celebration will afford the Marine Corps opportunities to build upon and maintain public support for Marine aviation and the MAGTF as a whole. It is our responsibility to reflect on our heritage, honor the accomplishments of our past, and invite the public to cel- ebrate with us as we reach this historic milestone. In conjunction with the Navy’s centennial, the Marine Corps’ 2012 celebration will focus on the MAGTF and Marine aviation’s role in this critical component of our Nation’s expeditionary “Force in Readiness.” It will also focus on our shared history and tradition, the legacy of those who have gone before us. Marine aviation’s her- itage of innovation and transformation will also be highlighted as we move for- ward in accomplishing the Comman- dant’s Marine Aviation Plan. The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps will state his vision for the celebration through the Marine Corps Roadmap for Centennials of Naval Aviation and Marine Aviation. The Assistant Commandant’s guidance will be found on the Headquarters Ma- rine Corps Department of Aviation website. This website will act as a clear- inghouse for centennial information and events. You may also go to that link or look in this issue’s Special Notices sec- tion (p. 4) of the Gazette to learn about the logo contest that the Marine Corps Aviation Association is sponsoring. In just a few short years we will cel- ebrate 100 years of Marine aviation. Until then we have much to do and plan. It is within this context that we are seeking your input and effort to make this a meaningful commemora- tion. As we look to our future and con- centrate on the tasks at hand, we can never forget the legacy that we have been given by the giants of Marine avi- ation on whose shoulders we now stand. LtGen Leslie Brown, in his oral history interview, 23 October 1989, spoke of Marine aviation’s role at Chosin, and said, “There was nothing that would have kept them off those targets—nothing.” May we continue to strive for such noteworthy recogni- tion. 5th Marines embarking on a helicopter during the Korean War. Marines pioneered the use of the helo. (Photo by MSgt Roy E. Olund.) Corsair fighter-bomber during the Korean War. Marines wrote the book on close air support. (Photo courtesy of the Defense Department.)
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www.mca-marines.org/gazette