An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Silver Eagles deploy aboard USS Truman

15 Oct 2004 | Cpl. Kat Johnson Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

The Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 departed the station, Oct. 12 to participate in the Unit Deployment Program aboard the USS Harry S. Truman.

More than 200 Marines and Sailors will board the Truman for the six month UDP.

“These Marines are ready and motivated,” said Sgt. Maj. James Roberts, sergeant major, VMFA-115. “It’s hard to leave your family, but these Marines have been trained for this and they are ready to go.”

The squadron will attach to Carrier Air Wing 3 for the duration of their deployment.

“We never get use to them leaving,” said Karyn Houser, wife of Sgt. William Houser, technician, VMFA-115. “We just learn to accept it and always support them.”

While deployed, the Silver Eagles will be performing air-to-air missions throughout the Persian Gulf and  will be providing  F/A-18 Hornet support to the ship.

“We’ve got a lot of stuff to do when we go on a deployment,” said Lance Cpl. Chad Smith, powerline technician, VMFA-115. “I’m just ready to go out there, do it and come home.”

During the past eight months, the squadron has deployed eight times to various bases, including Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., to prepare for the deployment.

Last year, the unit deployed to the Persian Gulf to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“We’ve deployed several times in the past,” said Capt. Trent Kingery, pilot, VMFA-115. “We are ready. It’s our whole purpose as Marines to get the job done.”