MCAS BEAUFORT -- Marines of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, also known as “Hawks,” were awarded the II Marine Expeditionary Force Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller Award aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Jan. 25.
The award was presented by II MEF commanding general, Maj. Gen. Raymond Fox.
“[The Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller Award] is earned by a II MEF unit, which displays uncanny force preservation and superior performance both on and off duty,” said Fox. “[The performance] is a reflection of outstanding leadership.”
As cited in the award, VMFA(AW)-533 is awarded for professional achievement and sustained superior performance and training of Marines and sailors, while participating in exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper 2-12 and Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-12.
This award comes as the Hawks prepare for their deployment to the Western Pacific as part of their rotation in the unit deployment program.
The Hawks’ commanding officer, Lt. Col. Branden Bailey, concluded by telling his Marines, “Take pride in having the II MEF commanding general come say you are doing a great job as a squadron. We are the only squadron with this award and it is well deserved."