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Photo Information

Staff Sgt. Brian Hughson, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 avionics work center supervisor, grills during the squadron’s family day held at the Air Station’s log cabin, Aug. 16.

Photo by Cpl. Rubin J. Tan

MALS-31 avionics division holds family day

23 Aug 2013 | Cpl. Rubin J. Tan Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, avionics division, ended last week by hosting a family day at the Air Station’s log cabin, Aug. 16.
The Marines rented inflatable games including volleyball and a dunk tank for families to enjoy.
Section leaders in the avionics section cooked and prepared the food during the family day. Refreshments were also provided.
“It’s a great way for Marines and families to become familiar with who is a part of the squadron,” said Sgt. Sonya Sayre, MALS-31 avionics technician and native of Kapoeli, Hawaii. “It also allows Marines who have children the opportunity to create bonds with other kids their age.”
Prize giveaways during the event gave families the chance to win various gift cards from the exchange, base bowling alleys and more.
MALS consists of many intermediate level maintenance work centers where Marines work on various aircraft components such as digital networks, information systems, head-up displays and other electrical and avionic type components.
When flying squadrons have a malfunctioning aircraft component, they send the part to MALS-31 who performs maintenance. The work saves the Marine Corps billions of dollars each year for their repairs as opposed to purchasing a new part that can cost up to millions.
Detachments from the squadron also participate in deployments with other units on the Air Station. MALS-31 currently has detachments deployed with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 and an augmented detachment with MALS-40 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Family members of deployed Marines were also invited to the event.
“Family days should happen quarterly, but with the operational tempo, events like these happen either semi-annually and in some cases annually,” said Gunnery Sgt. Dennis Ho, MALS-31 avionics chief.
The Fightertown log cabin can be reserved by units and individuals by contacting the DeTreville at 228-7223. The cost to rent the cabin is $100 in addition to a refundable deposit of $125.
“Coordinating a unit or section event is not limited to the Family Readiness Officer,” said Ho, a native of Las Vegas. “Anyone can schedule an event for their section and by doing so, it shows the families that we are approachable and we care.”
To learn more about unit family days or to coordinate an event, contact your squadron’s assigned FRO.