2 Marines killed in helicopter crash at Calif base

2 Marines killed in helicopter crash at Calif base
September 20, 2011
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.—An investigation was under way into the cause of a helicopter crash that killed two Marines during a training exercise at Southern California's Camp Pendleton.

The crash sparked a brush fire that burned 120 acres, a base statement said. It was 80 percent contained.

The twin-engine, two-seat AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed in the southeast corner of the base Monday near the community of Fallbrook.

The Marines died at the scene. Their names won't be released until their families have been notified, officials said.

The fire grew quickly after the crash, burning 50 acres within three hours after the helicopter went down. It initially was moving near the base's border with the town of De Luz, but was confined to the base late Monday, a base statement said.
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iPads now helping Marines communicate, mark targets in battle

iPads now helping Marines communicate, mark targets in battle
Published: September 17, 2011
Last year the Marine Corps’ 3rd Aircraft Wing purchased 32 iPads in an effort to increase efficiency and gain an advance in aerial warfare. Now, iPads are being used in Afghanistan and save about 15 minutes of communication time during close-air missions, according to an article by DefenseNews.

A Cobra pilot Capt. Jim Carlson with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-369 came up with the idea to use his personal tablet after becoming frustrated with the communication system, the article said.
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The Pirate Hunters Marines return to Camp Pendleton

Pirate-chasing Marines return to Camp Pendleton
2:40 PM July 31, 2009


The official nickname of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 is "The Stingers."

But for the seven-month deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit that ended in a joyous homecoming Friday at Camp Pendleton, the squadron had a new name: "The Pirate Hunters."

Flying off the amphibious assault ship Boxer, the squadron's Hueys and Cobras chased pirates in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, and the waters off Somali. The presence of the loud and heavily armed helos gave warning to the pirates to leave the merchant ships alone.


Capt. John Geisler told his wife via e-mail to watch for the Jolly Roger flag in the cockpit window of his Cobra. And so when Tristan Geisler, 28, spotted the needle-nosed chopper as it landed and taxied into position, she let out a shout.
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