Flight Training with Vengeance: Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469

Marines with Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, call sign "Vengeance," took part Tuesday in low-level terrain flight training at Camp Pendleton.

The squadron, which deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, consists of aviators, crew and mechanics who work with AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters.

"The goal is to support Marines on the ground," said Lance Cpl. Gage Martin, 20, of Burlington, Vermont, one of two crew chiefs aboard a UH-1Y Venom. "Hueys and Cobras are the best for the job."

Both aircraft can unleash significant ordnance on the enemy during attack and evac situations, said Cpl. Micah Machefsky, 24, of Fairhope, Alabama, who was in Afghanistan last year with HMLA-469.

The squadron's formal mission statement includes providing "offensive air support, utility support, armed escort and airborne supporting arms coordination during expeditionary, joint or combined operations."

1st Lt. Brandon Smith, 27, of Houston, Texas, was co-pilot for a training flight Tuesday with Machefsky and Martin. Capt. Brian Jordan, 29, of Corpus Christi, Texas, was lead pilot for the mission.

The UH-1Y Venom crew worked closely with a two-man Cobra crew that included Lt. Col. Dick Joyce, HMLA-469's commanding officer. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 39 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Camp Pendleton.

Marines with Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 also train at the Air Ground Combat Center outside Twentynine Palms. Their aircraft are seen and heard from time to time in the San Gorgonio Pass.