Lee makes

final flight

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Robert G. Lee, son of Toni L. and Charlie B. Lee of Warsaw, assigned to Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMH-362) homeported at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, is currently forward deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Lee along with fellow Marines conducted the final flight of CH-53D heavy lift helicopter. The squadron, known as the “Ugly Angels,” has used the D model since 1969. The D model was introduced during the Vietnam War and was designed to carry cargo, vehicles, artillery and troops operating in naval environments. The need for greater carrying capacity forced the development of the E model The E model, a faster and more powerful make, first entered service in the 1980’s and will replace the Vietnam-era aircraft.

Upon completion of their 4\super th\nosupersub deployment to Afghanistan the squadron will be deactivated after 60 years of service. In addition to seven years duty in Vietnam, the squadron has been deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm the first Gulf War) and twice to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lee is a 2010 graduate of James Kenan High School of Warsaw, and joined the Marine Corps in June 2010.