page_title: VMGR-152
section_title: Recent significant operations
hierarchical_section_title: VMGR-152 / History / Recent significant operations
caption_attribution_description: English: KC-130J conducting Aerial Refueling with AV-8B Harriers.
context_page_description: Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 provides aerial refueling service to support Fleet Marine Force air operations; and provides assault air transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies. The squadron, known as the "Sumos", flies the fixed-wing Lockheed Martin KC-130J aircraft. VMGR-152 is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Iwakuni, Japan and is part of Marine Aircraft Group 12 and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
context_section_description: In November and December 2004, VMGR-152 participated in Joint Task Force 535, the Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief mission in the Republic of the Philippines after several tropical storms and typhoons struck the island of Luzon. In the wake of the December 26, 2004 earthquake off the coast of Indonesia, and subsequent widespread tsunami in the Indian Ocean region, VMGR-152 deployed aircraft and personnel to Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia in support of Operation Unified Assistance.
  In September 2006, VMGR-152 was awarded the Henry Wildfang Aerial Refueler/Transport Squadron of the Year award from the Marine Corps Aviation Association, which recognizes its impact on the community, as well as how well the squadron performs its mission and the types of missions it is involved in. Community work cited include not only the humanitarian missions throughout the Pacific, but also the work in the Okinawan community.
  In May and June 2008 VMGR-152 operated relief flights in Myanmar to provide assistance in the wake of devastation left by Cyclone Nargis, a tropical storm that caused a reported 32,000 deaths. During this time the Sumos launched 312 sorties to total 481.8 hours and delivered 2,808,954 pounds (1,274,120 kg) of cargo.
  The squadron took delivery of its first  KC-130J Super Hercules on 4 June 2007 with the first operational flight of the new aircraft on 19 June. A second KC-130J was delivered in September that year.
  In June 2008 the squadron participated in Exercise Pitch Black, which is a biennial military exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and based on RAAF Base Tindal.  The aim of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air and Defensive Counter Air combat, in a simulated war environment and consists of a “red team” and a “blue team”.  As a member of the “red team”, the Sumos acted as the force multiplier of the exercise by providing Fixed Wing Aerial Refueling.
  In May 2009 the squadron sent two KC-130Js as a detachment with VMGR-352 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). It was the Sumos' first combat deployment since 1975 during the Vietnam War. A total of 40 VMGR-152 Marines deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan to provide additional support in the War on Terror. In November VMGR-152 sent a second detachment to OEF.
  In July 2010 a two-aircraft detachment departed for the country of Bangladesh carrying Marines from MWSS-171 and their equipment to support their mission in building schools for Bangladeshi children. VMGR-152's role in this mission resulted in carrying over 35,000 pounds (16,000 kg) of cargo and 42 passengers to the poverty stricken country. During October 2010, VMGR-152 flew relief operations in the Republic of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Megi. In December that year VMGR-152 completed its transition to the KC-130J.
  After the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on 11 March 2011, the squadron sent eight of its KC-130Js to Iwakuni for disaster relief and support for the Japanese Government and people in what became “Operation Tomodachi”. The first crews left with less than a 24-hour notice and were not given an expected return date. In the month of April the squadron continued support for Operation Tomodachi. A three-aircraft detachment shifted to Atsugi, and most crews were moved back home to the squadron and based out of Futenma for the remaining support.
  In July 2012 the final deployment of three crews, two aircraft and 40 maintenance Marines to Afghanistan returned after five weeks in theater because of operational draw downs. Their return marked the end of eight consecutive wartime deployments of VMGR-152 to OEF and the restoration of a 15-aircraft fleet now available for future operational commitments tasked to the Sumos throughout the Pacific Command. Since summer of 2012, VMGR-152 has been involved in exercises and operations throughout all of its Area of Responsibility and beyond to include Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Thailand, Nepal, and Mongolia.
  In July 2014, VMGR-152 completed a permanent change of station from MCAS Futenma back to 
caption: Sumos conducting Aerial Refueling with two AV-8B Harriers
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