Ten short years after the Corps’ took to the skies, a need for highly trained Marines to build, handle and repair weapons systems and ordnance led the creation of the aviation ordnance community.
On April 25, 1922, IYAOYAS, as ordnance Marines are known, were born, creating a vital part of the Marine aviation legacy.
Every year, ordnance Marines, both past and present, gather to celebrate the birth of their tight-knit occupational specialty, said Maj. Michael Kuzniar, the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 ordnance officer.
Cpl. David Chang, a Marine Attack Squadron 513 ordnance technician and Los Angeles native, inserts a box of flares into one of the squadron’s AV-8B Harriers on the flightline at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2011.
This year, ordnance Marines from MALS-13, the station’s Marine Attack Squadrons and Marines visiting for the current Weapons and Tactics Instructor course gathered with local retirees to celebrate 90 years of building bombs and fixing guns.
“This helps build camaraderie within the division,†said Cpl. Benjamin Porter, MALS-13 ordnance technician. “We’re a very tight-knit group.â€
While the event had food, drinks and games for the attendees, it also gave them a chance to mingle across generations of the ordnance legacy.
“It’s a great chance to talk to retired ordnance Marines, show them the static displays of bombs and how things have changed over the years,†said Cpl. Tara Dickerson, MALS-13 ordnance technician. “Plus, we have fun, eat some good food and play games.â€
Cpl. Michael Garetz, a Marine Attack Squadron 513 ordnance technician and Comstock, Texas, native, inspects flares loaded aboard one of the squadron’s AV-8B Harriers on the flightline at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2011.
