Harrier squadron flightline operations in Afghanistan

By Pfc. Sean Dennison | Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point | June 7, 2011

An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Attack Squadron 513 stands for maintenance in the squadron’s hangar at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, June 5. Squadron maintainers ranging from ordnance technicians to airframes mechanics work 12-hour shifts to ensure the jets fly safely to fulfill their close-air support missions.

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Marine Attack Squadron 513, deployed to Kandahar Airfield out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., provides close-air support for U.S. Marines and their Afghan and coalition partners in the NATO International Security Assistance Force's southwest regional command.

VMA-513, who arrived in Afghanistan in late May, employs the Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier to support ground troops operating in Afghanistan's Nimroz and Helmand provinces.