returned to Iraq in January 2004 again providing air support for the 1st Marine Division during operations throughout Al Anbar Province. The squadron's initial lay down had the main DASC established at Camp Blue Diamond in Ramadi and an Air Support Element tasked to support 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in the vicinity of Al-Qa'im. Air Support Liaison Teams were also attached to Regimental Combat Teams 1 and 7. Later in 2004 the squadron sent a detachment of Marines to serve as liaisons onboard the E-8 Joint STARS flying in support of I MEF operations. In November 2004, the squadron formed an additional Air Support Liaison Team to co-locate with the 1st Marine Division at Camp Fallujah in order to provide additional support for the Second Battle of Fallujah. During the battle the squadron coordinated 875 CASEVACSs, 491 MEDEVACS, 1856 joint tactical air requests. The squadron was replaced by Marine Air Support Squadron 1 returning to MCB Camp Pendleton in February 2005. Operation Enduring Freedom In April 2010, MASS-3 deployed to Afghanistan for the first time in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They supported combat operations in support of I MEF for a year while based at Camp Leatherneck. Subordinate elements included an Air Support Element (ASE) at Camp Dwyer and an Air Support Liaison Team (ASLT) at Main Operating Base Lashkar Gah. Unit awards Since the beginning of World War II, the United States military has honored various units for extraordinary heroism or outstanding non-combat service. This information is compiled by the United States Marine Corps History Division and is certified by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. See also List of United States Marine Corps aviation support squadrons Organization of the United States Marine Corps References External links Photos of MASS-3 personnel in Vietnam MASS-3 information from Vietnam MASS-3’s DASC connects air, ground at Steel Knight Marine Corps Gazette article about MASSS-3's DASC Ops during Operation Phantom Fury in November 2004 United States Marine Corps air support squadrons Military units and formations in California United States Marine Corps aviation support squadrons Military units and formations established in 1950 1950 establishments in California