Local exercise to reunite Marine units Published Jan. 21, 2011 By Wayne Crenshaw 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Marine attack helicopter squadron which re-located to Robins last summer has elements in two other states, and soon all will be here for a week-long exercise. From Jan. 31 to Feb. 5 the three sections of Light Attack Squadron 773 will all be here to fly training missions and practice firing at Fort Benning in Columbus. The squadron is supported by Marine Aircraft Group 49, Detachment A, which is an active-duty unit located in a hangar in the 116th Air Control Wing area. Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, commander of the detachment, said the helicopter squadron has reserve elements in Belle Chasse, La., and Jonestown, Pa. They typically unite for training once per year in California, but scheduled this additional exercise. When the squadron deploys, however, it deploys as one so Johnson said holding a combined exercise is important. "It gives us a little more cohesion," he said. Approximately 300 active-duty and reservists Marines will be here for the exercise. The Light Attack Squadron at Robins operates seven AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters and four UH-1N Huey helicopters. An additional three Cobras and two Hueys will be here as a part of the training.