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TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 pushed their envelope of training when they arrived at the Combat Center Aug. 14, to conduct a variety of training exercises during the Integrated Training Exercise.
What was extraordinary about this iteration of the ITX was that the squadron heavily expanded on their initial training utilizing every available asset.
Approximately 300 Marines, half of the entire squadron, made their way to the Combat Center in mid August to execute two phases of training.
“The first pillar of our training revolved around providing aviation ground support to Marine Aircraft Group 14,” said Lt. Col. Howard Eyth, commanding officer, MWSS-171.
According to Eyth, operations in this portion of training were outlined in 14 functional areas and six exercises to test the squadron in various areas of proficiency.
“Getting (the tasks) done was huge because this is what we report to Headquarters Marine Corps concerning our mission readiness,” said Maj. Gary Humphries, operations officer, MWSS-171. “If the flag goes up, we want to be ready.”
The 14 functional areas included establishing a Forward-Operating Base, a Forward-Arming and Refueling Point, Airbase Ground Defense, and a Base Recovery After Attack.
“We really hit the full spectrum of training required to maintain proficiency in all functional areas of aviation ground support and activities an MWSS is expected to perform,” Eyth said.
In an “airfield damage repair” exercise, combat engineers found themselves repairing a simulated damaged airway to make it operable for aircraft.
“If a runway is in bad shape, planes can’t take off,” Humphries said. “We also did a Forward-Arming Refueling Point, which is another big task for Marines.”
When aircraft are supporting a combat operation, rather than fly a long distance back to base and expending fuel, Marines will set up a FARP to serve as a temporary point not far from a combat zone so aircraft can land to refuel, re-arm and immediately return to the fight.
“Tactics like communicating with pilots on radio, taking the correct precautions and equipment for different types of aircraft, and coordinating the arming process are all things they got hands-on training with,” Humphries said.
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, which is where the squadron is based, does not afford such terrain and space for these kinds of operations.
“We have to seek out venues to accomplish these things,” Humphries said. “Coming out to ITX is something we do not take for granted.”
The squadron dedicated time and resources to honing all other training topics for its Marines, and designed an entirely separate set of exercises.
“The second pillar of our training was unit-level training, which allowed us to cover the remaining functions and activities that an MWSS is expected to perform,” Eyth said.
Training conducted for this pillar included combat-rifle marksmanship, simulated convoy operations, explosive ordnance disposal mine sweeps, the Combat Lifesavers Course and First Responder’s Course.
“We wanted to come large and we wanted to come capable,” Humphries said. “We aim to work on the airfield, but also to train our Marines for combat.”
According to Humphries, the squadron’s presence in Iwakuni makes them a direct part of the contingencies in the Pacific region. If there were to be a crisis in the Pacific, the unit is capable of responding quickly.
“Our Marines were thrilled they could come out and do live-fire training in the desert,” Humphries said. “They were able to hone their skills.”
The squadron’s time aboard the various ranges of the Combat Center enhanced the capabilities, knowledge and cohesion of the unit.
“We truly maximized the training potential of ITX here,” Eyth said. “These Marines built their knowledge and forged a common bond. They also gained an understanding for our mission and how we go after it.”
With the skills the squadron developed while aboard the Combat Center, they are better prepared for the road which lies ahead of them.
“We’ve got a pretty robust exercise schedule for the next year,” Humphries said. “We return to Iwakuni to refit and re-arm, and these very same Marines will go to the Mariana Islands, to support an exercise called Forged Fury. They will be constructing restoration of flight lines to make them C-130 capable.”
The squadron expects nothing short of success from their Marines as they go forward to operate wherever they are needed.
“The professionalism and high quality of these Marines, from the squadron staff all the way down to junior enlisted shows,” Humphries said. “I’m very impressed by their fortitude and professional drive.”
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2013 20:03 |
| Story ID: | 114721 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 154 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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