Photo By Sgt. Grace L. Waladkewics | Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 motor transport company fight a jet fuel...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS OUTLYING FIELD OAK GROVE, N.C. - Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 Marines went to the field for their semi-annual aviation-ground support training operation at the Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove Jan. 6.
MWSS-271 provides essential aviation ground support to fixed-wing components of an Aviation Combat Element and all supporting or attached elements of a Marine Aircraft Group.
During the training, the Marines practiced base security and reaction to outside attacks and cross trained between sections to improve overall squadron readiness and cohesion.
“This training is really beneficial to the Marines because they are putting to use what they are being taught and trained to do,” said Master Sgt. Erik D. Holt, the squadron’s operations chief. “With this training they are becoming more proficient in their (military occupational specialties) and understanding the importance of this type of training which is significant because, as a Marine, you never know what situation you may find yourself in.”
The squadron trained as if deployed in a contingency operation.
During the base recovery mission, Marines from all sections of the squadron participated in a large-scale simulation of an attack where the Marines worked together to assess and repair damage to the base. They also used an Aviation Ground Support Operation Center to monitor all activity on the base.
In addition to the base recovery mission, the squadron broke into sections to carry out various training missions in combat scenarios throughout the week, said Holt.
Motor transport Marines linked up with aircraft rescue firefighters to learn fire prevention and firefighting. During the training, motor transport Marines, dressed in fire proximity suits, contained and extinguished jet fuel fires.
“This training has brought together the aircraft rescue firefighters and the bulk and ground refuelers within the squadron to meet an annual requirement,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Walsworth, aircraft rescue fire fighting crash chief with MWSS-271. “It’s also preparing the Marines by making them feel comfortable enough to carry this out in the case of a real functional fire.”
“Being able to put the proximity suit on was a new and exciting experience for me,” said Cpl. Zachary A. Roberts, a bulk fuel specialist with MWSS-271.
Cross training between Marines is very beneficial, according to Roberts. Learning secondary roles and responsibilities within the squadron helps all Marines prepare for emergencies, Roberts said.
“This was the coolest thing I have ever done, I had an extreme adrenaline rush,” said Roberts.
During the exercise, the engineer company practiced building and repairing roads, operating air conditioning systems, generators and water systems.
The Marines routed more than a mile of hose to push water from a nearby lake to the working camp for purification during the training, said Lance Cpl. Kenny Cochran, a water purification specialist with MWSS-271.
“My job is really important because you can’t live without water,” said Cochran. “On deployment, having clean water is crucial not only because water is essential, but because being able to count on the fact that clean water will always be available keeps the morale of the Marines up on a daily basis.”
The squadron’s headquarters company set up and maintained telephone systems, radio networks and cable and wire systems to ensure communications on the base functioned properly.
The training built on a solid foundation within the squadron, benefiting Marines in all sections and of all ranks, according to Holt.
| Date Taken: | 01.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.15.2014 16:09 |
| Story ID: | 119207 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS OUTLYING FIELD OAK GROVE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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