Photo By Cpl. Sarah Cherry | Lance Cpl. Robert Knode, an aviation mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115,...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, also know as the Silver Eagles, returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort after a six month deployment in the Western Pacific as part of the unit deployment program Dec 15.
During the deployment, the Silver Eagles participated in multinational exercises and international joint operations training to strengthen alliances with countries throughout the region, such as Japan, Thailand, Guam and the Philippines.
“We made a lot of new memories,” said Gunnery Sgt. Mauricio Gallego, an administrations chief with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115. “I’m proud to serve alongside my fellow Marines.”
Although Gallego has been away from his family for schools and training, this deployment was their first.
“I missed my wife and kids,” said Gallego. “It’s good to be back.”
In Guam, they participated in Exercise Valiant Shield, a training exercise focusing on joint service integration. The exercise included an estimated 18,000 U.S. troops, two aircraft carriers, more than 200 aircraft, and 19 ships.
In the Republic of Korea, the Silver Eagles supported U.S. and ROK forces during Exercise Max Thunder 14-2, a joint service, international semi-annual exercise focusing on air combat, air support, and search and rescue.
“There were a lot of unique opportunities for growth within my job and in getting back to the basics of being a Marine,” said Gallego.
Deployments to the Pacific region improve international alliances, allowing the opportunity to train with allied forces and improve interoperability.
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.18.2014 15:13 |
| Story ID: | 150665 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 461 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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