Photo By Lance Cpl. David Hersey | A helicopter fires on a target at a range during training with the Expeditionary...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conducted a live-fire exercise with the 81 mm mortar system aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in support of the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group–Atlantic’s training March 23-27.
“We are facilitating for the Marines going through their Joint Terminal Air Controller training,” said Lance Cpl. Collin R. Logoyda, a mortarman with the battalion. “Our job is to facilitate marks for the aircraft and suppression missions for the helicopters.”
During the exercise, the Marines participating in the training called in suppression fire. Forward observers then passed down coordinates for the mortar teams, who fired high explosive rounds meant for suppression and phosphorus rounds that emitted smoke to mark the target for helicopters to attack.
“This is the air-ground task force personified,” said Capt. Joshua D. Winters, the commander of Fox Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. “The ground commander gives his intent, the mortar teams provide ground suppression and the air element brings in fire in support.”
Together the units participated in scenarios that were based on situations the Marines may encounter while on a combat deployment.
“The simulation is that we are being called in to suppress fire that could take down an aircraft,” said Lance Cpl. Stefano Fragale, a mortarman with Weapons Company, 2/2. “So once we stop firing the rounds, the gunships fly in and complete their mission.”
Fragale said, that while providing support, to the training gave them the opportunity to provide further experience for the Marines in their units.
“We have Marines from a few of our mortar sections out here,” said Fragale. “Most of them work with the 60 mm mortar system most of the time. This training is giving them the opportunity to get some hands-on training with the 81 mm mortar system.”
Logoyda said forward observers also used the opportunity to sharpen their own skills and practice providing instructions to keep the mortar fire accurate and efficient.
“The forward observers are the eyes on the battlefield,” said Logoyda. “We verify the targets, call in to the fire direction center and, once they shoot, we are responsible for providing direction to adjust the fire and make sure they hit on target. The communication between the forward observers and the mortar teams is essential for success. We are pretty much their only eyes on the target. Without us and the line of communication we provide, there would be no fire missions.”
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.26.2015 15:51 |
| Story ID: | 158214 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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