Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    VMM-163 (Rein) prepares for deployment with 11th MEU

    VMM-163 (Rein) prepares for deployment with 11th MEU

    Photo By Sgt. Harley Robinson | Cpl. Matthew Maenner, crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163...... read more read more

    MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

    05.17.2016

    Story by Lance Cpl. Harley Robinson 

    Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

    Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced) supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit during a simulated raid on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 17.

    As the aviation element, VMM-163 (Rein) provided transportation for the ground Marines with MV-22B Ospreys and a CH-53E Super Stallion and provided oversight of the objective with AH-1W Cobras.

    “We were there supporting Marines training with the [Expeditionary Operation Training Group] and supporting their movement and actions on the objective,” said Capt. Daniel Gearhart, an Osprey pilot with VMM-163 (Rein). “What that means for us specifically with aviation is moving Marines to where they need to go. We moved roughly 115 passengers, and four simulated [casualty evacuations].”

    From 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, VMM-163 (Rein) supplied four MV-22B Ospreys, two AH-1W Cobras, two UH-1Y Hueys and one CH-53E Super Stallion to support the training. When squadrons deploy as a MEU, they consolidate under the command of a single squadron commander.

    “The Osprey’s main purpose is to bring the [ground Marines] into the objective area,” said 1st Lt. Jonathan Moss, a Cobra pilot with VMM-163 (Rein). “The purpose of the attack section is to provide close air support in the area and making sure it’s safe.”

    Marines with VMM-163 (Rein) utilized Ospreys and a Super Stallion to move ground Marines to their objective point. Marines in the Cobras offered an overwatch of the objective and provided communication between units on the ground and in the air. The Cobras then remained closeby to provide any fire support needed.

    “Our job is to mitigate threats before the Marines go in,” said Moss. “Check the zones and make sure they are clear of any threats.”

    Once the ground units accomplished their mission, the Ospreys and Super Stallion extracted the Marines.

    “It’s a learning experience,” said Gearhart. “The ground Marines learn what they need from us and we learn how to better support them. With the capabilities of the different aircraft, we were able to move these Marines quickly so they could hit objective areas harder and faster than they could on the ground.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.17.2016
    Date Posted: 05.23.2016 19:35
    Story ID: 198827
    Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US
    Hometown: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US

    Web Views: 302
    Downloads: 3

    PUBLIC DOMAIN