Marine exchange pilot offers unique view into exchange program

Photo By Staff Sgt. Nicole Zurbrugg | U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alexander Goodno, Marine exchange pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force No. 75 Squadron, taxis to the runway in an F/A-18 Hornet during Exercise Pitch Black 2016 at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 5, 2016. Goodno has been stationed with No. 75 Squadron for two and a half years with the Marine Corps Foreign Personnel Exchange Program. This program enhances worldwide security cooperation by continuing long-term presence and association among military counterparts. During Pitch Black, Goodno serves as a liaison officer to the participating U.S. units, explaining foreign jargon and procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)  

RAAF TINDAL, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

08.05.2016

Story by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

For two and a half years, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Alexander Goodno has flown F/A -18 Hornets for the No. 75 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force through the Marine Corps Foreign Personnel Exchange Program.

This program enhances worldwide security cooperation by continuing long-term presence and association among military counterparts.

Every two years, the Marine Corps accepts applications for the exchange program, offering qualified pilots the opportunity to serve in Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Among the qualifications for an Australian spot, F/A-18 pilots must be a fighter attack instructor and division lead. Pilots who have completed Top Gun or Weapons and Tactic Instructor course are looked upon as more desirable.

Goodno, exceeding these requirements, jumped at the chance when he realized there was an opening for Australia. Within a month of completing the package, he was selected.

“The exchange program provides a unique opportunity to experience how another force operates both tactically and within a squadron in similar platforms,” said Goodno. “That’s what is really cool about serving with the 75 Squadron; the airframe itself is very similar to the Marine F/A-18.”

Both the Marines and No. 75 Squadron fly F/A-18 Hornets, creating an atmosphere that is very similar to the U.S. pilots. Over the three year tour, Goodno gained ample experience, absorbing all the differences while expanding his wealth of knowledge.

While the Marine Corps’ focus is aircraft support to the Marines on the ground and amphibious assaults, RAAF’s goals are to gain control of the air. U.S. strategies and missions are different, and there was an adjustment period for Goodno when he first arrived.

“It’s important for me as an exchange pilot to remember that while the Marine Corps does operations differently than the RAAF, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right versus wrong,” said Goodno. “Over time, you build a rapport where you feel comfortable interjecting to suggest a different strategy, but I’ve also had quite a few ‘Wow! That’s a really good way of doing business, I never thought about it that way’ moments.”

Goodno also said a bonus of the exchange program is that he can take his newfound knowledge back to the Marine Corps and use it for an operations officer tour or an executive officer tour.

“I’ve worked with Maj. Goodno the whole two and a half years,” said Flight Left tenant Tobias Liddy-Puccini, a No. 75 Squadron pilot. “It’s amazing to work with a U.S. pilot that has the aircraft experience that Goodno has. Being fellow Hornet dudes, we’re basically the same breed so it’s easy to integrate, especially when Exercise Pitch Black rolls around.”

Exercise Pitch Black 2016 is one of Australia’s biggest exercises providing a large-force exercise to multiple nations. During the exercise, Goodno serves as a liaison officer to the participating U.S. units, explaining foreign jargon and procedures.

“Having the Marines here along with Major Goodno is significant because of the commonality between the aircraft, but differences in military regime and lingo,” said Liddy-Puccini. “It’s very easy to carry on a conversation and gel with the Marines because of our similarities, but we’re curious about life as a Marine.”

Liddy-Puccini said the first thing he noticed about Goodno was the militant and professional way he carried himself and organized his work.
Still carrying himself as a Marine, Goodno sports the Australian Air Force flight suit and No. 75 Squadron patches. His regimented style and focus on physical fitness has been a great example for the young pilots according to Liddy-Puccini who, said he is inspired to apply for the exchange program.

“I think there is a significant responsibility that comes with being an exchange pilot,” said Goodno. “I am certainly here to have a great time and do everything I can to help out, but at the same time, I am a foreigner representing not just the Marine Corps, but the United States.”

Reflecting on his time spent at RAAF Tindal, Goodno said it is not just the tactics training that craft relationships, it’s the socializing outside of work. Giving an example of the bonds that are built during the exchange tours, Goodno said a couple of years ago, a Marine was here on an exercise and unfortunately passed away last year. The relationships he forged while training with the host nation were so great that two Australian pilots flew to his memorial in the states.

“I feel like this only skims the surface of what sort of bond is created,” said Goodno. “The tactics and training are a big piece, but the alliances and friendships acquired are what bring the nations together to develop such strong bonds.”

The result of the exchange program runs deeper than understanding of other nation’s tactics and strategies, but creates ties that bind a friendship for life.

• Date Taken: 08.05.2016
• Date Posted: 08.08.2016 17:45
• Story ID: 206445
• Location: RAAF TINDAL, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AU