Bright Star Stinger shoot makes impact

Courtesy Photo | Chief Warrant Officer 4 Thomas E. Morris (second from left), ground-based air defense lead, Marine Corps Systems Command, shakes hands after a briefing on the MiG-23 Bandit, the unmanned aerial vehicle used during the Marine Air Control Group 38 Detachment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Stinger missile shoot Sept. 20 in the Western Egyptian Desert. The Cynthiana, Ky., native participated to Exercise Bright Star specifically to provide technical support for the lightweight, fiberglass target drones utilized in the training. The evolution allowed coalition forces from the host nation and the Netherlands to observe the equipment and procedures used by U.S. Marines to engage low-flying air craft and met its goal of strengthening the bond between coalition forces, as well as displaying a portion of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)'s warfighting capability.  

09.27.2005

Courtesy Story

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Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.
U.S. Marine Corps.

WESTERN EGYPTIAN DESERT (Sept. 20, 2005) - The gathering of military personnel representing Egypt, the United States, and the Netherlands set the stage for a coalition training exercise that took place across the barren landscape, Sept. 20.

Before providing an emphatic demonstration of the firepower, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Force (Special Operations Capable), gave a comprehensive overview of their equipment and procedures to a group of host nation officers and Dutch air defense soldiers.

Marine Staff Sgt. Shane E. Lamont, low-altitude air defense gunner, MACG-38, 13th MEU (SOC), explained that the Stinger is a man-portable, shoulder-fired guided missile system, which enables the shooter to effectively engage low-altitude jets and propeller-driven and rotary-wing aircraft.

The Salt Lake City native also mentioned that the missile system is a weapon that uses heat-seeking capabilities, as well as a proportional navigational system to track down its airborne targets.

Following a detailed brief and a question-and-answer session, those in attendance were treated to a display of accuracy and devastation.

While firing the radio-controlled MiG-23 Bandits, the 13th MEU successfully destroyed each of the five aerial vehicle target drones in a fiery exhibition that displayed the Stinger gunners' ability.

When the smoke cleared and the dust settled on the sweltering range, many of the foreign service members who witnessed the proceedings were positively impacted by the evolution.

"I was truly happy to be able to observe the demonstration the Marines put on," said Egyptian Army Brig.Gen. Kamal Hussieny, air defense commander, Northern Military Zone. "I am glad that they are getting their training like this (during Bright Star) and I thank them for coming to Egypt."

Other coalition leaders saw the advantages of observing the training as well.

"My battle group was scheduled to attend this affiliation training to work with the United States because it helps us experience how they do things," said Netherlands Army Capt. Mark Van Den Broek, deputy company commander, 2nd Air Defense Company, 11th Air Mobile Brigade. "It prepares us. Because the Netherlands is so small, we almost always work with United States or European forces (during conflicts). Hopefully in the future we can train together with the Marines again," remarked the native of Arnhem, Netherlands.
In addition to demonstrating their proficiency and warfighting capability, the 13th MEU (SOC) leathernecks also gained new admirers of the image they have become world renown for.

"This was my first time seeing them in action and I was very impressed by the U.S. Marines," emphasized Egyptian Army Capt. Amr Anany. "They are highly trained, highly disciplined and extremely motivated."

According to U.S. Marine Capt. Mark W. Micke, detachment officer-in-charge, MACG-38, training with other countries at Bright Star provided his Marines with tangible benefits.

"First of all, training with other countries is great because we don't get to do it all the time and in today's world we know we'll be fighting alongside our allies. Training in a realistic desert environment is also an advantage because it prepares us in regards to facing any type of desert threat," said the Cottage Grove, Minn., native.

After receiving numerous compliments from foreign military observers following a flawless performance from his Stinger gunners, Micke seemed assured that his troops were up to any challenge.

"It's a good feeling to know that we have training that other countries are interested in and that we set the stage for the world to follow," he said. "Performing the way we did today gives both my Marines and the MEU commander confidence we are ready to go if we ever get sent into combat."

• Date Taken: 09.27.2005
• Date Posted: 09.27.2005 13:59
• Story ID: 3129