Vol. 72, No. 8
February 20, 2014
www.cherrypoint.marines.mil
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing squadrons return from Red Flag LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Over 160 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion and Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Feb. 18 after supporting Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag is a competitive exercise for U.S. and NATO pilots to practice their abilities in aerial combat against air and ground targets, according to 1st Lt. Justin T. Gaines, the executive officer for Battery B, 2nd LAAD. 2nd LAAD provided ground defense and aerial fire during the exercise, engaging mock enemy forces with notional surface-to-air missiles, said Gaines. “The great thing about Red Flag is it gives the Marines a real life situation,” said Gaines. “The pilots are conducting defensive and tactical maneuvers they would use in a combat environment.” The exercise provided great opportunities for both 2nd LAAD on the ground and the pilots and crew in the air, according to Gaines. Pilots were able to practice aerial combat maneuvers while also defending against threats from the ground. “Red Flag helps with keeping the Marines from becoming complacent,” See REDFLAG page A9
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN BRETT CLASHMAN
Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Smith marshals an EA-6B Prowler during Red Flag 14-1 Jan. 30 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The Prowler is a fully integrated electronic warfare system combining long-range, all-weather capabilities with advanced electronic countermeasures. Smith is a crew chief with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day VMAQ-2, MALS-14 Marines, Sailors reunite with loved ones after returning from UDP in Japan LANCE CPL. VICTOR A. ARRIAGA MCAS CHERRY POINT
LANCE CPL. VICTOR A. ARRIAGA
Sgt. Tino Garcia embraces his children Feb. 13 after returning from a six-month deployment to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, as part of a Unit Deployment Program rotation with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2.
More than 200 Marines and Sailors with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 and Marine Air Logistics Squadron 14 returned home Feb. 13 after participating in the squadron’s first Unit Deployment Program rotation to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, since 2002. While deployed for six months, the squadron provided electronic warfare support to Pacific Command in the event of major conflict or contingency operations. EA-6B Prowlers play a critical role in the suppression of enemy air defenses during combat operations, said Maj. Geoffrey Z.
Gosik, the executive officer of VMAQ-2. “As always, the Marines of VMAQ-2 performed exceptionally well, displaying the ‘Can Do Easy’ spirit of the squadron while exceeding all expectations,” said Gosik, citing the squadron’s motto. “The squadron overcame a heavy maintenance workload that enabled squadron aircrews to participate in valuable training opportunities that are not available at Cherry Point.” A highlight of the deployment was integrating with PACOM after more than a decade of deploying in support of contingency See UDP page A9
Harrier training squadron prepares pilots for air-to-surface combat LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS MCAS CHERRY POINT
More than 100 members of Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 recently traveled to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., conducting AV-8B Harrier pilot training as a part of the annual Broken Resolution exercise over the deserts of southern Arizona. Broken Resolution exposes student pi-
lots within the squadron to air-to-surface tactics, according to Capt. Kevin T. Smalley, an instructor pilot with the squadron. “The training consists of dive bombing, strafing, target area mechanics and close air support,” said Smalley. During the training, VMAT-203 pilots and crew conduct aircraft maintenance, mission planning and execution, according to Smalley. Patrolling the skies over
the Barry Gold M. Goldwater and Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Ranges, the student pilots practice bombing runs at angles ranging from 10-45 degrees, said Smalley. For the student pilots, Broken Resolution offers an opportunity to experience the Harrier’s full potential. The Marines are training to use the Harrier’s weapons systems with precision
2nd MAW support squadron participates in direct air support center drill at Cherry Point LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Members of Marine Air Support Squadron 1 conducted a direct air support center, or DASC, drill at Cherry Point Feb. 10-13. The Marines trained to prepare MASS-1 for deployments and possible contingency operations, according to Cpl. David Moss, the white cell crew chief for the drill. “Procedural control means we trust what information the pilots relay to us,” said Moss.”We cannot see the aircraft at all; we don’t use radar, we plot points and navigate them using the information they provide to us.” Mission proficiency requires Marines to cross train and learn several roles within the DASC, according
What’s Inside
to Moss. Understanding each role helps unit cohesion and makes MASS-1 more mission capable. “Knowing the abilities of the different aircraft is also important,” said Moss. “You wouldn’t want to send a UH-1N Huey to pick up a squad of Marines in need of an emergency [evacuation]. MASS-1 trains continuously, according to 1st Lt. Trevor Anderson, the officer in charge for the DASC drill with MASS-1. Training, including DASC drills, helps the MASS-1 Marines prepare for a variety of situations. “Performing the DASC drills works great for preparing the Marines,” said Anderson. “We can control the tempo of the drill so Marines who are new to the system can learn while the experienced ones can receive the tempo they would while deployed.”
while maintaining accuracy and safety for possible future engagements, according to Smalley. “The training offers an opportunity for Marines to drop pretty much every weapon that the Harrier can carry in Southern California and Southwest Arizona,” said Smalley. See RESOLUTION page A9
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