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By Ryan Wicks
III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs
POHANG, South Korea — A roar of explosions cut through the morning coastal haze of South Korea's eastern shoreline signaling the beginning of an amphibious assault.
U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines and sailors conducted an amphibious beach landing Nov. 6 during, Korean Incremental Training Program 2009.
The annual bi-lateral exercise was conducted to improve interoperability and combat readiness among the two militaries while building on the long-standing alliance between the two nations.
In a combined effort, U.S. Marine and Navy commanders from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Essex Expeditionary Strike Group along with R.O.K. commanders from 1st R.O.K Marine Division and Navy Amphibious Squadron 53, worked together to plan and execute the landing.
"The focus of the Essex ESG is on improving the capability of a combined R.O.K.-U.S. force," said Capt. Donald A. Schmieley, commander of Amphibious Squadron 11. "This exercise provides us with the perfect environment to expand both R.O.K. and U.S. proficiency in a variety of areas."
The exercise began at approximately 10 a.m. with simulated airstrikes along the shoreline. Paratroopers descended over coastal mountains to join the fight.
Soon afterward, a swarm of R.O.K. and U.S. military aircraft approached the beach through the coastal mist while deploying flares to simulate fire support.
Amphibious assault vehicles from both forces pushed forward through a thick smokescreen designed to mask their approach.
Once the AAVs reached the shore, Marines poured out and immediately began to storm the beach.
Some Marines began setting up communications and mortars while others rushed to find a position to provide security and fire support.
Soon after the U.S. Marines hit the shore, another platoon of R.O.K. Marines joined the fight via Landing Craft Air Cushioned vehicles. As soon as their boots hit the sand, they assaulted through the beach toward their objective deeper inland.
Assets for the mission from R.O.K. and U.S. forces equated to more than 25 ships, 60 Amphibious Assault Vehicles, four LCAC's, and more than 30 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft as well as AV-8B Harrier jets.
"Although the bi-lateral training is an extremely important part of the exercise, one of our primary goals is to build cohesion, camaraderie and esprit de corps amongst our forces," said Col. Paul Damren, commanding officer of the 31st MEU. "These are the capabilities that will carry the day when times are toughest."
"It's important to have our forces working together because it prepares us for real world situations in which we could be fighting alongside one another," said 1st Lt. Junsik Sim, a comptroller with R.O.K Marine Corps' 1st Marine Division.
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2008 02:06 |
| Story ID: | 26620 |
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| Web Views: | 243 |
| Downloads: | 238 |
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