III Marine Expeditionary Force resumes aviation unit deployment program

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

05.30.2013

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Beginning in June 2013, III Marine Expeditionary Force will reestablish several aviation detachments in Okinawa, which include 170 Marines rotating every six months, as well as eight rotary wing aircraft: four CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopters and four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.

This construct reduces the impact on the host nation by having families remain in the U.S. and the vast majority of incoming Marines with these units housed on military installations.

After reducing the UDP in scale in 2003 due to increased personnel and equipment demands from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marine Corps will resume, incrementally, the routine deployment cycle of units rotating to Japan from U.S. home stations.

The Unit Deployment Program, or UDP, started in 1977, is an effective way to minimize the impact on the host nation by having Marines deploy unaccompanied without family members. It also allows U.S.-based Marine units to participate in various training opportunities while maintaining military partnerships throughout the region.

The Marine Corps operates all of its aircraft safely and responsibly in accordance with bilaterally approved agreements. Flights will be conducted to support mission essential training and operations that enhance III MEF’s ability to respond to contingencies throughout the region.

• Date Taken: 05.30.2013
• Date Posted: 05.30.2013 03:38
• Story ID: 107739
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP