Cherry Point Marines return from Red Flag

Photo By Senior Airman Brett Clashman | U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Smith, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 crew chief, marshals an EA-6B Prowler during Red Flag 14-1, Jan. 30, 2014, 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.More than 440,000 service members have participated in Red Flag since it began in 1975, including more than 145,000 aircrew members flying more than 385,000 sorties and logging more than 660,000 flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brett Clashman)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

02.18.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. J. R. Heins 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

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," said Gaines. "It provides a different situation than daily practice we conduct back in the rear."

The multinational, multiservice exercise, which began in 1975, gives both ground and air forces a chance to operate in a near real-world environment. With designated friendly and enemy forces, Red Flag builds capabilities and simulates scenarios not available in garrison, according to Sgt. Cory M. Gero, a low altitude air defense section leader with Battery B, 2nd LAAD. A constantly evolving battle space during the exercise added realism to the training.

"For our [military occupational specialty] this training was great," said Gero. "It provided a combat environment that was excellent in preparing the Marines."

• Date Taken: 02.18.2014
• Date Posted: 02.18.2014 16:16
• Story ID: 120776
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US