VMFA(AW)-533 arrives in Osan for KMEP 14-13

Photo By Sgt. Antonio Rubio | Gunnery Sgt. Osvaldo Rincon, powerline division chief with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, guides an F-18/A Hornet aboard Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to participate in the Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-13, Oct. 9, 2014, to increase the combat readiness of Marine Aircraft Group 12, improve its operating skills as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhance joint and combined integration with the U.S. Air Force and ROK Marine Corps. KMEP 14-13 is a multinational exercise that focuses on the integration of aviation and ground assets within the construct of a traditional Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise. Supporting units include, but are not limited to, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.  

OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA

10.09.2014

Story by Cpl. Antonio Rubio 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea - Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, also known as the “Hawks,” arrived on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to participate in the Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-13, Oct. 9, 2014.

The program’s goals is to increase the combat readiness of Marine Aircraft Group 12, improve its operating skills as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhance joint and combined integration with the U.S. Air Force and ROK Marine Corps.

The “Hawks” are stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., but are part of the unit deployment program to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, under MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

KMEP 14-13 is a multinational exercise that focuses on the integration of aviation and ground assets within the construct of a traditional Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise. Supporting units include, but are not limited to, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171.

“KMEP is a fire support exercise,” said Maj. Dennis B. Dalton, VMFA(AW)-533 executive officer. “We’re here to support and integrate with joint terminal air controllers and forward air controllers at the Rodriguez Range area, where we are scheduled to execute close-air support missions, conduct integrated fires with artillery, mortars and air strikes, and work with rotary wing assets.”

The goal of the program is to improve tactical interoperability between U.S. and ROK forces, enhance combined capabilities and build relationships.

“For most of our Marines, it’s their first time in Korea, so this is a different experience,” said Dalton. “Continued integration with the Air Force and ROK Marines can help them understand how our aviation could benefit their tactics and allows us to foster bilateral relations between the ROK and the Marine Corps.”

Dalton said KMEP 14-13 validates the squadron’s tactics, techniques and procedures and will help prepare them for any contingency that arises in the Pacific.

• Date Taken: 10.09.2014
• Date Posted: 10.19.2014 20:10
• Story ID: 145433
• Location: OSAN AIR BASE, KR