First Marine Aircraft Wing provides air support during Ulchi Freedom Guardian 11

Photo By Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck, center, commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with Marines during his visit to the tactical air command center on Camp Foster for Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2011 Aug. 22.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.25.2011

Story by Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Marines from units throughout the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing have been participating in Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2011 on Camp Foster through today.

UFG is an annual combined-joint command post exercise which demonstrates the United States’ commitment to the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance and is a defense-oriented, routine exercise that enhances the ability to defend the ROK, deter against external aggression and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula. First MAW, part of III Marine Expeditionary Force, is currently supporting UFG 2011 by providing the Tactical Air Command Center.

“The Tactical Air Command Center allows for that first ‘C’ in command and control,” said Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, commanding general of 1st MAW.

The TACC serves as the aviation command and control hub for the aviation combat element, which Beydler commands.

“We play a very large part,” said Beydler, about the role 1st MAW plays in UFG. “We enable the MEF to set conditions for Marines on the ground to be successful.”

For UFG, 1st MAW is notionally employing assets to provide support for the ground maneuver forces. The TACC on Camp Foster is the main command center of the MAW, but there are secondary command and control points.

There are several sites set up throughout the island that serve as support centers to aid in controlling the ACE, said Beydler. The MAW has a direct air support center co-located with 3rd Marine Division that helps provide Marines with tactical air and assault support.

With the number of assets and personnel allocated for UFG, Beydler said he believes in this exercise.

“I would say UFG in August is the most important exercise of the year for 1st MAW,” Beydler said. “It allows us to fight tonight in Korea.”

Training in exercises such as UFG will enable 1st MAW and III MEF to effectively respond to future provocations and ensure the defense of the ROK, added Beydler.

UFG gives the Marines of 1st MAW a chance to gain this training, experience and knowledge by working with each other.

“It’s good to be involved with this exercise,” said Maj. Alexander C. Arcinas, training officer for Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st MAW.

Seeing the different components and supporting commands of 1st MAW working together is good for these Marines, Arcinas added.

• Date Taken: 08.25.2011
• Date Posted: 08.24.2011 22:14
• Story ID: 75869
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP