CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The following key events will take place during Exercise Iron Fist 2013, a bilateral training event designed to increase interoperability between the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.:
Jan. 22: Opening Ceremony (Camp Pendleton, Calif.)
Jan. 31: Combined Arms Training (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.)
Feb. 9: Bilateral Amphibious Training (San Clemente Island, Calif.)
Feb. 13-14: Final Event-Bilateral Training/Mechanized Training (Camp Pendleton, Calif.)
Feb. 15: Closing Ceremony (Camp Pendleton, Calif.)
Combined Arms Training in MCAGCC Twentynine Palms will involve live-fire movements, close air support, and indirect fire support from both Japanese and US forces.
Bilateral Amphibious Training will highlight a joint ship-to-shore-movement and follow-on training in support of a military scenario.
Iron Fist will culminate with a final exercise, involving three training scenarios, to include an amphibious assault of Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, mechanized assault course, and urban combat training.
Media interested in the training at San Clemente Island or MAGCC Twentynine Palms must respond no later than Jan. 22 for scheduling.
Media interested in attending Iron Fist 2013 or seeking more information are encouraged to contact the following representatives with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit:
Captain Ted Vickers
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Message Team OIC
Mobile: 720-883-1386
Office: 760-763-0740 esteban.vickers@usmc.mil
1st Lieutenant Dana Mitchell
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Public Affairs Officer
Mobile: 914-393-9704
Office: 760-763-6431
dana.mitchell1@usmc.mil