VMA-223 conducts air-to-air training above Florida Keys

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Brian Morales | 150325-N-YB753-242 KEY WEST, Fla. (March 25, 2015) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 flies above Boca Chica Field. Naval Air Station Key West is a state-of-the-art facility for air-to-air combat fighter aircraft of all military services and provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Morales/ Released)  

NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FL, UNITED STATES

04.14.2015

Story by Cpl. Unique B. Roberts 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

KEY WEST, Fla. - Marines with Marine Attack Squadron 223 traveled to Key West, Fla. to conduct air-to-air training March 18 through April 12.

The squadron conducted the training to hone their skills to provide offensive air support, armed reconnaissance, and air defense for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

During the training, the Marines trained to build air-to-air flight leadership for potential section and division leaders, according to a pilot with VMA-223.

The training provided the Marines with an opportunity to train realistically with live air-to-air missiles and complete training sorties that are needed for qualifications.

“All Harrier pilots seek to maintain air-to-air proficiency both as a potential mission set and as an exercise to increase overall situational awareness. The air-to-air arena affords the opportunity to make rapid decisions while handling the aircraft at the extreme edge of its operating envelope,” explained the pilot.

• Date Taken: 04.14.2015
• Date Posted: 04.14.2015 13:40
• Story ID: 159961
• Location: NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, FL, US