Marines push the limits of aircraft reach in war

Courtesy Photo | A construction crew from Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, builds a helicopter landing pad in the field during the certification exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 24, 2015. The CERTEX is a 6-day crisis-response exercise that focuses on constructing airfields, setting up communications, providing security and operating an airfield in combat zones.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

08.24.2015

Courtesy Story

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, tested their crisis response capability in a certification exercise aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 24, 2015.

The CERTEX was conducted in preparation for their upcoming deployment overseas with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1. The 6-day exercise focused on building landing zones, setting up communications and providing security for airfields in combat zones.

While deployed, MWSS-372 will support a squadron of AV-8B Harrier II jets.

“We’ll be providing all the aviation ground support capabilities,” said Capt. Justin Kirk, company commander for Company B, MWSS-372. “This is our certification exercise; we run through our last rehearsal and make sure we’re completely trained across those aviation support functions and that we’re ready to operate.”

The air element of the MAGTF keeps aviation units combat ready and MWSS-372 utilizes forward arming and refueling points to keep units fueled, armed and ready to fight.

“FARP allows air units to stay closer to the fight,” said Sgt. Anthony Gagne, an armed forces overarching personnel strategy non-commissioned officer with MWSS-372. “We provide the support for them so forward ground troops can get the close air support they need. Aircraft need fuel and ordnance. We have everything here for them to keep them in the fight.”

CERTEX serves as a simulation of the actual environment Marines will be facing on deployment.

“We’re taking these Marines out of their comfort zone,” said Kirk. “It’s easy doing this kind of stuff in garrison, but we’re putting Marines in a field environment, feeding them MREs, no showers, no cell phones; this allows them to train to the mission and how we will potentially fight.”

At the end of the CERTEX, the Marines will not only be prepared for a hostile environment, but will be ready to support aerial units.

Kirk added that this is a cumulative exercise and that the Marines involved are well trained and prepared for whatever gets thrown at them.

A priority of the Marine Corps is supporting its deployed forces, and CERTEX is a platform for Marines to provide support swiftly, professionally and with the utmost effectiveness not only for Marines in the air, but in every clime and place.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2015
• Date Posted: 08.31.2015 10:11
• Story ID: 174653
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US