MWSS-171 supports Exercise Forest Light 16-1

Photo By Sgt. Carlos Cruz Jr. | Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, lay down a berm to catch any fuel that could possibly leak out of the MK970 semi-trailer refueler at Sekiyama Training Area, Japan, Sept. 8, 2015, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1. MWSS-171 is supporting Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 and 1st Battalion 2nd Marines during this exercise using their communications, motor transport and refueling capabilities.  

CAMP AIBANO, TOKUSHIMA, JAPAN

09.06.2015

Story by Cpl. Carlos Cruz Jr.  

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - Marines and sailors with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, arrived at Camp Aibano, Japan, Sept. 6, in support of Exercise Forest Light 16-1.

Exercise Forest Light Exercise is a semi-annual exercise designed to enhance to cohesion between U.S. and Japanese forces through bilateral combat training.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 is providing air ground support to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, infantrymen stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this exercise, MWSS-171 will be using their communications, motor transport and refueling capabilities.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 brought Marines from a variety of military occupational specialties to support Forest Light. This exercise provides each section the opportunity to hone their tactics, techniques and procedures as they would apply them in a real-world scenario.

The main objective of MWSS-171 during this exercise is to provide aviation fuel support for HMH-462 who will have two CH-53 Sea Stallions coming in for hot fuel. Hot fueling means the aircraft will remain operational while being refueled and will move on when it’s finished. MWSS-171 will simultaneously refuel two aircraft using their MK31 tractor/MK970 semi-trailer.

“We have new Marines here that haven’t experienced a forward arming and refueling point operation so this exercise will provide them experience with real-life FARP scenarios,” said Chief Warrant Officer Edgardo L. Borrero, officer in charge of the fuels branch with MWSS-171. “It allows them to see the bigger aspect of fueling operations, the kind of things they will do outside of the garrison environment.”

A forward arming and refueling point is used for making fuel readily available to aircraft at locations far off from any air fields and quickly refueling them. The objective is to minimize response time and decrease turnaround time in support of sustained operations.

“Being there with fuel readily available allows aircraft to continue with their mission rather than having to fly to the nearest flight line for refueling,” said Staff Sgt. Demar Lowry, motor transport operations chief with MWSS-171.
The exercise not only serves as a unique opportunity for Marines to gain hands-on experience, but it also builds camaraderie, bringing the unit together.

“Every time you go to the field, unit cohesion increases,” said Borrero. “The Marines get to spend time together outside of their normal working area. Being together 24 hours a day allows them to get to know each other and expand their knowledge of the Marines surrounding them, enabling them to work better as a team.”

During the exercise Marines will have the chance to work hand-in-hand with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
“Our Marines, as well as the JGSDF troops, will get to experience that bilateral connection between the U.S. and Japanese forces and see what each of us brings to the fight. I believe this will improve our relationship with the Japanese forces while showing them what assets we bring with us.”

• Date Taken: 09.06.2015
• Date Posted: 09.19.2015 01:40
• Story ID: 176622
• Location: CAMP AIBANO, TOKUSHIMA, JP