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The main body returned to MCAS Beaufort Sept. 15. The UDP gave the squadron a unique opportunity to train in new environments with mul-
tiple nations, ensuring they are ready to complete missions anywhere.
“This deployment with the UDP was all about training and maintaining foreign relations,” said Sgt. Rae Penny, an aviation ordnance technician with VMFA-122. “At every stop we worked with not only other squadrons, but with other nations. Training with our allies allows us to know that when the time comes, we can work together effectively.”
The Squadron first stopped in MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Most of the pilots and crew flew to South Korea for a one month long training exercise named Max Thunder which focused on training the pilots and their part-
nership with the Republic of Korea.
The maintenance crews worked with each other to ensure the aircraft were mission ready.
“We supported each mission by making sure the planes were ready to fly,”
said Lance Cpl. Lestat Lanier, an airframes technician with VMFA-122. “My shop made sure the landing gear was solid, and the hydraulics were working properly. It was a new experience, an opportunity to work with Marines and nations we usually don’t get to work with. I had a lot of fun in Australia.”
After returning from South Korea, VMFA-122 moved to Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, to conduct two exercises. The first exercise, Exercise Pitch Black, featured five Marine Corps squadrons and 10 allied nations. The second exercise in Australia, Southern Frontier, marked the final exercise for VMFA-122 before their return to Fightertown.
This deployment gave the Marines training and experience to draw from when they conduct exercises aboard MCAS Beaufort or missions abroad.
The Marines also got to travel across the world, explore different cultures, and meet new people.
“This was my first deployment,” said Lanier. “I loved exploring out in town, learning about different cultures and languages and just getting to see a different world view. The training of getting to work with other units and nations was important. Every Marine should go on a deployment at least once in their career.”
The deployment gave the Marines of VMFA-122 the opportunity to learn how to work alongside foreign forces. The training received also ensures VMFA-122 is ready to overcome any obstacle, language barrier, and environment to complete their mission.
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2016 13:33 |
| Story ID: | 210427 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Werewolves return to Fightertown, by Sgt Ashley Phillips, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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