Marines reconstruct Poinsett

Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher Maldonado | A U.S. Marine assigned to the Marine Wing Support Detachment 31 (MWSD) stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., arrives to Poinsett Electronic Combat Range near Wedgefield, S.C., March 23, 2017. Marines from the MWSD 31 “deployed” to the range from March 21-30 to test their job proficiency. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES

03.28.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado 

20th Fighter Wing

The Marines “deployed” to Shaw Air Force Base’s, S.C., training range from March 21-30 to evaluate the detachment’s ability to perform their jobs and accomplish mission-essential tasks in a simulated deployed environment.

The range provides a number of opportunities for Defense Department military members to train on bombing and shooting, and offers over 12,500 acres for navigation and survival, evasion, resistance, escape training.

Approximately 150 Marines mock-deployed to the range and constructed a Marine-run installation.

Marines spent the week-long training honing their skills in expeditionary airfield support, aircraft salvage and recovery, and constructing bulk fuel sites.

“Our basic requirements are tested in this training,” said Marine Sgt. Alan Largen, MWSD 31 fuels chief. “The work we do here, we must be able to do and execute flawlessly when we deploy.”

For a lot of the younger Marines, they don’t get a chance to experience an environment like this early in their careers, said Largen.

Marines had the opportunity to practice their tactics at the Shaw-run training ground, providing support for their Air Force counterparts.

“While we’re out here training we get the opportunity to perform road maintenance and improvement, as well as ground clearing for the range,” said Marine Capt. James Stanley, MWSD 31 operations officer.

Utilizing this Shaw asset Marines had the opportunity to train and prepare for overseas deployment, stateside, readying to accomplish their mission essential tasks.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2017
• Date Posted: 03.28.2017 08:27
• Story ID: 228285
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US