Photo By Master Sgt. Justin Boling | Capt. Phil Goebel, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, explains the...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - The pilots and ordnancemen of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 held a load exercise March 14 to display how ordnance should be mounted to the squadron’s F/A-18 Hornets. It also allowed ordnance technicians and pilots to share their experience with numerous types of munitions.
“We loaded as much ordnance as possible to the aircrafts so both air crew and ground crew could build familiarity with each device, including the ones they normally don’t see,” said Capt. Taylor Shenkman, a pilot with VMFA- 115. “Pilots then shared their experience using each weapon system and elaborated on ordnance the technicians may not be familiar with.”
Many types of ordnance are not used regularly while in a training environment. The exercise showed how these systems work and how they are properly placed on the aircraft before they are needed operationally.
“The exercise was really a great chance for ordnancemen to get their hands on many of the weapon systems we don’t work with everyday,” said Chief Warrant Officer Joy Craig, the ordnance officer for VMFA-115. “Knowing how to mount these weapons before they are requested ensures the successful implementation of these munitions when they become needed.”
Ordnance Marines that are more familiar with all types of munitions can meet any request needed to fulfill a pilot’s flight.
“The exercise familiarized the Marines with all of the systems and ensured that all certification and qualifications are met,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jason Hewes, the ordnance chief for VMFA-115. “Hands-on experience is always the best way to learn how these weapons are used and installed correctly from start to finish.
“A better understanding is gained when a person can point to an actual device, and the Marines can see it properly handled, in comparison to reading procedures in a book or seeing the device in a PowerPoint presentation,” Hewes continued.
If an ordnance Marine experienced a problem during the mounting process of the exercise, they would know how to prevent injury or damage to the aircraft when dealing with live munitions.
“Because of hands-on training, the Marines know how to handle live ordnance during range exercises and deployments,” Hewes said.
Being able to mount these pieces of ordnance properly can be the difference between the success and failure of the air support needed by ground forces.
“Our goal is to deliver ordnance on target, on time,” Craig said. “The training helped to create better-trained, more tactically and technically proficient Marines, which are ready to accomplish our goal.”
The shared knowledge between the pilots and the ordnance Marines who arm the devices is one of importance. After this exercise, both groups understood the weapons they use a little better, making them more confident in their ability to destroy the hazards to America’s ground forces wherever they fight.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.18.2011 16:03 |
| Story ID: | 67318 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 364 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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