CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - More than 35 Marine Corps aircraft will transport a battalion of infantry Marines from Camp Pendleton to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms to conduct an air assault training mission as part of Dawn Blitz, Friday, June 21.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aircraft participating in the mission will include the MV-22B Osprey, CH-53E Super Sea Stallion, UH-1Y Super Huey, AH-1Z Super Cobra, KC-130J Super Hercules and AV-8B Harrier. The 500 Marines conducting the assault are assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Dawn Blitz 2013 is a multinational exercise that the Navy and Marine Corps use to enhance their amphibious expeditionary tactics, techniques and procedures. This bilateral exercise represents the Navy and Marine Corps' ongoing efforts to meet the challenges of future conflicts, overseas contingency operations, humanitarian assistance/disaster response and homeland defense. Canada, Japan, and New Zealand are also participating in the exercise.
"Marine Aircraft Wing 16's participation in Dawn Blitz 2013 is significant on multiple levels. Having the opportunity to work with the international participants is vital for enhancing our ability to respond to crises as part of a joint or combined effort. This partnership builds confidence and trust that is essential for providing regional security, stability and prosperity. Friday's airlift is also noteworthy because it will demonstrate MAG-16's unique ability to conduct a tactical insert of a battalion-size infantry unit in a single wave of aircraft. This type of mission is the foundation of Marine aviation and provides realistic, relevant training necessary for effective global crisis response," said Marine Aircraft Wing 16 Commanding Officer, Col. Patrick A. Gramuglia.