SAVANNAH, Ga. - Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 constructed a helicopter landing zone at Canoochee Airstrip in Ft. Stewart, Ga., Dec. 2-11.
To prepare for the exercise, the Sweathogs identified each company’s responsibilities and offered training based on training goals.
At the beginning of the week, after setting up their forward operating base, Marines began their simulated deployment.
“At the beginning of the week, some mistakes were made,” said Cpl. Michael Alfaro, a training clerk for MWSS-273. “However, once they were fixed, things got much better.”
According to 1st. Lt. Michael Yevon, the company commander for Headquarters and Service Battalion of MWSS-273, mistakes are where the biggest training values are gained.
“We learned what corrections needed to be made in the future to become more proficient,” said Yevon.
MWSS-273 conducted improvised explosive device training, simulated Forward Operating Base attacks and trained on how to repair a base after an attack.
During IED training, Marines learned basic patrolling techniques, as well as, how to neutralize IEDs.
Later in the week, the squadron practiced responding to simulated attacks on their forward operating base.
Following the assault on the base, Marines used training from earlier in the week to repair the base after the attack.
Since there are over 70 military occupational specialties within MWSS-273, the training helped the squadron come together and complete all mission-essential tasks.
On Dec. 5, the Sweathogs began construction of helicopter landing zones as training for a deployed environment and for use by Ft. Stewart during future operations.
The Sweathogs often work with many units when deployed due to a high operational tempo.
“It’s better to sweat now than bleed later,” said Alfaro.
From the initial setup of the Forward Operating Base to the base recovery after attack and helicopter landing zone construction, the partnership benefited both Ft. Stewart and MWSS-273.