ABOARD HMS ARK ROYAL, Atlantic Ocean - Maj. Gen. James F. Flock, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, answers questions about the coalition exercise, Capella Strike.
Flock visited Her Majesty's Ship Ark Royal, May 26, and spoke about the benefit of Capella Strike, of which more than 150 Marines and sailors of Marine Aircraft Group 14 are partaking with our British counterparts of the British Royal Navy.
What impact do you feel Capella Strike will have on Marines aboard the HMS-Ark Royal?
Capella Strike represents a unique opportunity for our Marines to work with Allied forces while at the same time gaining valuable experiences operating from a small deck strike amphib at sea.
How do you feel a coalition exercise like Capella Strike, with our British counterparts, can broaden these Marines' horizons?
A coalition exercise affords our Marines the opportunity to observe first hand the war fighting capabilities resident in Allied forces.
What are your thoughts on the HMS-Ark Royal's flight deck, specifically the 12-degree takeoff ramp?
I am always amazed at what naval forces are capable of accomplishing given the constraints of small deck amphibious ships like the Ark Royal. It takes teamwork and maximum cooperation by all hands to ensure launch and recovery of aircraft can be conducted in a safe and expeditious manner. The 12-degree takeoff ramp adds to that safety margin by providing the pilots an upward vector immediately after takeoff, enhancing the Ark Royal's ability to launch aircraft at maximum takeoff gross weights.
Do you feel that similar exercises like Capella Strike will happen in the future?
The Marine Corps conducts exercises with out many Allied forces throughout the year. These exercises increase our Nation's interoperability with out Allies and are always value added. My sense is that we will continue to see U.S forces continue to exercise with Allied nations whenever the opportunity presents itself.