MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., visited MCAS Cherry Point from July 22 – Aug. 2 to conduct combined arms integration training with the squadrons aboard the station.
This was the first time that VMFA(AW)-224 conducted this type of training aboard Cherry Point.
“This specific training mission is not something we can do by ourselves, it requires that we integrate with external assets,” said Lt. Col. Peter L. McArdle, the squadron commanding officer. “The willingness of those external units to participate has made the whole training possible.”
The fighter squadron’s mission while aboard the air station was training three new forward air controller airborne crews while refreshing and maintaining currency on four other airborne crews. Their training was to familiarize the Marines with air-to-ground and air-to-air combat.
The squadron normally would launch their F/A-18D Hornets, two-seat attack fighters, out of Beaufort to fly to their training location, only to have to return the same day. This required more time and hindered training process.
“All of the assets we use for training are in New River or Cherry Point,” said McArdle. “We are kind of on our own in Beaufort and it’s difficult to get integration training like this.”
The squadron temporarily based six aircraft along with a detachment of approximately 100 Marines at Cherry Point during their stay, which provided a more efficient and timely training environment.
The squadron was able to utilize Marine Attack Squadron 542’s unoccupied hangar. VMA-542 is currently attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
While on the station, the fighter squadron trained with multiple squadrons on the station who helped coordinate the multiple air-to-ground and air-to-air combat scenarios conducted at one of the firing ranges, BT11. The squadron accumulated almost 200 flight hours in two weeks, an amount less than planned due to unexpected weather conditions.
“The weather has been challenging. It’s been hot and the flight schedule has been fairly long, requiring our Marines to work long hours,” said McArdle. “However, the Marines have been exceptional and have done a great job on and off duty while they have been here, regardless of the long hours and challenges brought by the weather.”