TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- A Marine Harrier squadron based in Yuma, Ariz., trained for rapid ground refueling and rearming here, March 23-27 in preparation for the unit’s upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
Marine Attack Squadron 214, slated to deploy in the coming weeks, sent 22 Marines to Twentynine Palms’ Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, which simulated conditions at a combat zone airfield.
Much like a NASCAR pit stop, the Marines swiftly taxied the jets and pumped hundreds of gallons of fuel and loaded various munitions to return the Harriers to the fight as fast as possible.
The training is a direct response to what the squadron may be asked to do in Afghanistan, said Maj. Roger Hardy, VMA-214 executive officer.
The unit refueled using Marine Wing Support Squadron 374’s pumps at the landing field as well as transferring it directly from one of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352’s parked KC-130J aircraft.
After gas tanks were topped, VMA-214 plane captains directed the Harriers to the ordnance loading area of the taxiway. Once there, ordnance Marines attached 500-pound bombs to the Harriers’ wings and sent pilots back to the skies.
All went smoothly during the training with the exception of some equipment failure.
“The training went great for our first time. We got to work the minor kinks out. That’s the reason we do this training,” said Sgt. Maj. Derek Fry, VMA-214 sergeant major.