MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Marines from Marine Attack Squadron 211 participated in close-air support training at the Yuma Proving Ground Dec. 8-11, 2009, to prepare themselves for working at a forward operating base.
The training was part of Exercise Prairie Fire, which allowed VMA-211 to run through refueling and reloading on a modified airstrip in order to instill in the Marines a combat mindset.
“The purpose of these types of exercises is to prepare Marines for their next deployment,” said Capt. Timothy Hudson, VMA-211 flight schedule officer, referring to the squadron’s probable deployment to Afghanistan this year.
During deployments, forward operating bases have different airstrips than Marines are used to working with. The runways could be modified to suit their surroundings or the length of the strip could be shorter. Prairie Fire provided VMA-211 pilots a setting where they would be able to improvise their landing techniques on such an airstrip and improve the abilities of the squadron’s ground Marines by preparing the squadron’s AV-8B Harriers for the next takeoff.
Harriers departed the air station and landed at the YPG flight line, where ground support quickly refueled and reloaded them with ordnance without any of the aircraft powering down. Afterwards, the pilots delivered the ordnance to their designated targets.
“We use it to our advantage to teach the Marines how to work as a cohesive unit,” said Capt. Andrew D’Ambrogi, VMA-211 pilot.
Marines with Yuma's Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 handled refueling, while VMA-211 ordnance technicians reloaded the Harriers’ Mark 82 bombs.
Even with the practice runs, there was still an element of danger involved in the exercises.
Live ordnance must be handled carefully, and everyone must be on the same wavelength to ensure the maximum safety of the surrounding Marines, said Wilkinson.
“There’re many risks involved in dropping live ordnance in close proximity to ground troops,” said Hudson. “It requires high coordination between the pilots.”
The Marines prepared for the exercise by going through mission briefings, studying flight plans and performing dry runs of the training two weeks prior. Their practice was put to the test during the four days of training.
“This type of exercise ensures we are more prepared for forward base operations,” said Hudson.