MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Approximately 165 Yuma-based Marines returned home to the air station May 4, 2010, after two-and-a-half weeks of aerial warfare training at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
With eight AV-8B Harriers, the Marines from Marine Attack Squadron 211 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 participated in Exercise Red Flag-Alaska, which is one of the largest joint-service exercises in the U.S. military.
The goal of the exercise was to get the newer pilots experienced in situations they might face on deployment, said Air Force Maj. Ryan Nudi, 353rd Combat Training Squadron chief of weapons and tactics. The missions build the pilots’ confidence.
Throughout Red Flag, the Avengers completed 83 flight missions, supporting the exercise with close-air support, ordnance delivery to targets and aerial reconnaissance. The Marine pilots also worked closely with Air Force pilots, analyzing and learning from their actions.
“Every aircraft can do something well,” said Nudi. “The whole goal is to have a plan that optimizes the aircraft’s strengths and minimizes its weaknesses.”
However, pilots were not the only ones to benefit from the exercise. Ground maintainers, some training off station for the first time, also got comfortable working away from home.
“This was my first time working outside of Yuma,” said Pfc. Colin Klingler, VMA-211 operations clerk. “It was interesting working with other service members and watching the squadron operate in a completely different place.”
Persevering through cold weather and limited resources, the exercise boosted the squadron’s confidence.
“We can prep the Harriers in any clime and place,” said Lance Cpl. Jesse Montalvo III, squadron powerline mechanic.
“It’s been our pleasure,” said Lt. Col. Vance Cryer, squadron commanding officer, to the other participating units during debriefing. “We look forward to soaring with you in the next flight.”
The Avengers are slated for deployment early next year.