MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- After nine months in the Asia-Pacific region training and exploring, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, also known as the “Cowboys”, departed Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 9, 2014.
The Cowboys increased combat readiness with various training exercises throughout their stay at MCAS Iwakuni. The squadron was here as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
“Our reservists received training that would have taken them years and years to get compared to what they got in nine months, so it’s been absolutely outstanding,” said Sgt. Maj. Scott A. Miller, sergeant major of VMFA-112.
Miller said that with the unique tasks that occurred during their UDP, active duty Marines increased their learning curve via operational tempo, launching jets and taking care of mechanical issues.
The squadron activated on April 1, 2013, and has subsequently shown improvement, both professionally and personally, according to Miller.
“Our Marines have matured in a lot of different ways, and they’re going to be better Marines and better citizens when they return home,” said Miller. “That’s an additional benefit that a deployment gives Marines, whether officer or enlisted.”
According to Lt. Col. Michael P. Jeffries, commanding officer of VMFA-112, the Cowboys first mobilized for the Global War on Terrorism on June 27, 2009, and since then have made it an objective to train vigorously when possible.
“I’ve had all my Marines full-time for nine months, so that’s a huge training opportunity rather than just drill and status,” said Jeffries. “For us, as a reserve unit, I get my Marines for only one weekend a month and a couple of training detachments a year and that’s it. Having them for this extended time period with continuous training allowed Marines to get qualifications, increasing the squadron’s readiness for any need down the road.”
Typically, VMFA-112 goes on UDPs for six months, but the squadron spent three months in Hawaii receiving in pre-deployment training. This extra time has given the squadron a tremendous opportunity to showcase its skills despite being a reserve unit.
“Our goal was to come out here and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the MAG and have everyone look at us the way they do everyone else,” said Jeffries. “We’re reservists, but we’re all Marines undertaking the same mission and we wanted to demonstrate we’re just like them.”
As VMFA-112 returns to Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, they plan to get a well-deserved break before getting back into training, according to Jeffries.