GWANGJU AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 provided ordnance, supply and personnel to assist Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 in the endeavors focused on by Exercise Max Thunder 14-1 aboard Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea.
Max Thunder is a semi-annual training event consisting of composite and coalition flight training between the U.S. military and the Republic of Korea Air Force.
Ordnancemen with MALS-12 provided the inert ordnance fired during the exercise, including MK-76 practice bombs for air-to-ground exercises and laser guided training rounds to train in close air support missions.
“VFMA-122 may not have the organic qualifications to transport ordnance, but that does not impede the quality of work that they do, it just presents MALS-12 the opportunity to assist and train with our squadron’s counter parts.” said Sgt. Matthew Ehler, the quality assurance and safety observation officer with MALS-12 for MT 14-1.
While ordnance Marines provided support on the ground, supply Marines were busy ensuring VMFA-122 received mission essential equipment, such as liquid oxygen, generators and ordnance slated to be used. Each supply Marine participating in MT 14-1 received special training on how to operate the stand alone material management system or SAMMS.
The muscle behind MALS-12 came from ground support equipment Marines. The assets GSE provided in support of MT 14-1 included: self-driven weapons loaders to support ordnance operations of MALS-12; mobile electric power plants which support VMFA-122 avionic operations; and hydraulic generators which support VMFA-122 airframes.
“There is no air support without ground support,” said Gunnery Sgt. John Kinghton, the MALS-12 staff noncommissioned officer in charge for MT 14-1. “The combined support package MALS-12 provides is a tailored element of support that is vital to VMFA-122 while operating in a deployed environment.”
Lt. Col. Douglas Dewolfe, the commanding officer of VMFA-122, said that he is grateful of the backing that MALS-12 is showing and expressed his thanks for their support. Dewolfe said VMFA-122 is operating at full capacity thanks to MALS-12 and is looking forward to seeing great things from both squadrons.