MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Navy Strike Fighters Squadron 97 and supporting Marines departed, Tuesday, for the 2005 Thailand Incremental Training Program in Khorat, Thailand.
The primary purpose of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing exercise is to provide Marine and Navy squadrons the opportunity to conduct combined air-to-air and air-to-ground core competency training with Royal Thai Air Force units.
“We’re going over there to do joint operations with the Thai,” said Lt. Cmdr. Andrew McFarlane, VFA-97 administrative officer. “We’ll be doing dissimilar aircraft combat training. We’ll have large-scale exercises with some aircraft simulating an enemy.”
In addition to the simulated combat exercises, Navy airmen will conduct close air support training.
“Troops on the ground will be directing aircraft where to drop their bombs,” said McFarlane. “We’re going to be working with the Thai air force throughout - learning how to communicate and integrate.”
Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey L. Norris, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 Explosive Ordnance Disposal staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, said the annual exercise has already established a lasting, positive relationship with the Thai air force.
“Over the past two years, (MWSS-171) has worked with RTAF for the TITP and Cope Tiger exercises,” said Norris. “We’ve established a phenomenal report in the past and we look forward to continuing to work with them in future.”
Norris said the deployment also offers Marines an outstanding cultural experience.
“For a lot of the Marines, this is not only their first trip to Thailand, but it’s also their first TAD (Temporary Assigned Duty) trip in the Marine Corps,” he said.
“It’s always exciting to be introduced to a new culture, no matter where you’re going,” affirmed Staff Sgt. Lonnie P. Boyd, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, expeditionary airfield staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “It’s a great chance to see how other people do business and show them how we do business.”
Through planned sight-seeing tours and daily interaction with Thai service members, Marines and Sailors are sure to benefit from a positive cultural experience.
“All these troops will get a chance to experience a new culture and work with a foreign service,” said McFarlane.