EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 arrived here recently to participate in Northern Edge 2004.
The squadron lent its assets to an exercise that will incorporate more than 150 aircraft and 9,000 military members from all four branches of the service and the Coast Guard.
"This exercise is vitally important to joint training in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility," said Air Force Col. Steven Hatter, NE04 exercise director.
"During the exercise, our Marines will participate in a variety of missions," stated Maj. Michael Rodriguez, pilot and maintenance officer for VMFA(AW)-225. "The missions will include close air support, defensive counter air exercises, maritime integration, special operations and personnel recovery operations."
In addition to testing the readiness of military forces, the training will help Marine aircrews to practice their vital missions in a joint-service environment, said Rodriguez.
"One of the challenges we face as a squadron is coordinating the logistical effort needed to support a squadron of aircraft on deployment," said Rodriguez. "So far the Marines are doing a great job. The maintenance crews have been working long hours to ensure the exercise is successful."
Rodriguez also credits the Air Force for their help in preparing for the exercise.
"From billeting and providing work spaces to planning, they've given us all the support we need logistically and tactically," he said.
The exercise is normally held during the winter, but was moved to June this year in order to accommodate the worldwide scheduling of combat forces and the availability of a carrier strike group, said Hatter.
"There are some major advantages to holding NE04 during the summer," Hatter said. "Mainly the excellent weather we have here in June. Disadvantages include limited night training, and of course, no cold-weather training."
Near the conclusion of the exercise, the Marines of '225 will be returning to their current post in Iwakuni.