MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- In a recent effort to strengthen deployment capabilities and readiness, Combat Service Support Detachment 36 returned to the Station after participating in Dragon Fury '04-1.
The CSSD-36 Marines ventured out to the Haramura training grounds north of Hiroshima Oct. 27-31, to test their mettle away from the friendly confines of Iwakuni.
"The purpose of Dragon Fury is to better prepare our Marines for combat support operations. We asses our capabilities and conduct during a variety of deployment-related activities with an emphasis on Marine battle skills training, commodity mission essential tasks and small unit leadership development in a field environment," said Capt. Craig Petersen, CSSD-36 operations officer.
According to Petersen the exercise gave the Marines a glimpse at the differences between completing their job out in the field compared to performing in the comforts of a garrison environment. To go along with harsher weather conditions and unaccustomed living conditions, the CSSD-36 exercise was led by their noncommissioned officers rather than their officers and staff noncommissioned officers.
"We want wanted to emphasize small unit leadership and what better way to do that than have your corporals and sergeants take charge," said Petersen. "We know they don't always get the opportunity to be in charge and this will only better prepare them in the future."
Sgt. Bridget Erickson took full advantage of leading her Marines and came away from the field exercise with better knowledge than when she went in.
"While at Dragon Fury I was in charge of ensuring all the vehicles performed their mission during the many convoy scenarios we conducted. The exercise was very beneficial to myself and my Marines and we are better prepared for any future operations," said Erickson who acted as the convoy commander during the four-day exercise.
Besides the many classes, which ranged from medical evacuation and defensive operations to patrolling and land navigation, the Marines also had a little fun with bragging rights at stake.
"We had a paintball competition that showed the Marines in further detail what they were being taught in the classes. We also got to see who shot who and there were plenty of proud Marines walking around," said Petersen.
The exercise met with Pfc. William Woolsey's seal of approval, as he was full of smiles and motivation.
"The night patrols, rope bridge and paintball were the best. The whole exercise was a great time and I really learned a lot. I wouldn't change a thing for next year," said the CSSD-36 heavy equipment operator.