MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- BASCO ISLAND, Philippines - Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 wasted no time stepping up to the challenges posed to it as the most recent squadron assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni under the Unit Deployment Program.
With little more than a week under its belt aboard the Station, the Pegasus took to the skies with four of its CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters and more than 60 personnel and headed for the Philippines to tackle Exercise Talon Vision.
After a quick stop at a Japan Air Self-Defense Force base at Kanoya and another stop at MCAS Futenma, Japan, to refuel, HMH-463 displayed its ability to emulate the mythical flying horse it's named after, conquering more than eight hours of flight time over the Pacific Ocean.
Before reaching its final destination, the Pegasus stopped once again on the small Philippine island of Basco.
However, the stop proved to be much more than just a routine refueling, with the Marines of HMH-463 proudly playing the role of ambassadors for the United States, according to Lt. Col. Scott Kerchner, commanding officer of HMH-463.
"We're grateful that the Philippine government allows us to utilize the airstrip at Basco for refueling," said Kerchner. "There's no way we could accomplish flying this far of a distance without their assistance."
Officials at Basco invited Kerchner to the governor's home during the visit to meet with the governor and diplomats from Manila.
"We don't mind the American planes stopping here to refuel," said Governor Vincente Gato. "We'd just like to meet with them from time to time."
Gato went on to say that the friendship between the Philippines and the United States has been a long-standing relationship.
Many of Basco's residents excitedly came out to the airstrip to get a closer glimpse of their aerial visitors.
"This airstrip has been utilized before, but many times the aircraft would just land, refuel and takeoff," said Gato. "It's good to be able to meet the faces coming to the island, even if it's just a short visit."
Kerchner stressed the importance of the island nation's kindness and extended the Marine Corps' gratitude for their assistance.
"One of the most important factors in maintaining relations between our countries is communication," said Kerchner. "This visit was a great opportunity for us meet and thank the people who support us around the world."
Approximately 800 U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3d Marine Division and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing stationed on Okinawa and Iwakuni, Japan, are participating in the two-week Talon Vision exercise.
It is a bilateral training event focusing on improving military relationships between the Philippines and the U.S. while increasing readiness for both countries.
The exercise emphasizes quality ground and air integrated training at the small-unit level.