MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- During a recent deployment to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 conducted a successful live High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile exercise.
The Moondogs, from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., are in the Western Pacific Theater on a six-month deployment. This was their first opportunity to train with live ordnance in three years.
"Anytime you have the chance to work in a new area and work with live ordnance you need to take full advantage of it. It's great training that will get you ready for real world contingencies," said Capt. Dennis Saugstad, VMAQ-3 Standardizations officer.
During the HARM shoot, the squadron launched two EA-6B Prowlers, each armed with live missiles, and fired them in a live ordnance range 240 nautical miles southeast of Okinawa. Two aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 also participated in the evolution.
"On the day that we were originally suppose to do the live fire the range was not clear, but the next day the range was good to go and we were able to successfully complete the evolution," said Saugstad. "Overall the training worked out very well for us."
Not only did the aircrew of VMAQ-3 receive valuable training from the live fire, but also gained more experience handling HARM.
"We had to do a lot of HARM checks on the aircraft to ensure that it was ready to handle the ordnance," said Lance Cpl. Jesse Wagner, VMAQ-3 Aviation Ordnance technician. "You just need to use a little extra caution when your dealing with live ordnance."
In addition to the live fire the squadron also conducted Defensive Tactics training and Night Systems training.
"Our original intent was to go down there and certify two DEFTAC instructors, but due to inclement weather and lack of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 support, we were unable to do that. However, we were able to train and work on our defensive capabilities," said Capt. Paul Johnson, Embarkations officer.
With the assistance of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, the Moondogs worked on basic air maneuvers and conducted threat reaction flights.
The sorties included one on one with the enemy in visual range and beyond visual range.
"The Lancers were a great benefit to our training," said Johnson. "During the flights we would go head to head against their Hornets, flying a profile similar to real world enemy aircraft. They would engage us and we would have to find a way out of the fight. It is great when you have the chance to go up against other types of aircraft because you really find out what they are capable of and how to react to their actions."
During their two-week deployment to Kadena, the Moondogs battled inclement weather and delays to complete their training, but the training they did receive will better prepare them for real life contingency operations.