MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Members of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 conducted training at Landing Zone Dove during Exercise Bulldozer, Jan. 10-12.
The Marines’ work included setting up facilities housing the site’s overnight personnel, conducting airfield damage repair and working a laser leveling system.
The training began as the Marines simulated airfield explosion damage by digging a 30 by 20 foot hole. The engineers then filled, compacted and leveled the crater, assuring it would be stable enough to support vertical take-offs and landings.
The Marines showed they were ready to tackle the job, understanding the importance of the training.
“It’s a real-life scenario,” said Cpl. Kyle L. Wicks, MWSS-171 heavy equipment operator and Springfield, Ohio native. “We have to be able to do this in a quick and timely manner, so it’s good to make sure everyone is prepared.”
Chief Warrant Officer Marlon T. Porche, MWSS-171 heavy equipment officer and Baton Rouge, La. native, gave the engineers a four-hour deadline to have the damage repaired and meet the necessary bearing ratios to support aircraft. He was pleased his Marines performed the task in well under that time.
“This is exactly what we do in Korea,” Porche said. “If the North Koreans were to bomb a runway, we’d have to go out there and fix it. The Marines today are doing excellent to outstanding. They’re motivated and getting the job done.”
A generator, tent and communication equipment were also set up to support the service members staying at LZ Dove overnight.
Cpl. Steven C. Culp, MWSS-171 field radio operator and Lubbock, Texas native, was responsible for ensuring the Marines in the field would have radio contact with the control center.
Things are going well so far, said Culp. Getting the motor transportation and engineer Marines up to speed on the radio equipment has been a good experience, and everyone seems to be learning something today.
The Marines implemented a laser leveling system to help them construct a 100 by 100 foot vertical take-off and landing pad. The high-tech gear allowed the engineers to make a precise grade on the pad, allowing for water runoff.
Staff Sgt. Tony L. Covington, MWSS-171 heavy equipment operator and Clute, Texas, native feels that despite the Marines’ limited experience with the system, their end product was impressive.
“For the majority of (the Marines), this was their first time using the system, and I couldn’t have asked for a better job,” Covington said. “Now we have trained 10 Marines that can teach other Marines in Iwakuni.”
The Marines wrapped up their training at LZ Dove by putting the finishing touches on the helicopter pad and later by tearing down the campsite. Porche feels the week’s training exemplified the teamwork and skill his Marines are capable of and knows the practice at LZ Dove will only make them more proficient at their jobs.
“It’s what we do as Marines,” said Porche. “This isn’t something we can accomplish in Iwakuni. So the more we train out here, the more it becomes second nature.”