MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 94 arrived here from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. Jan. 17.
VFA-94, nicknamed Mighty Shrikes, are here for the first time as part of the Unit Deployment Program. During their six months here they will participate in exercises Foal Eagle and Cobra Gold.
“This deployment is going to offer some extensive air training, as well as joint training with ground forces in the Far East,” said Lt. Joseph M. Harmon, VFA-94 pilot and native of New Braunfels, Texas. “It will let us see how a (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) operates.”
The unit brings with them F/A 18C’s, single seat aircrafts distinguished by their high maneuverability and ability to operate in both air-to-air and air-to-ground.
Lt. Patrick R. Taylor, VFA-94 pilot and Biloxi, Miss., native, said working alongside Marines will offer the sailors new and different training.
“Expeditionary warfare training is something the sailors would not do on a ship,” said Taylor. “They’re definitely getting a taste of that for the first time.”
“Working with Marines is going to be different,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class David W. Robson, VFA-94 avionics technician and Jacksonville, N.C., native. “Marines have a different way of doing things, were going to be introduced to new people and have chances to train with other countries.”
For VFA-94, the deployment ashore is rare and will give them a chance to explore Japan during liberty.
“I plan to visit people here, visit a lot of tourist places and do things you can’t do elsewhere,” said Robson.