MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More than 110 Marines and Sailors from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 returned to the Station April 15 after completing a successful one-month deployment at the Republic of Korea Air Force base in Yechon.
The Marines deployed in support of Exercise Foal Eagle, a joint exercise between U.S. and Korean services. The exercise allowed them to support the air combat element of the exercise, gain experience, and explore a new country.
"We went to Yechon to provide base camp support to the ACE," said 2nd Lt. Matthew Hoffman, detachment officer-in-charge. "We provided airfield operations support to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225."
Supporting VMFA-225 required the detachment to take on a wide variety of rolls, including field mess, engineering, maintenance, communications and fuels, according to Hoffman. In spite of this, the squadron managed to perform above and beyond what was expected of it.
"We had the base camp operational 24 hours early," Hoffman said. "The fuels Marines refueled 24 F/A-18 Hornets, providing more than 37,000 gallons of fuel."
Foal Eagle also presented a challenge for the motor transportation Marines, requiring them to arrange a tactical convoy from the port in Pohang, where they arrived on the WestPac Express high-speed catamaran, to Yechon, noted Hoffman.
"The convoy went through very congested, narrow roads," added Hoffman. "It was challenging, but it went off with no problems and we arrived on time."
While the Marines worked hard to provide base camp support, they found time to enjoy liberty in Korea, including several trips to Osan and other historic areas.
Although there were a variety of missions to tackle, MWSS-171 accomplished their goals under a variety of conditions. To those who witnessed the Marines and Sailors at work, including Maj. Gen. James Cartwright, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general, the hard work of 171 was evident.
"General Cartwright was very impressed by the hard work and high morale of the Marines," said Hoffman. "He was pleased with how hard they were working and the level of support they were providing. All the officers were outspoken about the success of the exercise, which has been one of the best in the past couple of years for the ACE and for 171."