MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A key piece to the operational capability of military aircraft stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni lies in the weapons systems that make the fast movers a force to be reckoned with.
Whether the aircraft are permanent to the Station or part of the Unit Deployment Program, the dependability of the 20 and 25mm guns on the aircraft falls solely on the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 Ordnance Shop.
"We're responsible for the upkeep of guns for all the Marine squadrons that come through here, and the occasional Air Force squadron as well," said Gunnery Sgt. Brad Buckley, MALS-12 ordnance production control chief.
Due to the variety of aircraft that come to the Station, MALS-12 ordnance faces challenges unique to the Marine Corps, noted Buckley.
"Squadrons from all around the United States join up here, and this is the only MALS in the Corps that supports both F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier systems," said Buckley. "Our Marines have to know how to handle both."
The aircraft weapons are routinely inspected after they have fired a certain number of rounds, according to Buckley.
"Once a gun has fired so many rounds the squadrons bring them to us and we give them a replacement for their aircraft," said Buckley. "We constantly keep weapons ready to go at a moments notice for the squadrons that need them."
In addition to the variety of weapons the shop encounters, it's also home to Marines from all over the Corps.
"What makes this shop so diverse is the fact that we have Marines coming in with squadrons from the East Coast, West Coast and all over," said Staff Sgt. Brian Wurdinger, MALS-12 Gun Shop staff non-commissioned officer in charge. "They come here and share their experience with each other and get a chance to learn about some weapons they may not be used to."
The shop has had to face the challenge of increased demand as well, especially in the months following Sept. 11, noted Buckley.
"We've been spread pretty thin since September 11, but these Marines have worked hard and have been successful in meeting the needs of the squadrons we support," said Buckley.
Pulling together and keeping in mind the mission at hand has allowed the shop to continually achieve its goals, according to Lance Cpl. Hector Cruz, Marine Attack Squadron 214 ordnance technician.
"It has been a total team effort," said Cruz. "This shop wouldn't be able to do what it does without everyone working together and giving 100 percent."
As a result of the Marines efforts and dedication, the shop will continue to provide squadrons aboard the Station with the tools crucial to mission accomplishment, noted Wurdinger.
"These Marines are proud of the role they play in the Corps and it shows in the work they do," said Wurdinger. "You couldn't ask for a better group of Marines."