CAMP FUJI, Japan -- Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, deployed to Camp Fuji for Exercise Eagle Warrior '05, participated with a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) mission where the Quick Reaction Force provided support, Sept. 13.
The purpose of the exercise was to setup a FARP, a temporary landing zone for aircraft located closer to areas of operation to provide fuel and ammunition.
"We know how to provide expeditionary airfield services back in Iwakuni," said Capt. Trevor M. Hublin, MWSS-171 Air Operations company commander. "Here, we get the opportunity to practice it in a tactical environment."
The exercise started off with 12 lucky Marines from the QRF and camp security, who were chosen to ride in the Blackhawk to screen out possible enemy routes, look for the enemy and report the information back to base before it refueled. In the middle of the flight, the helicopter flew to Landing Zone Dove, where the FARP is located, to not only refuel the helicopter, but also to give the Marines on the ground the training of securing the landing zone before the bird flew in.
"I was part of the Quick Reaction Force mobile, we provided security for the fuel truck and the bird when it landed," said Pfc. Bradley E. Zearfoss, MWSS-171 QRF member. "It was exciting to see a helicopter land 20 feet in front of me, and to provide security for it."
After the Marines on the ground secured the FARP, the Blackhawk landed, causing a sandstorm. But once it stopped, and the crew gave the thumbs up, the bulk fuel Marines rushed in to refuel it.
"The refueling exercise is like NASCAR," said Sgt. Jesus Coria, MWSS-171 refueling operator. "We were the pit crew. We had to refuel the Blackhawk as fast as possible to get it back in the race."
After they refueled the Blackhawk, the last stick of Marines were given one last ride around the camp, and then the giant bird flew off into the sunset.
"Flying in the Blackhawk was awesome. When you look down from the sky all the Marines on the ground looked like ants," said Lance Cpl. Joaquin E. Pimentel, MWSS-171 QRF member. "The ride reminded me of when I was kid playing video games, except this time I actually felt the wind in my face."
"The Marines did a great job," said Hublin. "Setting up the FARP and refueling the Blackhawk were all done in a tactical manner."