ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE TOWNSVILLE, Australia -- Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18 from Okinawa, Japan, deployed a detachment of about two dozen personnel and their assets here to support Marine Aircraft Group 12, the air combat element for 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade during Exercise Talisman Saber 2007 from mid-June to early July.
For this exercise, the detachment has also integrated with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 to enhance both units’ communication abilities, adding to the capability of 3rd MEB.
“We’re learning to work together with other units to accomplish the mission,” said 2nd Lt. Nathaniel P. Capdepon, MWCS-18 detachment officer-in-charge and New Orleans native.
After receiving their embarked equipment last week, the squadron’s Marines set up electrical generators and communications equipment with the help of their MWSS-172 counterparts.
“It’s necessary for us to power our communications equipment without relying on our host,” said Staff Sgt. Ken P. Elm, MWCS-18 setachment staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and Dover, Ohio, native. Their only requirement is diesel fuel, which can be cleaned by MWSS-172 Marines if necessary.
Once power is established, the squadron can focus on their primary mission here.
“We’re here to support MAG-12 flight operations by providing external satellite connectivity in order to facilitate communication,” Capdepon said. They are here to install, operate and maintain external communications throughout the exercise, helping ensure 3rd MEB’s mission success.
According to Sgt. Nathan D. Heilman, MWCS-18 data chief and Everett, Wash., native, MWCS-18 is the general support squadron for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, MAG-12’s parent command, when it comes to communication. “We have a full array of communication assets,” he said.
The equipment between the satellite connection and internal communication has been described as a network in a box, consisting of security, management and end-user solutions. It is easily packed up and moved when needed, according to Heilman.
The external link MWCS-18 provides compliments the internal communication abilities of MWSS-172.
“We support the airfield operations, including communications, and (MWCS-18) adds to our capabilities,” said Maj. Jeffrey D. Lee, MWSS-172 detachment officer-in-charge and Olympia, Wash., native.