MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 arrived here from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., as part of a six-month Unit Deployment Program, July 16.
VMFA-314, known as the Black Knights, is replacing U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 94, who has returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.
Capt. Scott J. Montgomery, VMFA-314 pilot training officer and a native of Detroit, explained the deployment gives the unit exposure to working with militaries of other countries.
VMFA-314, which employs single seat F/A18C Hornets, will have the opportunity to train in Korea, Okinawa and Bangladesh.
“We’re also here to provide that presence here and train in a forward deployed area,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Goodman, VMFA-314 intelligence chief and a native of Hesperia, Calif.
Between exercises, the pilots of VMFA-314 will have the opportunity to earn forward air controller-airborne qualifications. FAC(A) qualifications allow pilots to provide safety for troops by designating and attacking targets on the ground during war.
“We’re focusing on the younger pilots in the squadron to prepare them to go to Iraq for future deployments,” said Montgomery.
During their time in the Far East the Marines plan to visit Iwo Jima for a period of military instruction and are looking forward to interacting with foreign counterparts.