MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 departed Iwakuni Monday on a High Speed Vessel, beginning the 24-hour journey to Camp Mujuk, Korea, to participate in Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens 2007.
A detachment of Marines from Combat Logistics Company 36 is scheduled to depart early next week, joining MWSS-171 in providing logistical support during the exercise.
According to the United States Pacific Command Web site, Exercise UFL 2007 is a command post exercise, largely computer generated, that trains Marines to work with the Republic of Korea Marines, combining tactics and refining procedures for a real-world contingency. It ultimately maximizes the utilization of combined forces in the field.
The sustainment of the 1st Marine Air Wing, participating in the exercise, requires the support of groups such as MWSS-171 and CLC-36.
“(CLC-36) will provide basic services such as postal and dispersing to the 1st Marine Air Wing and all units supporting during the exercise,” said Maj. Josh B. Tuttle, CLC-36 commanding officer and native of Santa Rosa, Calif.
MWSS-171 will work side-by-side with CLC-36, providing maintenance support to participating units.
“This unit has been training for this deployment for nearly four months,” said Staff Sgt. Scotty Arrington, MWSS-171 supply clerk and native of Livingston, Ala. “Countless gear checks, deployment briefs and administrative preparations have taken us to this point. These exercises are why MWSS-171 exists. We couldn’t be more ready.”
“(MWSS-171) will basically be running the camp,” said Cpl. Nathan J. Sellers, MWSS-171 training non-commissioned officer and Rockport, Mass., native. “We’re going to get there before anyone else, set up the infrastructure from the ground up, and make sure everything is running smoothly throughout the entire exercise.”
The support MWSS-171 is providing during the exercise includes maintaining the food and water supply, fueling support, and maintaining showers and shelter.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun out there because we’re finally going to be doing our jobs out in the field,” said Lance Cpl. Robert J. Girard, MWSS-171 water supply technician and Gainesville, Fla., native. “It’s going to be a shining moment for 171 and it’s going to be over pretty quick.”
Exercise UFL 2007 is expected to last about three weeks.
“It’s going to be quite a task but that’s what they’re there for,” said Tuttle.