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Photo Information

Marines train on computers set up by Marine Wing Support Squadron 171. The recently-constructed tents provided coverage from low temperatures and high winds.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Chris Kutlesa

MWSS-171 conducts field training near Penny Lake

12 Jan 2009 | Lance Cpl. Chris Kutlesa Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 held a field exercise near Penny Lake here Jan. 12.

The exercise lasted a week and was designed to help prepare the Marines for future deployments to Korea.

The main focus of the field exercise was to practice setting up and breaking down procedures of tents and communication lines.

More than 45 Marines averaged 12-hour working days while out in the field.

Lighting, computers, generators, and a slew of equipment all had to be put into place in a timely manner.

With no problems, the site was completely ready for operations after only three days.

Breakdown of the site was completed in one afternoon. Before lunchtime the next day, all the equipment was carried offsite.

“Exercises like these boost the efficiency of our operations,” said Lance Cpl. Radcliff E. Reid, vehicle coordinator for MWSS- 171. “If you don’t do it, you loose it!”

A previous field exercise was held four months ago. With the exercises proving to be a success, MWSS-171 will carry on scheduling exercises like these in the future to prompt combat readiness and efficiency.