MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Aircraft Group 12 participated in 7th Air Force Air Combat Command’s Exercise Foal Eagle 2009 March 30 to April 3 here.
Foal Eagle is an annual field training exercise that combines joint U.S. and Republic of Korea forces in simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground combat scenarios.
The exercise tests the ability of the ROK to defend itself against an invading force and incorporates all branches of the U.S. military and ROK forces, according to exercise officials.
During Foal Eagle, MAG-12 F/A-18 Hornets flew simulated combat missions, from MCAS Iwakuni, over the Republic of Korea in a combined effort with the ROK Air Force to wipe out the “Red Air” and to support the U.S. and ROK troops operating on the ground.
MAG-12 usually deploys to Yecheon Air Base, ROK, but operated out of Iwakuni this year due to fiscal and logistical restraints. In-flight refueling was crucial to mission accomplishment and was achieved with support from VMGR-152 and the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, both based in Okinawa.
Additionally, Marines from MWSS-171, MALS-12, VMFA(AW)-242, and VMFA(AW)-225 were inserted into Yecheon to provide ground re-fueling which gave the air-toground missions more time in the training ranges.
“The exercise was designed to improve integration at each level of command in a joint and combined environment as well as provide an opportunity to evaluate internal processes and procedures,” said Maj. Jason D. Pejsa, MAG-12 action officer for Exercise Foal Eagle 2009.
Overall the exercise was successful from many perspectives. U.S. and Korean forces were able to identify keys to success that will further enable them to conduct successful integrated combat operations.
“At the end of the day, we fulfilled the commander’s intent,” said Pejsa. “As a MAG, we overcame fiscal, logistical and planning limitations unique to this year’s exercise.
“MAG-12 was extremely impressed by the professionalism of every Marine that supported each sortie we generated, from turning wrenches here in Iwakuni to fueling jets from austere Yecheon to representing the MAG as a liaison in Osan.
“The intellect, tactical execution, and flight leadership from the aircrew was second to none and it was apparent in flight.
“The exercise duration did not allow a gradual increase in complexity.
“From the first to last mission, our squadrons safely executed joint, bi-lateral, large force on force, and multi-plane engagements while overcoming challenging weather, significant language barriers, and integration of airspace and air forces with very different operating procedures.”