MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Expeditionary aircraft technicians from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 conducted a field exercise at Penny Lake here July 27 through Saturday.
“Most people don’t know the full extent of our (military occupational speciatly) once we are out in a field environment,” said Lance Cpl. Troy R. Oliver, an expeditionary airfield technician. “In the field it is our job to basically set up an airfield for everything from jets to helicopters.” The main reason we have conducted this exercise is to better ourselves and our ability to get the job done in a timely manner.”
During the exercise Marines were tested on their knowledge and had to learn new skills.
During a normal workday airfield technicians typically do not work with the equipment used on deployments.
Master Sgt. Michael T. Westcott said the field exercise is the first time most of the Marines used the equipment.
Westcott pointed out the exercise was not only an opportunity for the Marines to get acquainted with the gear, but a chance to work as a team in a field environment.
“Going through procedures while at the station is good practice and it helps things run smoother in a deployed environment,” said Westcott.
Marines attended eight classes designed and taught by other Marines in their shop. Classes covered a variety of topics from installing a medical evacuation pad to assembling shelters.
“I really liked that all the classes were very hands-on,” said Lance Cpl. Jessica Garcia, an expeditionary aircraft technician. “I really appreciated how all the instructors really broke everything down step-by-step.”
Over the course of the week the Marines had a chance to put what they learned in the classroom into action through various training scenarios.
Garcia said in one of the scenarios they had to set up a refueling station but at the last moment found out they had to reverse the refueling station to better accommodate the aircraft.
“The scenarios were realistic and definitely something we should always prepare for,” said Garcia. “By practicing out here we are ensuring things run smoother when we are on an actual deployment.”
One scenario scheduled at night gave Marines the opportunity to assemble a lit-up airstrip. The scenarios at night were scheduled, but the spurts of rain the Marines encountered were not.
“The rain won’t stop us, lightning will, but rain won’t,” said Garcia with a smirk on her face.