ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, also known as the Silver Eagles, practiced different flight scenarios as part of Exercise Wolmi-do Fury, here Dec. 7.
Exercise Wolmi-do Fury is an approximately monthlong training exercise that includes a flying surge in a 72-hour time period designed to push Marines and sailors to their limits, improving combat proficiency.
VMFA -115 is part of the Unit Deployment Program, which allows squadrons a chance to train in the Pacific theater and perform a wide range of scenarios over approximately a six-month period.
Training in different areas worldwide allows the Marines to be ready to successfully complete any type of mission whether it be refueling, air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat or any scenario which may occur.
“For my flight during Exercise Wolmi-do Fury, we took off in the afternoon and practiced armed reconnaissance and strike coordination,” said Capt. Christopher F. Melling, an F/A- 18 Hornet pilot from VMFA -115 in training to become a section leader. “We received gas by aerial refueling from a KC-10 Extender, then we were able to finish flying missions before landing.”
During the flying scenario, pilots of VMFA -115 faced multiple types of weather conditions; Light rains, heavy rains and complete darkness.
“The weather was a significant challenge, not being able to physically see your fellow pilots made it more difficult,” said Melling. “We had to give up that mutual support due to the weather, and rely on our aircraft sensors and technology to help complete the mission.”
Weather plays a critical role in mission accomplishment, but the Marines of VMFA - 115 push themselves in order to ensure pilots have what they need in order to successfully complete their mission.
“The rain is difficult to see in, and it’s hard enough at night,” said Sgt. Ethan D. Hitchcock, a VMFA -115 power- line technician. “On a normal day you would be able to see what the pilot is telling you but the rain makes it harder to communicate."
Marines maintain the aircraft and perform complete inspections before and after every flight.
“All of the inspections are going to take a little longer. Because of the weather, we need to walk around the entire aircraft with flashlights,” said Hitchcock.
Even when Marines try to fix a problem to the best of their abilities, unexpected problems will always arise.
“A lot of the problems out here are caused by low visibility because of the little amount of light,” said Hitchcock. “The few lights we do have reflect off different surfaces.”
The bad weather creates many problems for personnel who perform a multitude of jobs.
“Working with ordnance, the smallest mistake could be (catastrophic) and every task is harder during the night,” said Lance Cpl. Gregory T. Morris, a VMFA -115 ordnance technician. “Especially with the addition of bad weather, there is an increased possibility of substantial problems.”
With the added possibilities of problems, bad weather forces everyone to stay vigilant and ensure safety among the unit.
“Weather is just an added factor, safety is still our primary concern,” said Morris. “Bad weather and the night are more factors which makes everything more difficult.”
Marines complete their mission whether it deals with ordnance, power lines, maintenance or flying planes during good or bad conditions.
Marines and sailors are not always stationed in a comfortable climate. Practice and preparation for any type of weather will help every mission be successful.