Iwakuni Approach Staff TINIAN, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands -- Tinian, an island which is rich in aviation history, provides Marines participating in Exercise Geiger Fury 2012 an opportunity to conduct aviation ground support training in an expeditionary environment.
Marines took full advantage of the opportunity and to work side-by-side with their civilian counterparts.
Lance Cpl. Bryan K. Costorf an aircraft rescue firefighter dispatcher with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12, and Raena P. Cing, Tinian airport radio service operator, are one example of effective teamwork.
Cing is responsible for all airfield operations on Tinian’s West Field. Her duties include acting as the primary line of communication between aircraft and ground control, radio baseline communications, and hourly weather observer and reporter.
“I do it all,” said Cing. “I am glad the Marines are here. This is a whole new experience for me.”
Cing and Costorf work side-by-side in the radio communications center to alleviate differences between civilian and Marine Corps airfield operation requirements.
“It has been great learning what Marines do,” said Cing. “They tend to speak in a language all their own. One Marine told me it was called ‘Marine jargon.’ I think I’m picking up on it pretty quick.”
From the moment the Marines arrived, from both sea and air, the local population has looked upon them with admiration. People here are curious about the activities of the Marines repairing the historic airfield, which played a pivotal role in bringing an end to World War II.
Much of the local community has gone out of their way to make the Marines feel welcome, bringing gifts such as coffee, watermelons, mangos and more.
“It has been really good to experience the culture,” said Costorf. “I did not think it would be this nice here, nor did I anticipate the people would be as friendly and welcoming as they have been.”
Exercise Geiger Fury 2012 allows both the people of Tinian and the Marines of MAG-12, MWSS-171 to come together and resurrect historical bonds. Exercises such as Geiger Fury further strengthen the professional cooperation and personal friendships quickly developed here.