MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 prepared ordnance, Oct. 6, 2014, on Osan Air Base, Korea, to be used during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-13.
KMEP 14-13 is a joint, combined exercise that will focus on the integration of aviation and ground assets within the construct of a traditional Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise. The squadron’s participation in KMEP 14-13 will help to increase Marine Aircraft Group 12’s combat readiness, operating skills as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force and enhance joint and combined integration with the United Sates Air Force and Republic of Korea Marine Corps.
“In preparation for the exercise kicking off, we’re doing all the administrative work and preparing seals for all of our ordnance,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Jennings, MALS-12 ordnance staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “MALS ordnance is out here to provide training for aircrew, pilots and squadron level counter parts. We have live ammunition to refine their techniques with engaging the enemy.”
Cpl. Taylor Walter, an ordnanceman with MALS-12, said participating in KMEP 14-13 provides a unique training opportunity and helps to increase her knowledge of her military occupational specialty. Walter is part of the rack shop, which has special mounting systems that hold each kind of ordnance or equipment in place under the wings or fuselage of an aircraft.
“I deal with racks mostly, but going to exercises like these, I get to work in other sections, like guns and gather more knowledge on overall ordnance,” said Walter.
As more assets make their way to Korea for KMEP 14-13, MALS-12 ordnance Marines readily wait to contribute to the exercise.