U.S. FLEET ACTIVITIES SASEBO, Japan -- Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 and Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, participated in a site survey and training opportunity aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard at U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, Dec. 4, 2015.
A site survey on a landing zone is conducted to ensure the area is secure and large enough for aircraft to land on safely.
Master Sgt. Charles Garcia, MAG-12 logistics chief, performed the survey of the hangar deck and flight deck to confirm everything was secure enough for Marine Attack Squadron 214 AV-8B harriers to land on.
“The purpose of bringing my Marines was to show them how to show them how to execute a site survey,” said Garcia. “This helped them understand what to look for, what they need, and what questions to ask.”
The Marines traveled through the ship and learned about the different elements that make the ship operational.
Being Cpl. D’Nira Boston’s first time aboard a wasp-class amphibious assault ship, she said she gained a new perspective about life on a ship and its importance in the Marine Corps’ mission.
“I learned the importance of a ship and its contribution to helping aircraft land during emergencies and transporting tactical vehicles to and from different locations,” said Boston, unit movement coordinator with MAG-12.
Garcia said he believes this was a very informative trip and that it benefitted his Marines immensely. He said he plans to coordinate more opportunities like this in the future.