JOINT-BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, practiced aerial-drop exercises at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, in support of Exercise Kodiak Mace May 25, 2016.
Exercise Kodiak Mace is an annual exercise designed to give U.S. Marines the opportunity to train with the U.S. Army Airborne Division in order to maintain heightened training procedures.
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, also known as the ‘Sumos,’ provided air support to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson by air dropping soldiers and supplies.
VMGR-152’s main objective during the air support missions was to gain a better understanding of other sevice’s jump protocols and procedures since the Marine Corps lacks a military occupational specialty designated for airborne assault.
“It’s important for us to work with other branches of the military so we can understand how everyone else operates,” said Lance Cpl. Samantha Itinger, a KC-130J crew master in-training with VMGR-152. “It’s important to keep us from getting into a habit of doing things a specific way because if something does occur; we will have to work together in order to accomplish the mission.”
The objective is to minimize response times, heighten cohesion between U.S. forces and maintain operational effectiveness while occupying the Pacific region.
“This training will enhance readiness for us both on the air and ground sides so we’re ready to fight the fight with any unit that we may ever need to,” said 1st Lt. Michael Rasmussen, a KC-130J pilot with VMGR-152.
The units successfully completed the jumps and procedures, which enhanced their field experience, military occupation specialty and technical skills while maintaining situational readiness.