Marines integrate with U.S. Air Force Weapons School for close air support training

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Josey Blades
  • 57th Wing Public Affairs

“This event allowed our aircrews to refine their skills in a unique, joint environment, integrating with other aircraft and weapons systems, which they are not often exposed to,” said Maj. Andrew Wing, HMLA-775 “Coyotes” operations officer.

The HMLA-775 Squadron brought two AH-1Z “Viper” Cobras, two UH-1Y “Venom” Hueys and roughly 50 maintenance and support Marines in order to facilitate the flight operations and assist in the training. Using the training grounds at Nellis AFB allowed the Marines to develop a unique perspective of retaining the technological advantage across the Joint Force on the battlefield.

“Any time a Marine Corps aviation unit can venture onto range complexes that fall outside our normal wheelhouse, we get better. Fresh range exposure begets new tactical problem-framing for us, and allows us to become a ‘familiar face’ to the controlling agencies,” Wing added.

Throughout the exercise, Tactical Air Control Party Airmen were the lynchpins for connecting situational awareness, joint targeting for precision fire and maneuvers.  

“Our team of pilots, enlisted aircrew, maintenance Marines and administrative support Marines exercised their vocation with unflinching dedication and aptitude,” said Wing. “These men and women showed our Air Force hosts just how ready we are to support them and fight alongside them.”

Joint forces and allied partners throughout the world use Nellis’ training grounds to create a force multiplier to protect the U.S. and its allies.

“Given the many successes observed during this evolution, we sincerely hope to make this a recurring event,” said Wing.

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