Training Conducted Off Mexican Coast

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 trained along with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 while conducting live-missile training exercises September 10–14. The squadrons launched approximately 28 live missiles at decoys jettisoned into the skies over a training area off the coast of Mexico.

The training is important for the pilots because during simulated exercises, pilots pull the trigger with no actual missile that’s released, according to Major Robert George, the operations officer of VMFA(AW)-242, “The Bats.”

Live-missile training gives pilots the opportunity to see and feel how the aircraft’s weapons system operates with live ammunition. Through this training, pilots also gain a better understanding and appreciation for the capabilities of their aircraft’s weapons systems.

For many of the pilots with the Bats, this exercise provides them with a first time experience with releasing live-missiles from an aircraft.

“It’s my first time shooting a live missile. It was really neat to see the product of what you practice,” said Capt. Elizabeth Pham, a pilot with the Bats.

During the four-day training evolution, the two squadrons alternated roles. One squadron would deploy the decoys while the other practiced firing the missiles at the decoys.

The pilots aren’t the only ones who benefit from training with live missiles. The ordnance Marines get great training during this mission and play a big role in loading, testing and handling the missiles as well as troubleshooting components of the weapons systems, according to George.

The ordnance Marines primary responsibility is to maintain the weapons systems for the entire aircraft and repair components as needed, explained Master Sgt. Victor Colombo, the ordnance chief with the Bats.

During the training, the squadrons employed three types of air intercept missiles.
AIM-7 Sparrow is a radar-guided air-to-air missile. AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking air-to-air missile. AIM-120 Advanced Medium Air-to-Air Missile is a radar-guided missile with radio frequency target detection.

According to Bats pilot, Captain Albert Mendoza, the training offered a very rare opportunity for some very realistic training.

(Aero-News salutes Pfc. Melissa Tugwell, MCAS Miramar)

FMI: www.miramar.usmc.mil/home.htm