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FA-18A++ Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are lined up on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Komatsu ATR
FA-18A++ Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are lined up on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members prepare for a flight on an MV-22B Osprey by putting on cranials to protect their head and ears, as well as an inflatable vest in case of emergency over a body of water, during their visit to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, March 8, 2016. U.S. Marine crew chiefs give safety briefs to their passengers before each flight, explaining emergency exits, evacuation steps. The Japanese service members visited MCAS Futenma to strengthen relations in the Asia-Pacific and to view the capabilities of the Osprey firsthand. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Hester/ Released)
JGSDF Experience Osprey
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members prepare for a flight on an MV-22B Osprey by putting on cranials to protect their head and ears, as well as an inflatable vest in case of emergency over a body of water, during their visit to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, March 8, 2016. U.S. Marine crew chiefs give safety briefs to their passengers before each flight, explaining emergency exits, evacuation steps. The Japanese service members visited MCAS Futenma to strengthen relations in the Asia-Pacific and to view the capabilities of the Osprey firsthand. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Hester/ Released)
An FA-18A++ Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, sits on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Komatsu ATR
An FA-18A++ Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, sits on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)-314, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Operation Kibagata during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2016. Operation Kibagata, a community relations event designed to clean up the local community, brought U.S. and Japanese forces and their families together to clean Kibagata Park. Community relations events are an important aspect of strengthening the unique relationship between the U.S and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Komatsu ATR COMREL
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)-314, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Operation Kibagata during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2016. Operation Kibagata, a community relations event designed to clean up the local community, brought U.S. and Japanese forces and their families together to clean Kibagata Park. Community relations events are an important aspect of strengthening the unique relationship between the U.S and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
U.S. Marines put out the last few spot fires on an engulfed aircraft during a training exercise with Royal Thai sailors as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, Feb. 19, 2016. The Marines and Thai sailors trained together throughout the exercise to build relationships and skills. Cobra Gold is a multi-national exercise designed to increase cooperation and interoperability between participating nations in the Asia-Pacific. The Marines are with the aircraft rescue and firefighting section with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36. 1st Marines Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Cobra Gold: Training in Flames
U.S. Marines put out the last few spot fires on an engulfed aircraft during a training exercise with Royal Thai sailors as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, Feb. 19, 2016. The Marines and Thai sailors trained together throughout the exercise to build relationships and skills. Cobra Gold is a multi-national exercise designed to increase cooperation and interoperability between participating nations in the Asia-Pacific. The Marines are with the aircraft rescue and firefighting section with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36. 1st Marines Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
FA-18A++ Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are lined up on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Komatsu ATR
FA-18A++ Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are lined up on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)-314, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Operation Kibagata during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2016. Operation Kibagata, a community relations event designed to clean up the local community, brought U.S. and Japanese forces and their families together to clean Kibagata Park. Community relations events are an important aspect of strengthening the unique relationship between the U.S and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
Komatsu ATR COMREL
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)-314, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Operation Kibagata during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2016. Operation Kibagata, a community relations event designed to clean up the local community, brought U.S. and Japanese forces and their families together to clean Kibagata Park. Community relations events are an important aspect of strengthening the unique relationship between the U.S and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
FA-18A++ Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are lined up on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members prepare for a flight on an MV-22B Osprey by putting on cranials to protect their head and ears, as well as an inflatable vest in case of emergency over a body of water, during their visit to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, March 8, 2016. U.S. Marine crew chiefs give safety briefs to their passengers before each flight, explaining emergency exits, evacuation steps. The Japanese service members visited MCAS Futenma to strengthen relations in the Asia-Pacific and to view the capabilities of the Osprey firsthand. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Hester/ Released) An FA-18A++ Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, sits on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)-314, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Operation Kibagata during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2016. Operation Kibagata, a community relations event designed to clean up the local community, brought U.S. and Japanese forces and their families together to clean Kibagata Park. Community relations events are an important aspect of strengthening the unique relationship between the U.S and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) U.S. Marines put out the last few spot fires on an engulfed aircraft during a training exercise with Royal Thai sailors as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, Feb. 19, 2016. The Marines and Thai sailors trained together throughout the exercise to build relationships and skills. Cobra Gold is a multi-national exercise designed to increase cooperation and interoperability between participating nations in the Asia-Pacific. The Marines are with the aircraft rescue and firefighting section with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36. 1st Marines Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. FA-18A++ Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron(VMFA) 314, forward based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are lined up on the flightline at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise March 7-18, 2016. VMFA-314, also known as the “Black Knights,” took the lead in conducting dissimilar air combat training and bilateral tactical mission training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Not only does this training mission increase the squadron’s readiness in air-to-air mission sets and executes flight leadership qualification upgrades, it supports theater security cooperation and combined interoperability with the JASDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released) Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)-314, forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in Operation Kibagata during the Komatsu Aviation Training Relocation exercise at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2016. Operation Kibagata, a community relations event designed to clean up the local community, brought U.S. and Japanese forces and their families together to clean Kibagata Park. Community relations events are an important aspect of strengthening the unique relationship between the U.S and Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg/Released)
What We Fly
1ST MAW NEWS
Cobra Gold 16: Training in Flames

By Cpl. William Hester | 1st Marine Aircraft Wing | February 20, 2016

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U.S. Marines put out the last few spot fires on an engulfed aircraft during a training exercise with Royal Thai sailors as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, Feb. 19, 2016. The Marines and Thai sailors trained together throughout the exercise to build relationships and skills. Cobra Gold is a multi-national exercise designed to increase cooperation and interoperability between participating nations in the Asia-Pacific. The Marines are with the aircraft rescue and firefighting section with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36. 1st Marines Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Cobra Gold: Training in Flames
U.S. Marines put out the last few spot fires on an engulfed aircraft during a training exercise with Royal Thai sailors as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, Feb. 19, 2016. The Marines and Thai sailors trained together throughout the exercise to build relationships and skills. Cobra Gold is a multi-national exercise designed to increase cooperation and interoperability between participating nations in the Asia-Pacific. The Marines are with the aircraft rescue and firefighting section with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36. 1st Marines Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
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02.20.2016 -- UTAPAO, Thailand - U.S. Marines and Royal Thai Sailors have grown close during exercise Cobra Gold 16. They’ve spent every day together, living, eating and training.

Marines with aircraft rescue and firefighting section, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 teamed up with Royal Thai Sailors during a unique training event, February 16, 2016, where they set an unserviceable aircraft on fire to practice their procedures together.

“We’re going to use our roof turrets and rain down to put out most of the fire when we come up to any aircraft that is fully engulfed,” said Sgt. J. Diskin, an aviation rescue and firefighter with MWSS 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “When we spray our roof turrets we’re putting out 90 percent of the fire in the first minute.”

Using their roof turrets is the first step in the process of putting out an engulfed aircraft. Once they have the fire under control they send in the hand line operators.

“There’s going to be fuel on the ground when you have an aircraft crash,” said Diskin, from Uda, Texas. “We simulated spraying the fuel away from them, they got to the aircraft, made entry and put out the cargo area.”

During this event there were two teams, one being Royal Thai sailors, and the other being U.S. Marines. Together, they worked together to put out spot fires with hand line hoses.

Throughout this exercise the Marines and Thai Sailors have spent most of their time together.

“Cobra Gold has been a really good experience,” said Diskin. “I’ve learned a lot from the Thais, and we’ve had a pretty strong bond. A lot of the guys came last year so we’ve been able to share a lot of moments together during training, like the fire today.”

Cobra Gold is a multi-national exercise designed to improve cooperation and interoperability with aims to preserve and promote peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

“I hope my Marines got to do something they won’t get to do anywhere else,” said Diskin. “It gives us a different perspective and is good for the Marines to learn new ideas and ways to do things. They can bring that knowledge back to grow themselves.”
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