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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
Okinawa Marines leap into action aboard Pacific flight

By Cpl. Daniel Jean-Paul | 1st Marine Aircraft Wing | April 4, 2016

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3/31/2016 -- When Daniel Deamon, Staff Sgt. Timothy Bell, Gunnery Sgt. Paul Corner, Col. Lou Cala, Maj. Troy Cronbaugh, and Devery Grady woke up on March 26, they were expecting a run-of-the-mill flight back to their duty station. Little did they know, they would be called to duty a little bit earlier than they planned for.

Midway through a flight from Honolulu heading to Tokyo, Cronbaugh became aware of a disorderly, elderly passenger sitting a few seats from him. The passenger began to yell threats at the flight attendants, fellow passengers and even his wife.

According to Cronbaugh, he became aware of the situation after hearing yelling from the back of the plane. Cronbaugh quickly sprang in to action and rounded up a few the largest gentlemen he could find on the plane to offer their assistance to flight attendants.

According to Bell, the flight attendants attempted to defuse the situation themselves but immediately came to the conclusion that their efforts were futile.

"At first the flight attendants tried to calm the man down themselves," said Bell. "Once the man became increasingly aggressive, they came back to us and asked if we could apprehend him."

The flight attendants handed the Marines restraints for the passengers hands and feet and the Marines jumped into action. The unruly passenger peacefully allowed the restraints to be placed on his wrist but became enraged as the second set of restraints was placed on his feet.

According to Bell, despite the threats on his life and being spat on, he remained calmed.

"This wasn't the first time that someone threatened me," Bell joked. "But I remained calm. At that point we had to use a little more force but we did everything we could to not hurt him."

Once the man was full restrained and returned to his seat, the plane returned back to Honolulu, where the rowdy passenger was safely turned over to local law enforcement.

Authorities and flight crew thanked the Marines for their quick and effective reaction, with one sheriff praising the Marines ability to restrain the passenger without causing bodily harm.

"I was real proud of how the guys reacted," said Cronbaugh. “Luckily we were able to restrain the gentleman without anyone getting hurt.”
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