U.S. Marines provide Air Component Commander powerful air presence, support for UFG '11

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Joyce H. Guthrie
  • 7th Air Force Public Affairs
Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea --  U.S. Marines from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, (1MAW), Okinawa, Japan, spent 10 days participating in Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2011 here, working with their Republic of Korea and U.S. Air Force aviation counterparts. The 1MAW, led by Major General William Beydler, provided Lt Gen Jeffrey Remington, Combined Air Component Commander for UFG '11, with a Marine Air Command presence and added aviation support where and when needed.

The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, as the Aviation Combat Element of III Marine Expeditionary Force, provides combat ready, task organized forces capable of conducting aviation operations across all six functions of Marine Aviation in naval and expeditionary environments, and commands and controls aviation forces through the Tactical Air Command Center in order to contribute to the accomplishment of national security objectives.

Maj Gen William Beydler, leading a team of approximately 40 Marines and sailors from 1MAW, participated fully in the air campaign planning process, integrating both himself and his Marines seamlessly into the exercise air campaign strategy. This participation and the capabilities they brought made them a force multiplier for the Alliance during UFG '11.

"The Marines have been extremely helpful during this exercise and very diligent in their efforts to integrate with both U.S. and RoK forces," said Lt Gen Remington. "Their aircraft and aviators bring a powerful presence to our air campaign planning process."

1MAW aviators fly both the FA-18 Hornets and the AV-8B Harriers.

Major Kevin Lipski, Marine Liaison Officer to the 7th Air Force on Osan Air Base, acted as the bridge between the Marines and 7 AF during UFG '11.

"1MAW and the 7 AF enjoy a close working relationship, and UFG is a great opportunity for the 1MAW Marines to work side by side with their 7AF counterparts in a tactical training environment," said Major Lipski. "The Marines appreciated the opportunity to work closely with both 7AF and RoK aviators in a Joint/Combined training environment."