An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .mil
A
.mil
website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
lock
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Skip to main content (Press Enter).
HOME
LEADERSHIP
Commander
Deputy Commander
Chief of Staff
Senior Enlisted Leader
Leadership
ABOUT USINDOPACOM
History
USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility
USPACOM Previous Commanders
Organization Chart
Women, Peace and Security
Indo-Pacific Health Security Alliance - IPhsa
About USINDOPACOM
MEDIA
NEWS
Press Releases and Readouts
Photos
Speeches / Testimony
Freedom of Information Act
FOIA - Reading Room
Submit FOIA Request
Request Status
FOIA FAQS
2024 Banner Photos
Media
RESOURCES
Travel Requirements
Useful Theater Information
FAQ
Useful Links
Newcomers
Resources
CONTACT
Media Inquiries
Industry Engagements
Contact
JTF - RED HILL
JTF-MICRONESIA
Search
Home
Media
NEWS
News Article View
Home
Media
NEWS
News Article View
HOME
LEADERSHIP
Commander
Deputy Commander
Chief of Staff
Senior Enlisted Leader
ABOUT USINDOPACOM
History
USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility
USPACOM Previous Commanders
Organization Chart
Women, Peace and Security
Indo-Pacific Health Security Alliance - IPhsa
MEDIA
NEWS
Press Releases and Readouts
Photos
Speeches / Testimony
Freedom of Information Act
FOIA - Reading Room
Submit FOIA Request
Request Status
FOIA FAQS
2024 Banner Photos
RESOURCES
Travel Requirements
Useful Theater Information
FAQ
Useful Links
Newcomers
CONTACT
Media Inquiries
Industry Engagements
JTF - RED HILL
JTF-MICRONESIA
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-152, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron-121 Fuel Capabilities
12 April 2017
From Lance Cpl. Joseph Abrego
Download
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 conducted aviation delivered ground refueling with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 11, 2017.
The ADGR marked the first evolution of this form of refueling for VMFA-121’s F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
The purpose of the training was to establish flow rates of fuel in gallons per minute distributed to the F-35B Lightning II aircraft by KC-130J Hercules, to see how fast the process would be if used in a real-world scenario.
“It felt great to be a part of today’s refueling, it was surreal,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Keon Willingham, a powerline mechanic with VMFA-121. “Being able to participate in the first ADGR with the F-35 is something I can look back on and be eager to tell stories about.”
Successfully completing the aviation delivered ground refueling is a landmark that increases the capabilities of the squadron, offering the ability to refuel by C-130 aircraft in austere locations when other resources aren’t available.
Despite reaching a milestone in aviation, the training offered more than memories.
“I’m going to take away how multi-face this operation was,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Schoon, ordnance technician with VMFA-121. “We had to deal with different components from the pilot in a running F-35, to a running KC-130 and Marines from VMGR 152. There was a lot of communication, and I had to keep my head on a swivel the whole time. That’s something I’ll be able to apply in any situation.”
The Marines with both squadrons faced issues with the climate but didn’t let it stop them from accomplishing their tasks.
“The weather played a big factor in the training today with safety, visibility and communication,” said Schoon. “Training with the engines on the aircraft still running made it very hard to hear so we had to use hand signals. The rain made visibility with eye protection on difficult, so we had to ensure we were being thorough and making safety a priority.”
VMFA-121 used the ADGR on the air station as a stepping stone to prepare for real-time refueling in remote locations.
“Completing this training is a huge confidence boost for us,” said Willingham. “Being the first to successfully complete this training and being able to do so safely, gives everyone involved the state of mind that they can accomplish anything. We will continue to train, and we will improve anywhere we can.”
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
"Just sitting side by side, eating together, sharing good meals together, that m...
Working with our network of allies and partners ensures a #FreeandOpenIndoPacifi...
Adm. Phil Davidson at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia. #...
Join us LIVE at the Halifax International Security Forum this Saturday! Adm. Dav...
"We must work together, across academia, industry, the government, and the milit...
"USINDOPACOM’s cyber strategy emphasizes backing the region’s joint and combined...
"To all our veterans who've worn the cloth of our nation, thank you for answerin...
"It's important that the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Australia & other friends & a...
United States Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. David L. Goldfein spent his early ...
It’s Happening. Tiger TRIUMPH, the first ever tri-service exercise between the ...
Happy Veteran's Day to our past, present and future #Veterans. #FreeandOpenIndoP...
Stronger together for a #FreeandOpenIndoPacific
“Our veterans past, and the servicemen and women of today, have helped to preser...
Commander @INDOPACOM Adm. Phil Davidson, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chi...
Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander U.S.Indo-Pacific Command, meets with Tarō Kōno, Ja...
Gen. David L. Goldfein has a short message to our adversaries: We're here, and...
ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM
Guidance-Card-Icon
Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon