An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | July 23, 2021

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron/HMLA-169 Goes the Distance

By 1st Lt. John Hardin and 1st Lt. Tess 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169 executed one of the longest maritime HMLA self-deployment flights in 1st Marine Aircraft Wing history during exercise Tiltrotor/Rotary Wing (TR/RW) 2107. TR/RW 2107 is a unilateral exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan that demonstrates 1st MAW’s capabilities to maintain combat-readiness in a maritime environment.

“The significance of self-deploying HMLA-169 over 1,200 miles demonstrates our ability to execute Distributed Maritime Operations under the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) construct,” said LtCol Eric Fleming, Commanding Officer of HMLA-169.

TR/RW 2107 is part of the Aviation Training Relocation Program designed to integrate air capabilities in unfamiliar environments and further develop and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures within EABO operations. Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 36, to include Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 and HMLA-169 are supporting with MV-22 Ospreys, UH-1Y Venoms, AH-1Z Vipers and 300 Marines and Sailors.

For this iteration of TR/RW, the squadrons are conducting a range of training evolutions from close air support (CAS) to Ground Threat Reaction (GTR). CAS is an offensive air support mission that integrates aviation with ground combat efforts; enabling swift and mobile firepower against enemies near friendly forces. GTR is designed to help Marines develop tactical maneuvering techniques.

“This exercise is an excellent example of the capabilities of the H-1s in the Indo-Pacific. It proves that we can range any adversary in the Pacific theater and conduct missions such as command & control, close air support, deep air support, and aerial reconnaissance with expeditionary and distributed sustainment support,” said Fleming.

EABO’s are not tied to any specific piece of terrain. The forward posture and advanced level of readiness means that 1st MAW can establish expeditionary advanced bases at the time and place of its choosing.

1st MAW trains continuously in challenging and realistic environments and scenarios. The TR/RW events provide an opportunity for 1st MAW to train in different environments and benefit from the advanced training ranges and capabilities in mainland Japan.

For more information on this subject, please contact 1st MAW Communication Strategy and Operations at 1MAWCOMMSTRAT@usmc.mil.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
U.S., ROK accomplish precision strike, close air support training with MQ-9, F-15K
Maintenance personnel standby before an MQ-9 Reaper takes off in support of Freedom Flag 24-1 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 30, 2024. Freedom Flag 24-1 is an advanced, large-scale tactical exercise between the U.S. and allied partners focused to improve overall collective readiness and effectiveness of our air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Serrano)
Oct. 31, 2024 - During Freedom Flag 24-1 training conducted Oct. 30, a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper provided “buddy lase” capabilities for two Republic of Korea F-15K Slam Eagles...

ROK, U.S. conduct large scale F-16 aerial maneuvers for Freedom Flag 24-1
Four U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons flew alongside four ROK F-16 Fighting Falcons for large scale aerial maneuver training as part of Freedom Flag 24-1 Oct. 31, 2024, demonstrating the United States’ ironclad commitment to the ROK-U.S. Alliance. FF 24-1 is a combined, large force flying exercise that strengthens the U.S. relationship with the ROK through large scale, integrated training on advanced, high-end tactics. (Courtesy photo by ROK Air Force)
Oct. 31, 2024 - The U.S. and Republic of Korea ai forces conducted large scale aerial maneuvers as part of Freedom Flag 24-1, Oct. 31, 2024...

USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK's ballistic missile launch
USINDOPACOM STATEMENT GRAPHIC
Oct. 30, 2024 - We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. The United States condemns these actions and calls on the...

Mangudai 2024
U.S. and Republic of Korea Senior Enlisted Leaders cheer on a ROK soldier during a relay race in the Mystery Event at the Mangudai Challenge at Story Live Fire Complex, ROK, Oct. 22, 2024. The U.S. and ROK forces united for physically and mentally intense training to validate their leadership under pressure, demonstrating the strength of the 71-year-old ROK-U.S. Alliance.
Oct. 30, 2024 - More than 50 senior enlisted leaders from the Republic of Korea and United States militaries engaged in Mangudai 2024, which ran from Oct. 22-24, and included events spanning the lengths of Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Camp...

USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group leads Task Force 70 surface, air forces into Keen Sword 25
U.S. 7th Fleet’s premiere forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) steams in the Western Pacific Ocean during Keen Sword 25, Oct. 29. The embarked staff of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group is coordinating air and surface operations in the exercise. Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caroline H. Lui)
Oct. 30, 2024 - The USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is leading a contingent of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70 ships, aircraft and personnel participating in exercise Keen Sword 25 from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1, 2024...