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USS Iwo Jima Achieves Flight Deck Certification with Green Team Integration

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USS Iwo Jima certifies flight deck with Green Team integration



The recent at-sea exercises saw successful joint operations between the Marine and Navy teams, focusing on flight deck certifications. Maj. Eric Scheibe reported numerous landings and takeoffs conducted in collaboration with the Afloat Training Group, meeting crucial certification criteria for flight deck operations.

For carrier qualification, each pilot was tasked with executing eight landings during the day and another eight at night, totaling 72 landings among nine pilots. This intensive regimen is fundamental in preparing aviators for operational assignments.

“Cooperating with the Navy enhances our Marine qualifications,” Scheibe remarked. “This head start is vital as we transition to work-ups. The crew’s performance exceeded what I’ve witnessed at equivalent stages in other units.”

Marines from the Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 collaborated closely with their Navy peers on the flight deck, gaining crucial ship operation experience. This teamwork sets the groundwork for the integration of Marines into the Iwo Jima’s future missions.

Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Hughson, participating with VMA-223, highlighted the value of this initial experience. “The training provides our Marines essential shipboard experience without the high-stress demands of upcoming Atlantic missions. It fosters understanding of ship operations and effective integration with crew members.”

Both Marine and Navy teams recognize the challenges inherent in joint warfare integration. Effective communication is paramount to overcoming the inexperience on both sides of the flight deck teams. Hughson emphasized, “Regardless of your uniform, we have one mission.”

This preparatory period aims to streamline integration before more intense joint exercises commence, minimizing potential operational hiccups. Hughson stated the importance of familiarity with roles for mission success and underlined the need for comprehensive training.

Preparatory efforts included airmen training at Bogue Field near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. This involved observing and cooperating with VMA 223’s AV-8B Harriers, facilitating a seamless transition to ship operations.

The Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue offers various airfield support and training for different aircraft and ground support units. Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Jason Morris praised the synergy gained, crucial for future fixed-wing certifications.

Airmen partook in classroom and hands-on trainings, observing procedures necessary for future flight deck operations. “Our training progressed effectively, eventually leading to full certification for flight operations,” Morris reported.

Over a two-day period, the Air Department conducted numerous evolutions, including 32 fixed-wing, 59 helicopter, and 22 tilt-rotor evolutions. Cmdr. Todd Trago of USS Iwo Jima lauded the determined efforts of the flight deck crew, noting their resilience amidst harsh weather conditions.

This joint effort marked a significant milestone in aviation warfare preparations. Scheibe concluded, “The integration during this deployment phase was smooth and critical for advancing our training goals.”




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