• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Marines take to Korean sky

PACAF News

7/14/2003

By Staff Sgt. Andrew Leonhard 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AB, Republic of Korea - A Hawaiian Marine unit takes to the skies over the Korean peninsula to expand its training and gain experience with new terrain.

The 363rd Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron Red Lions from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, landed here July 7 and will fly off again next week as part of their six-month Unit Deployment Program. During their UDP the 363rd deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Then this rear detachment unit of 64 Marines brought along four CH-53 Sea Stallions to train over new terrain in Korean weather conditions.

"The terrain here is unknown to us so it helps us learn new navigational routes and practice landing in unapproved landing zones," said Capt. Kirby Goggans, assistant operations officer. "Also the air space is less restricted here than in Japan and Hawaii. Korea allows us broader training operations."

According to Captain Goggans the biggest benefit of the time here is pilots increase their currency in flying operations and it gives the less-experienced pilots more air time.

This is not the first time the Marine unit has visited Osan and the time here is benefiting to all team members not just the pilots, said 1st Lt. Jim Beaulieu.

"The crews are presented with new challenges with space here," he said. "They have learned to tow the aircraft in an out of different locations, where in the past there was no need to tow because the 53s could taxi out and take off right from their position."

One of the crew members, Sgt. Christopher Nino, said the change of pace is nice and he enjoys his job as a crew chief on the CH-53.

"I love it. I get to fly what I work on, unlike the fixed wing crew chiefs," said the sergeant, who's worked on the helicopter for five years.

"Not only that, the lodging here is terrific -- way above Marine standards," he said with a smile.

The sergeant was not the only one to praise the local hospitality and facilities.

"Beyond the excellent chance for this training, Osan and Camp Humphreys have really made our stay accommodating," said Maj. Hugh Tillman, Det. commander. "From the people at base operations and weather to the folks in the billeting office and transportation, they've made it easier for us to concentrate on our mission without worrying about the after-duty necessities.

"These folks have gone out of their way for us and it helps us increase our combat readiness." (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service)