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White Knights Spread Goodwill in Kuwait

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080716-01
Release Date: 7/16/2008 4:05:00 PM

By Staff Sgt. Tracie G. Kessler, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs

AL JABER AIR BASE, Kuwait (NNS) -- The AV-8B Harrier detachment for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is conducting a series of bilateral training exercises through mid-July with their Kuwaiti Air Force counterparts as part of exercise Eager Mace 2008.

Capt. James Vallario, weapons and tactics instructor for the detachment, explained the Harriers are conducting training with three different F/A-18 Hornet squadrons of the Kuwaiti Air Force and have had the opportunity to fly against very dissimilar aircraft and experience the difference in tactics and flying skills.

"The training has been very successful when the weather is cooperating. When we are able to get out and fly with them it has been phenomenal training," explained Vallario.

Vallario explained that the Marines are running the Kuwaiti pilots through the ins and outs of close air support, a Marine avaiation specialty currently underway by the 15th MEU.

"We're trying to share our tactics, techniques and procedures for how we conduct close air support-something they're not as experienced with-so we are spending time with them showing how difficult and how challenging it can be to put ordnance in close proximity to friendly troops," explained Vallario.

Maj. Fahad Al Douseri, operations officer with Squadron 9 of the Kuwaiti Air Force has flown the F/A Hornet since 1994. This is the third time he has worked with his American counterparts.

"I think these exercises standardize things and build a really close relationship with eachother," said Al Douseri. "I think we can accomplish any mission [together]."

One day we might at any time perform missions together and we will be more than able to communicate, interact and really know each other. To work with the Americans, it's a really great opportunity for us to lift up our spirits. Since the Marines are really experienced, we are more than happy to work with them."

For more news from the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/lha5/.