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Airmen, Marines practice continuity of operations on Korean peninsula

US Marine Corps News

3/7/2011
By Lance Cpl. Michael Iams, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP MUJUK, POHANG, Republic of Korea -- The Marine Corps and Air Force conducted joint operations called the Continuity of Operations Exercise in preparation for Exercise Key Resolve here Feb. 25.

Exercise Key Resolve is designed to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the ROK – U.S. alliance and enhances the combat readiness of the ROK and U.S. supporting forces through combined and joint training while improving the alliance’s ability to defend the ROK, protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula.

According to Air Force Maj. Vanessa Anderson-Goldwire, a senior intelligence duty officer for 7th Air Force, the COOPEX is an evolution designed to simulate joint operations in a deployed location in response to an attack on the Air Operations Center in the event that the Air Force could no longer work from the AOC. The Marines and the Air Force need to determine the shortfalls, the successes, their ability to mutually perform their processes and if they can maintain communications.

“The purpose of today’s exercise is to work hand-in-hand with the Air Force, to strengthen our joint and coalition support, our mutual support with one another and to make sure that in the event a real conflict breaks out, we are better prepared to execute a mission together,” said 1st Lt. Buzz Woolley, an air support control officer with Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

The Marines and airmen performed many different contingencies to the various scenarios that were given.

“Working with the Air Force has been really enjoyable,” said Gunnery Sgt. Columbus Wilson Jr., an interface control officer for MTACS-18. “You never know what to expect, but everything came together and we worked as a team. There were no hiccups. If there were any issues, they were resolved right away and we kept on moving forward.”

At the end of each battle drill, the Marines and Air Force participants gave individual status reports for each billet to ensure everyone learned from all aspects of the scenario.

“I’m glad I got to come out here and experience this,” said Anderson-Goldwire. “I’ve seen the way the joint interface between the services has progressed through the years and … the transition of the change of operations overall.”

According to Sgt. Miguel Ofray, the Tactical Air Command Center crew chief with MTACS-18, working with the Air Force has been great and gives a bigger picture of what they do on their side as well as what that Marine Corps does.

“I think the airmen and Marines have learned a lot about their own specific tasks during this exercise,” said Lt. Col. James Quinn, the assistant operations officer for 1st MAW. “More importantly, the Marines learned what their counterparts do in the Air Force.”

Exercise Key Resolve highlights the longstanding and enduring partnership and friendship between the two nations and the combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and ensuring peace and security in the region.