JULY 26, 2016, COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER, Camp Fuji – U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, completed the second stage of Eagle Wrath 2016 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 23, 2016.
This stage focused and trained each individual company on air base ground defense and how they will support MWSS-171 if they are forward deployed.
Combat engineers conducted a demolitions range, M18A1 Claymore mine training, Benelli M4 Super 90 shotgun breaching, and familiarization and practiced Military Operations in Urban Terrain, which focuses on improving the individual and collective combat skills of the Marines.
“We have a lot of training and readiness standards and our training is packed,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ian Campbell, a combat engineer with MWSS-171. “We educated our new Marines, and I feel like we are going to be doing the best job out there.”
Headquarters and Service Company and Fuels platoon honed in on their basic infantry skills exercising air base ground defense training including common skills like land navigation and patrolling.
Motor Transportation Marines trained in mounted patrols and day-and-night convoy operations.
“We left the sergeants and corporals in charge to give the Marines the confidence they need if they are deployed,” said Gunnery Sgt. Nigel Hinds, acting first sergeant, motor transportation company with MWSS-171. “I’m confident that any of my non-commissioned officers can accomplish any mission given to them.”
Expeditionary Fire Rescue Marines traveled to Yokota Air Base, Japan, and conducted integration training with the U.S. Air Force, where the Marines fine-tuned their skills while training with live fires, structural fires, vehicle extrication, search and rescue, and responded to aircraft and medical emergencies.
In addition, heavy equipment operators practiced table three rifle qualifications with M16A4 service rifles and M4A1 Carbines, conducted a machine-gun range, professional military education and land navigation.
The squadron will now start the third stage, which is their culminating event. The Marines plan to establish a mock air base including a landing zone and refueling point, while constructing defensive and machine-gun positions, and conducting convoys and patrols over the course of four days.
“I’m looking forward to the Marines doing good things,” said Hinds. “I think as a squadron we can attack any task given because most of the Marines’ confidence is built when they train specifically for their military occupational specialty and know what is going to be asked of them. Overall I think the squadron has come together as one, and during the culminating event we will see what we are made of.”