U.S. Marine Corps personnel finished a three-day simulated maritime strike exercise on Friday, part of the month-long "Summer Fury 21" exercise in Washington State.

The 3rd Marine Aviation Wing of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., conducted a long-range maritime strike against a simulated enemy vessel this week, demonstrating the capabilities of F/A-18 and F-35C aircraft, the Marines said in a press release on Friday.

Additional exercises, including support of advanced naval bases and anti-air warfare, and a missile shoot, are planned before Summer Fury 21 concludes on July 30.

"This exercise will showcase the aviation combat power of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and all its functions," Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, 3rd MAW commanding general, said in a press release.

"You will see expeditionary naval combat power across a wide range of terrain and combat scenarios. From sophisticated communications systems to expeditionary basing to the decisive power of 5th generation platforms, our leading edge tactics and capabilities are honed to a fine edge," Mahoney said.

The exercise also involves personnel aircraft from Air Station Yuma, Ariz.; Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and other key locations along the western United States.

A test on Wednesday involved installation of tents at Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Wash., by Marines from Camp Pendleton, Calif., who then prepared 30,000 gallons of jet fuel to quickly create a forward arming and refueling point.

"This basically expands our reach," commented 1LT Nick Paglialonga. "We can go land in austere places and have this whole capability, not only to land aircraft, but to refuel, put ordnance on and switch pilots out if need be. It helps us push the fight a little bit closer to the enemy."

He noted that while training of this nature is common for the Marines, use of a civilian airport is unusual.

A Marine infantry unit also brought several MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor helicopters for a mock attack on an undisclosed location.

Related Links
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

British destroyers to carry additional missiles
Washington DC (UPI) Jul 7, 2021
Contracts with European defense contractor MBDA UK will improve missile capabilities of the British Royal Navy's destroyers, the British Defense Ministry announced this week. A statement on Tuesday said the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile program, known as CAMM or Sea Ceptor, will be integrated into weapons systems of Britain's six Type 45 destroyers. Additionally, long-range Aster 30 missiles will be purchased from defense contractor Eurosam to equip each of the Royal Navy's six Type 45 ... read more