Korean, U.S. Marines demonstrate aviation ground support capabilities in joint drill

A U.S. Marine unit based in Japan has demonstrated aviation ground support and logistics capabilities during a readiness evaluation session, aimed at strengthening interoperability with Korean Marines, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Wednesday.

The Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, affiliated with the III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Japan, conducted the combat readiness assessment with Korean troops from March 14 to April 19 during the annual Korean Marine Exercise Program exercise, according to the command.

During the training, the U.S. Marine forces worked alongside Korean Marines to establish mobile sites to quickly refuel and rearm aircraft in "austere environments."

The U.S. Marines also conducted intensive firefighting drills at Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, North Jeolla, to practice coordinated responses to simulated mishaps.

The allies were also involved in a comprehensive mass casualty exercise designed to test the troops' ability to provide immediate medical triage and evacuation under simulated combat conditions, according to the release.

Yonhap