An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 29, 2011

Marines, National Guard conduct joint exercise in Hawaii

By Sgt. Elyssa Quesada 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - AV-8B Harriers, F-15 Eagles and F-22 Raptors participated in a joint air-to-air exercise over Oahu, Hawaii, Nov. 20 to 22, during the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's first port visit of its seven-month deployment.

The exercise marked the first time Harriers with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) and Raptors with the Hawaiian Air National Guard's 19th Fighter Squadron trained together.

Pilots were exposed to different platforms and exercises that complemented each aircraft's support, improving overall interoperability, according Marine Capt. John D. Dirk, a Harrier pilot.

The integration training included a large-force exercise that included within visual ranger basic fighter maneuvering.

"The training definitely improved in the air-to-air arena, and the type of realistic training we received increased out air-to-air proficiency and overall capability," said Marine Harrier pilot Capt. Patrick Wherry.

The squadron is the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's aviation combat element, which embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego Nov. 14, beginning a deployment to the western Pacific and Middle East regions.

 

 

Related Articles
President Santiago Peña, the President of the Republic of Paraguay, left, presents the Order of Merit
Paraguayan President Awards Top Honor to Massachusetts National Guard General
By Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy, | April 29, 2025
ASUNCION, Paraguay – U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, has been awarded the distinguished Order of Merit “Gral Div Bernardino Caballero” in the grade of “Gran Cross”...

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle crew chief from the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field assists an F-15 pilot with pre-flight gear checks during exercise Sentry Aloha at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 15, 2025. Maintenance crews during Sentry Aloha met and exceeded the line standards given during flight operations and took on additional duties which contributed to over 20 successful familiarization flights. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Reed)
Oregon Air Guard Participates in Sentry Aloha Exercise
By Master Sgt. Daniel Reed, | April 29, 2025
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Six F-15 Eagles and about 120 Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., journeyed across the Pacific Ocean to Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam,...

Tech. Sgt. Megan Brasley, a deployed aircraft vehicle data operations specialist originally assigned to the 124th Maintenance Group, Idaho Air National Guard, FaceTimes with her family while deployed in support of overseas operations, April 7, 2025. As the Department of Defense celebrates the Month of the Military Child, the Idaho Air National Guard honors military children like Brasley’s sons, Ryker and Rhett, who demonstrate resilience through the challenges of military life. Programs and initiatives led by the Airman and Family Readiness Office aim to support military families year-round, recognizing the sacrifices and strength of these young heroes.
Honoring Military Children: The Resilience of Military Families
By Tech. Sgt. Mercedee Wilds, | April 29, 2025
BOISE, Idaho – April marks the Department of Defense’s annual observance of the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the unique challenges and enduring resilience of children of military members. With more than...