MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- More than 100 Engineers with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., traveled to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., to engage in a company field exercise May 27 through June 2.
MWSS-271, also known as the “Workhorse of the Wing”, strives to provide essential ground support assets to fixed-wing components of an aviation combat element and Marine Air Control Groups. The squadron is made up of four different companies including, motor transport, engineers, air operations and headquarters company.
The quarterly field exercise fosters an environment for Marines in the supporting companies to develop new skills and refresh skills learned during previous exercises or operations.
“The purpose of this field training is to focus our training to encompass those vital tasks that are necessary to achieve proficiency in survivability and force protection,” said Master Sgt. Kent Corbett, the engineer company operations chief with MWSS-271.
The exercise is also a preparation tool for an upcoming squadron field training exercise where the Marines will support not only the company, to which they are assigned, but the whole squadron, according to Corbett.
Before going to Camp Lejeune, the Marines attended classes and engaged in practical application scenarios to prepare for the exercise.
During the exercise, the Marines are scheduled to conduct a variety of training missions including demolition projects, tank ditch construction and route reconnaissance, Corbett said.
Corbett expects his Marines to perform exceptionally well during their stay at Camp Lejeune and anticipates their hard work and mission accomplishment will serve to closely bond the unit.
“I’m looking forward to attending the field exercise,” said Lance Cpl. Miguel A. Romero, an engineer equipment operator with the squadron. “It’s a good opportunity to learn new techniques on how to complete different projects and become proficient in our different military occupational specialties.”