MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- In a make shift compound surrounded by hundreds of feet of razor wire, Marines with Marine Air Control Group 28 demonstrated their abilities as a vital link in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force during training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 26 — Feb. 6.
The Marine Air Command and Control Systems Integrated Simulation Training Exercise, or MISTEX, is an exercise designed to assess the capabilities and proficiency of the squadrons within MACG-28, as well as Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 29, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22.
“Our primary goal is to conduct a deliberate, readiness enhancing training evolution partnered with MAG-29, executed within a simulate MAWTS-1 environment,” said Maj. Dionisio Cooper, future operations officer with MACG-28. “MISTEX is part of an overarching training continuum that ensures 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing maintains a high state of aviation command and control.”
According to Cooper, the Marine Air Command and Control Systems are maintained by the Marine Air Control Systems through correspondence with the Tactical Air Command Center, Direct Air Support Center, Tactical Air Operations Center, Low Altitude Air Defense and communications support enabling linkage between all agencies.
“Pegasus Hunt will maximize every opportunity to demonstrate how the 2nd MAW MACCS integrates the six functions of Marine aviation through the control of aircraft and missiles,” said Cooper.
According to Cooper, a vital part of preparing Marines for the future includes using the air operations center concept by using the integration of Marine aviation through the control of aircraft and missiles under a single commander.
“We must be prepared, should a crisis occur, to provide a task organized MACCS in order to integrate, enable and supervise the six functions of Marine aviation in support of the MAGTF,” said Cooper. “The Marines of MACG-28 and MAG-29 will benefit from this training and carry forward this experience into their career.”