WESTPAC EXERCISES
The following WESTPAC exercises are recurring and provide valuable training experience. First MAW is not limited to the exercises listed, nor is there a requirement to participate in every exercise. These exercises provide a major building block that we at MAG-12 OPERATIONS use to construct our TEEP:
1. MARINE AIR GROUND TASK FORCE EXERCISES
1. Ulchi Focue Lens. This JCS coordinated Command Post Exercise (CPX) is conducted to evaluate plans, procedures and communications systems available which provide for the combined defense of the Republic of Korea in accordance with current OPLANS.
1. Although there are a number of key first MAW objectives for the CPX, two basic ones stand out. First, to familiarize new personnel with the intricacies of the CINC Combined Forces Command/United Nations Command and Air Component Command (ACC) structure and relationships . Second, to acquaint 1st MAW Marines with the ACC fragging procedures and the air fragging preperation/distribution requirements. This exercise also assists in preparing Wing participants for the subsequent Spirit Exercise.
2. Actual 1st MAW deployment to Korea normally includes 1st MAW HQ (FWD) in Yechon/Pohang, a 1st MAW Headquarters Tactical Air Command Center liaison team in Osan/Taegu, and 1st MAW reps assigned to the III MEF Liaison Team at CP TANGO in Seoul. No actual 1st MAW aircraft deploy to Korea for the CPX.
2. Beachcrest. A 1st MAW air command and control exercise in December, conducted in Okinawa, Japan. MACG-18 coordinates the Beachcrest exercises and integrates them with any existing exercise to effectively showcase the unique air-ground team capability of the Marine Corps as well as provide a comprehensive rehearsal of the complex procedures associated with controlling the conduct of an air war. Exercise WINGEX is a similar exercise of lesser complexity.
3. Southern Frontier. A semi-annual (Mar-May and Aug-Oct MAG-12 deployment to RAAF Base Darwin Australia. The intent of the deployment is two fold: to take advantage of the best airspace and training ranges available in WESTPAC and to conduct Group sized OPERATIONS. In addition, Southern Frontier also encompasses participation in JCS directed exercises. Typically, MAG-12 will deploy with two squadrons and an EA-6B Detachment, "swapping out" squadrons halfway through the three month period.
2. JOINT/COMBINED AIR-TO-AIR-TO-GROUND EXERCISES
1. Cope North. Cope North exercises offer 1st MAW TACAIR squadrons/dets the opportunity to participate in joint/combined air-to-air training with USAF and JASDF in the vicinity of Misawa, Iwakuni and Okinawa. These 5-10 day exercises are normally conducted quarterly. The aim is to test and evaluate US/Japanese forces in the joint/combined defense of Japan in accordance with current OPLANS.
2. Cope Jade. Cope Jade is a USAF/ROK joint/combined three to four day air defense/tactical offensive exercise using Korean Ranges. The exercise is conducted quarterly and is designed to test and evaluate the ROK Tactical Air Control System (KTACS) while conducting the ROK air campaign.
3. ANNUALEX. Annualex is a joint/combined exercise with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. The exercise is designed to exercise U.S. and Japanese capability to protect designated sea lanes. Our squadrons are either assigned CAP missions to defend the fleet or interdiction missions to attack the fleet. EA-6B's are frequently tasked for ECM missions against Japanese/US Naval Forces.
4. WASEX. War at Sea Exercises are conducted on a regular basis against U. S. Battle groups and threat SAG's. These "short notice" exercises are basically coordinated strikes involving AV-8, EA-6B, F/A-18, and KC-130 aircraft. They are characterized by intense mission planning, consideration of the real world threat scenario and precision mission execution. These high visibility exercises have enhanced the combat readiness of all COMSEVENTHFLT UNITS.
5. Cornet West. Cornet West is the designator applied to the transpac movement of USMC aircraft.
6. Yama Sakura. This is a semi-annual Corps level CPX cosponsored by the USARJ/IX Corps and the Japanese Self Defense of Japan scenario. Although our participation been limited in the past , indications are that the exercise will be expanded to full status in the future.
7. Cobra Gold. This is a joint combined exercise with United States and Thailand forces. The exercise is designed to provide experience in planning, coordination of, and execution of an amphibious operation in support of a combined/joint task force.
8. Anti-Surface Warfare Exercises (ASUWEX's). These are USCINPAC scheduled, COMSEVENTHFLT sponsored, joint surface, anti-surfacewarfare exercises conducted in a multi-threat environment. 1st MAW units are often invited to participate in these maritime exercises which normally take place in Japan, Philippine and China Seas.
9. Freedom Banner. This is a JCS coordinated, CINPAC sponsored exercise centered around the utilization of Maritime Pre positioned Force (MPF) shipping. Acomposition evolution usually occurs between elements of MEF or 1st MEB and III MEF. In addition to exercise play, an actual off-load of MPF equipment normally occurs.
Giant Warrior. PACAF coordinated joint exercise incorporating AMC assest as a part of large scales strikes. Conducted in Guam, the exercise includes escort, air defense, and live ordnance missions. 1st MAW participation is dependent on lift assets available.
10. Harpoonex. COMSEVENTHFLT sponsored live missile firing exercise conducted in Guam. Harpoon, Harm, and Shrike participation is dependent upon available ordnance.
11. Keen Edge/Sword. An annual JCS directed, CINCPAC scheduled, COMUSJAPAN sponsored CPX/FTX in Japan. It is designated to exercise, test, and evaluate U. S. and Japan Self-Defense Forces and to support OPLAN concepts. III MEF provides player cells to CPX. 1st MAW provides aviation units to FTX's.
12. Pitch Black. A JCS coordinated, USCINPAC scheduled joint/bilateral air defense exercise conducted annually in Australia. 1st MAW participation is dependent on lift assets available.
13. Sandgroper. A JCS coordinated, USCINCPAC scheduled joint/bilateral exercise in alternate years in Australia, its purpose is to exercise and evaluate maritime and air defense superiority operations.