Harrier squadron lands at Miramar in preparation for next deployment 

The sunny skies and warm weather of San Diego make it a popular destination for vacationers, but for visiting Marines, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar offers unique training opportunities and equally unique liberty experiences.

A detachment of  Marines, along with AV-8B “Harrier” aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 223, the “Great American Bulldogs,” from MCAS Cherry Point N.C., arrived here March 3 to prepare for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The high level of air traffic at Miramar and the mountainous terrain of MCAS Yuma, Ariz., are prime territories to prepare the Marines of VMA-223 for similar conditions they will encounter in Afghanistan.

“We were looking for an airfield with a high traffic environment, similar field elevation, proximity and airspace to what we will fly in out there,” said Lt. Col Thomas D. Gore, the commanding officer of VMA-223. “ Being here provides great training to our squadron, especially for our pilots and ordnance Marines.”

By training here, new pilots can practice low altitude tactics and fly at elevations as low as 300ft. The more experienced pilots who earned night systems qualifications can practice night offensive air support, armed reconnaisance, heavy weapons employment and close air support. They can also use heavier explosives over the terrain of MCAS Yuma, which they can not do at Cherry Point, explained Gore.

Maintenance and operations Marines of the squadron also gain valuable skills and experience while training at Miramar.

 “Our support shops have gained a tremendous amount of experience here,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Young, a maintenance controller with VMA-223. “This base is meant for F/A-18 “Hornets” and helicopters and it is a challenge to meet the needs of our aircraft. Finding parts for the Harrier is difficult, but tailoring maintenance to different conditions and onsite troubleshooting is the key to our success here.”

The squadron’s success is also attributed to the support of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, Marine Aircraft Group 11, Marine Aircraft Group 16 and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing here, explained Gore.

The squadron successfully acclimated to the demands of working in an unfamiliar area, and for some of the Marines Miramar is not only a great place to work, but a great place to spend their liberty.

“We have been working hard, but liberty is awesome here,” said Lance Cpl. Aeryk Church, an embarker with the squadron. “The weather is great and there are a lot of things to do around here. I love this area, and this is the best detachment I have ever been on.”

For the Marines of VMA-223, the rewards of training at Miramar go beyond the valuable experience gained and successes at work. They are able to take advantage of some of San Diego’s sunny weather and tourist attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

“I am proud to be a part of this squadron,” said Sgt. Maj. Steven Brunner, the squadron Sergeant Major. “We have a good group with great morale. These Marines work extremely hard and it’s phenomenal to see them enjoy their time off. They really love being here and we are worried that they may not want to leave.”

After receiving this special training opportunity and enjoying liberty experiences in Southern California, the squadron is scheduled to deploy next fall.