Operation Iron Thunder simulates full-scale invasion of North Carolina coast
Operation Iron Thunder simulates full-scale invasion of North Carolina coast
Aug. 2, 2006; Submitted on: 08/02/2006 09:44:30 AM ; Story ID#: 20068294430
By Lance Cpl. Angel J. Velasquez, MCAS Cherry Point
After the Marines were successfully inserted into the combat zone, the aircraft used to transport them executes a quick takeoff to minimize the chances of receiving attack from the enemy in the area. The aircraft used in the simulation of the full-scale invasion of the North Carolina coast was the C-17A Globemaster III, the Air Force’s premier heavy-airlift four-turbine-engine aircraft. MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Aug. 2, 2006) -- Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force teamed up with the U.S. Air Force recently for a joint exercise of off-loading leathernecks in an austere environment, the same type of mission that could take place in the deserts of the Middle East.
The training, conducted July 17-20, purpose was to off-load Marines, and their equipment from the belly of the Air Force's premier heavy-airlift fourturbine-engine aircraft, the C-17A Globemaster III, in an expeditionary landing field environment – in this case, Marine Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, located in Bogue, N.C. And for four days, the Marines and members of the 16th Airlift Squadron, 437th Airlift Wing from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., did just that.
The real trick in this type of exercise is landing such a huge aircraft on such a short runway, offloading quickly, and getting back off the ground before the enemy has time to attack the aircraft. The Bogue airfield is a 4,000-foot mobile runway made up of aluminum matting. This matting can be transported and set up throughout the world to create an instant hard landing surface.
The airfield is controlled and maintained by Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 of 2nd MAW. For the operation, MWSS-271 specially configured the runway to accommodate the large aircraft's arrival and provided ground support and air traffic control.
When the 400,000-pound aircraft landed, maximum braking was immediately applied to stop within 3,500 feet. The Marines and aircrew then began a rapid engine-running off-load of the Marines and their equipment.
The off-load technique shortens the aircraft's time on the ground and vulnerability to attack. Once the insertion was complete, the C-17A executed a short-field maximum effort takeoff to escape from the area.
The purpose of this operation was to illustrate the insertion of initial security forces into a hostile area, using a temporary airfield constructed by friendly forces.
"This joint exercise in troop insertion into an austere expeditionary airfield is invaluable training for both the Marines and Air Force," said Lt. Col. Kenneth E. Coburn, the II MEF air mobility liaison officer. "And it simulates the real-world operations currently being faced in Iraq and Afghanistan."
This training was part of a much larger exercise called Operation Iron Thunder, a four-day Large Force exercise conducted by the 77th Fighter Squadron from Charleston AFB. The overall exercise used nearly 100 aircraft to simulate a full-scale invasion of the North Carolina coast.
"Operation Iron Thunder is an invaluable opportunity for 77th Fighter Squadron pilots to fly in realistic scenarios that will sharpen and hone critical skills in preparation for future contingency operations," said Capt. Kevin Pugh, of the 77th Fighter Squadron. "In addition to the Gamblers, other American and European air and ground units now have an opportunity to train the way we will fight if and when called upon."
Marine Corps
08-03-2006, 11:07
Operation Iron Thunder simulates full-scale invasion of North Carolina coast 
After the Marines were successfully inserted into the combat zone, the aircraft used to transport them executes a quick takeoff to minimize the chances of receiving attack from the enemy in the area. The aircraft used in the simulation of the full-scale invasion of the North Carolina coast was the C-17A Globemaster III, the Air Force’s premier heavy-airlift four-turbine-engine aircraft. 
