MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. --
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration rocked the flight line and crowd during the 2014 Miramar Air Show in celebration of 101 years of the MAGTF aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 3 - 5.
The MAGTF was established and formalized in December 1963 for swift deployment of Marine forces by air, land or sea, and provides a spectrum of response options upon receipt of a mobilization order.
Balanced with aviation, ground and logistical assets under a central command, this mobile force can sustain itself and be tailored in size for any mission thrown its way.
The demo displayed the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces while a narrator painted the picture of events as they unfolded.
CH-53E Super Stallions, MV-22B Ospreys, F/A-18 Hornets, KC-130 Hercules and many other aircraft soared over crowds performing tasks they would execute during a strike against enemy forces. Just as this event demonstrates the awesome capabilities available to support a mission of almost any level, there are currently groups of Marines deployed around the globe performing in support of combat and humanitarian missions.
“The MAGTF demonstration required approximately 500 people to ensure everything went off well,” said Maj. Phil Kendro, the MAGTF demo coordinator with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and a Reston, V.A., native. “They flew the aircraft, drove the vehicles, stormed the crowds and helped to maintain the aircraft during the show itself.”
The simulated invasion showed viewers the level of precision Marines must maintain when performing their duties in combat, in the air or on the ground. It also featured explosions similar to what might be experienced in combat thanks to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines who practiced for months to make the show as close to real as possible.
“It gives an example of what we actually do in war, in a scripted manner, here in San Diego,” said Kendro. “This is a chance for people who might not know what we do to get a small insight into our world. The Marine Corps is the only branch of the service in the world that has every aspect air, land and sea, put into one mobile force.”
After reconnaissance Marines made an initial pass to gather information on the enemy, they called in AV-8B Harriers to clear out the ground space. Then reconnaissance Marines fast roped out of two UH-1Y Huey helicopters and called in simulated naval gun fire much like they would in combat.
Finished with their simulated assault on the objective, the Marines pulled out of the “danger zone” by two methods – ground vehicles and spy rigging, hanging from a rope by clips to be carried away from the drop zone.
After all troops were safely away, the second wave of the “assault” began, as MV-22B Osprey and CH-46 ‘Sea Knights’ brought in more Marines to rush the show center.
“It’s a nice time for my family to come out here and see what it is that I do,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Melissa Phaff, an aviation structural mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101.
As a large explosion rocked Miramar’s flight line, crowds erupted into cheers when infantry Marines walked close to the gates to greet them.
At the end of it all, Marines who drove tanks, Humvees, and a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement seven–ton vehicle pulling in the howitzer made their appearance to suppress the enemy for the final time.
With hands held out and wild cheers, MCAS Miramar's guests shook hands, patted and hugged the Marines walking past them in full battle gear –people cheering and holding out their hands to shake the Marines’ hands in thanks for their service.