The U.S. Marine Corps announced Tuesday that the Marines and KC-130J Super Hercules from Transport Air Refueling Squadron (VMGR) 252, Marine Corps Aircraft Wing 2 (MAW) , deployed to Łask Air Base, Poland, under the command of United States Air Force Europe and is a key element of the 312th Marine Fighter Squadron (VMFA).
The Marines said in a statement that VMFA-312, which is also a unit of MAW #2, was deployed to Łask Air Force Base for an Airlifting Air Navigation (eAP) mission. NATO high.
The goal of the NATO eAP is to demonstrate the collective resolve of the Allies, demonstrate the defensive nature of NATO, and prevent aggression or the threat of aggression in the region. VMFA-312 F/A-18 Hornets are patrolling Polish airspace as part of a joint effort to increase NATO readiness and response.
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The KC-130J Super Hercules from VMGR-252 increases the range and endurance of VMFA-312 and Allied air forces. The KC-130J offers aerial refueling, allowing the F/A-18 to fly for longer periods of time without having to land to refuel. The KC-130J is an organic property of the Marines and a key ingredient in the success of the VMFA-312 in the NATO eAP.
In addition to the ability to refuel in the air, the KC-130J also provides the ability to transport troops, equipment and supplies in the air. This capability has greatly contributed to the redeployment of 2nd MAW units from Norway, where they participated in Cold Response Exercise 2022, to Poland’s Łask Air Base and Šiauliai’s Air Base Šiauliai. Lithuania.
Since the start of Cold Response Exercise 2022, VMGR-252 has carried 623 passengers, approximately 400,000 pounds of cargo, and delivered approximately 1,130,000 pounds of aerial fuel to a variety of aircraft. The squadron flew 460.7 hours and 169 sorties in 71 days. The squadron conducted continuous operations, alternating between aerial refueling and logistical support in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Lithuania and Poland. The VMGR-252 embodies the expeditionary nature of the 2 MAWs and aligns with the commander’s force design initiatives to be able to support joint Allied and Allied operations.
Many elements of the 2nd MAW were quickly repositioned from the Arctic to Eastern Europe to bolster Allied defenses and support NATO eAP. The deployments have been conducted in coordination with the host nations and the military junta, and although temporary in nature, they are prudent measures to increase readiness and strengthen the collective defense of Eastern Europe. The deployment of U.S. Marines is evidence of the Marines’ strong readiness and commitment to NATO Allies and partners.
