February 3, 2012 • www.myvalleynews.com • The Valley News Local


Marines host Japanese troops Japanese troops train with Marines on Camp Pendleton


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Members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force salute for the National Anthem during the opening ceremony of Operation Iron Fist.


United States and Japanese officers greet each other after the opening ceremony of Operation Iron Fist at Camp Pendleton, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.


Andrea Verdin Staff Writer


CAMP PENDLETON – Camp Pendleton Marines have been host- ing Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) as part of Iron Fist 2012 this month. According to 1st Lt. Justin Smith,


one of the sessions the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) con- ducted was bilateral training on landing craft air cushions (LCAC) on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The LCAC is a high-speed, over- the-beach, fully amphibious landing craft, capable of carrying a 60-75 ton payload. It is used to transport the weapons systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel of the Marine Air-Ground task force from ship to shore. The LCAC training has enabled


the 15th MEU to demonstrate its amphibious capability to the Western Army Infantry Regiment, JGSDF. Exercise Iron Fist has also reinforced the relationship between the US and Japanese forces, and has provided a unique training


opportunity for both services. “This is the seventh year we have


done bilateral training with them,” said Smith. “The first was done in Coronado, and every year since then, it has been done here on Camp Pendleton. We still do some training on Coronado, such as boat training, but the majority of the exercises occur here.” On Jan. 28, the 15th MEU will conduct helo dunker training with the Japanese soldiers. That exer- cise includes a swim tank where troops practice techniques involv- ing making a safe exit from a sink- ing helicopter. A simulator will be used that utilizes a helicopter shell to submerge the students into the water. The JGSDF arrived Jan. 16, and


will exercise with the 15th MEU until Feb. 16. Approximately 400 U.S. service members will be participating in the training. Approximately 250 of Japan’s self defense forces have arrived on Base to train with the Marines. Smith explained that an opening ceremony was held Jan. 23 “and


Joshua L. Poullath graduated from basic military training at Lack- land Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an inten-


sive, eight-week program that in- cluded training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Poullath is the son of Cathie Poul- lath of Bootlegg Road, Winchester. He is a 2010 graduate of Temecula


Valley High School. MURRIETA – Air Force Airman


Alysa V. Pena graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an inten-


sive, eight-week program that in- cluded training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare


principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Pena earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is the daughter of Shanna Pena of Ninth Avenue, San Diego. She is a 2010 graduate of Vista Murrieta High School.


MENIFEE – Army Reserve Pfc.


Marcel L. Mancell has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training,


the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and tra- ditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.


Mancell is the grandson of Thom-


Paul Gallaher photos


there will also be a final social event on Feb. 15 for the troops to get together and reflect on the exercise.” “This is a really great opportunity


for Marines and sailors to be able to train with our allies and get to know them,” he continued. “It’s a pretty unique and special training.” Though Smith could not elabo-


rate on the time taken to prepare for the training, he stated it took a “significant amount of time.” “We had to set them up with vehicles and work spaces,” he explained. “Real acts of training began Jan. 22.” Smith stated the training is not


only a unique opportunity for the servicemen involved, but also a chance for two of the world’s largest countries to strengthen their bond. “This training does a number


of things for us,” he said. “We are learning from each other; building relationships. We are excited to have them here and always look forward to the experience.” To comment on this story online, visit www.myvalleynews.com.


Military cadets graduate from training TEMECULA – Air Force Airman


as Tillitson of San Remo Avenue, San Jacinto, Calif., and nephew of Jennifer Mendez of Swan Drive Sierra Vista, Ariz. He is a 2011 graduate of Paloma


Valley High School, Menifee, Ca- lif.


PERRIS – Army Pvt. Lawrence


A. Lamberson has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training,


the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and tra- ditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.


Lamberson is the son of Lawrence Lamberson of Fay Avenue, Moreno Valley, and Renee C. Walker of Romoland. He is a 2009 graduate of Val Verde High School, Perris.


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Members of the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force participate in the opening ceremony of Operation Iron Fist.


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