An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photo Information

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, also known as the Werewolves, deployed for the Western Pacific, Jan. 10.The aircraft will support six multinational exercises to increase the readiness of the squadron, ensure tactical proficiency with allied countries in the region and international goodwill.

Photo by Cpl. Justin Boling

Werewolves prowl into Western Pacific

18 Jan 2013 | Cpl. Justin Boling Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, also known as the Werewolves, set-off for the Western Pa­cific Jan. 10.

The aircraft will sup­port 6 multinational ex­ercises, which will not only increase the readi­ness of the Squadron but safequard international goodwill and ensure we can work with our allies effectively.

“These types of deploy­ments offer a plethora of training and experience for all Marines through­out the squadron,” said Capt. Albert Garcia, the squadron’s assistant op­erations officer. “We get to work alongside many of our allies in a short time period, which al­lows everyone to become more familiar with how everyone conducts op­erations.”

“We have one mission, to support all friendly aer­ial elements and ground forces,” said Sergeant Maj. James Hagle, the squadron sergeant major. “The interaction is help­ful to get different people, different cultures and aircraft, which do things in different ways to learn and work together toward a common goal or to beat a common enemy.”

The squadron’s main­tainers enable the F/A-18 Hornets to provide close air support and provide intelligence, reconnais­sance and surveillance to friendly ground units.

“I am really interested to see how other services and countries perform,” said Lance Cpl. John Sloan, a VMFA-122 avia­tion ordnance technician. “I know that things are going to be different but I look forward to learning something new.”

The Marines will also get the opportunity to visit several different countries during the de­ployment. This is an op­portunity for Marines to experience other cul­tures and see sights oth­er Americans may never get to see.

“I am really excited to see new places and have new experiences to share when I come home,” Sloan said.