MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES -- Units with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) completed an exercise focused on distributed aviation operations (DAO) near the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) on Andros Island, Bahamas, Jan. 28 to Mar. 15.
The exercise encompassed establishing decentralized aviation ground-support operations across multiple sites. Led by Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272 and supported by several units across 2nd MAW and 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG), the operations included constructing expeditionary landing zones, improving existing landing pads, improving and repairing infrastructure, and supporting medical and dental civic action programs in support of the local Bahamian community.
“The deployment directly supported 2nd MAW’s DAO warfighting concept, allowing aviation assets to operate effectively across multiple, distinct sites while maintaining command-and-control,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Mokris, commanding officer, MWSS-272. “This exercise required us to work alongside several units across II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and 2nd MAW to get our Marines and Sailors where they needed to be with the right equipment.”
The DAO warfighting concept is 2nd MAW’s method of operating within an adversary’s sensing and weapons-engagement zone. The concept enables 2nd MAW to generate aviation combat power through the dispersion and coordinated employment of aviation squadrons, command-and-control agencies, aviation logistics, and aviation ground-support units while integrating closely with allies and partners across the battlespace.
In addition to employing future operating concepts, MWSS-272, alongside personnel from 2nd Medical Battalion and 2nd Dental Battalion delivered primary medical and dental care services to Andros Island residents.
“Through coordination with the Bahamian government and the U.S. Embassy, our medical and dental civic action program provided important primary care services to many Bahamians on Andros Island,” said Mokris. “We are extremely appreciative of our partnership with the U.S. Navy at AUTEC, as well as the Bahamian government, for enabling us the opportunity to train there.”
Participating units included MWSS-272, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS) 28, and Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 2, which are subordinate units of 2nd MAW, as well as 2nd Medical Battalion and 2nd Dental Battalion, which are subordinate units of 2nd MLG. 2nd MAW and 2nd MLG are the aviation and logistics combat elements of II MEF. Additionally, the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 62 provided support.