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US Marines return to Tinian for Exercise Geiger Fury
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Posted on May 16 2012
[B]TINIAN[/B]—Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 and Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 returned to Tinian island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands on May 14, 2012, in support of Exercise Geiger Fury.
The purpose of Exercise Geiger Fury is to execute and assess combined expeditionary operations in the Western Pacific.
As soon as the Marines came ashore from the Western Pacific Express High Speed Vessel, they began setting up a forward operations base.
“We are setting up a FOB in order to better control and coordinate Exercise Geiger Fury,” said Capt. Mark Schouten, MWSS-171 officer-in-charge. “As well as conduct repairs to the islands northern airfield built during World War II.”
Marines worked into the late hours of the night to set up the FOB, clearing the land in order to set up tents and OE-254 communications gear.
The OE-254 provides air and ground communications for the entire exercise.
“The OE-254 is considered a safety net,” said Sgt. Ryan D. Kish, MWSS-171 communications non-commissioned officer-in-charge. “The reason we call it a safety net is because the OE-254 antenna provides a fail-safe frequency that provides support in the event of an emergency throughout the entire area of operations.”
Exercise Geiger Fury is not just about a show of force.
The purpose is also to partner with local community services providers and bolster their capability to serve the local citizens of Tinian. As the exercise continues on, the Marines and naval personnel will conduct several community volunteer efforts in order to help in the preservation of historical sites throughout the island.
Throughout Exercise Geiger Fury Marines and naval personnel will repair the island’s northern airfield, conduct flight operations, as well as provide medical, dental care and community outreach to the residents of Tinian. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]
