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thedrifter
11-18-03, 06:11 AM
Sharpshooters exceed flight-training requirements
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story Identification Number: 2003111416230
Story by Lance Cpl. Paul Leicht



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(Nov. 14, 2003) -- Out of all of the F/A-18 Hornet squadrons here, the Marine Corps' largest didn't make it to the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In fact, they never deploy overseas in time of war. Yet their mission provides the vital foundation for Naval strike-fighter combat operations.

During the 2003 fiscal year, the Sharpshooters of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 focused on their mission with laser-guided precision to exceed production goals, producing some of the very best combat-ready Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 strike fighter aircrews.

Flying more than 13,000 flight hours over the last fiscal year, the Sharpshooters successfully trained 88 aircrew, including 33 pilots and 19 weapon system officers who were new to the Hornet until checking in with VMFAT-101, said Lt. Col. Eric "Ripper" Fippinger, commanding officer, VMFAT-101.

"It's an incredible accomplishment and I'm very proud of each member of this squadron," said Fippinger. "Our maintenance department has especially demonstrated their devotion to duty and professionalism."

With some of the oldest Hornet's in the fleet, the Sharpshooter's maintenance department managed to achieve a 76 percent mission capable rate, Fippinger said.

"Our maintenance technicians have really performed their jobs extremely well and contributed to Operation Iraqi Freedom by providing three combat-ready spare aircraft," said Fippinger. "One of the those aircraft actually went to Iraq. In fact, some of the deploying units also received technical assistance and manpower from us."

During the year, the squadron also promoted more than 200 Marines and Sailors, including 19 staff noncommissioned officers, and achieved retention rates that exceeded Navy and Marine Corps goals, said Fippinger.

"This accomplishment has contributed greatly to the overall health and effectiveness of the Navy and Marine Corps team," Fippinger said.

For the Sharpshooters, the new fiscal year also means new training requirements and goals to surpass.

"To get a head start on next year's training, we recently went to Key West, Fla. and Naval Airfield El Centro to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground replacement aircrew training," Fippinger remarked. "This also allowed us to enjoy some liberty in a different setting. Even during the recent Miramar Air Show we continued to train."

Outside Fippinger's office at VMFAT-101, a maxim from the military theorist Sun-Tzu summarizes the Sharpshooter's philosophy and serves as a reminder to all who walk the squadron's halls, "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war."

From the squadron's commissioning Jan. 3, 1969 to the present, the Sharpshooters of VMFAT-101 have proven themselves to be a leader in strike-fighter aircrew training as the war on terror continues.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031114162453/$file/031107M7095Z-VMFAT101_small.jpg

Marines and Sailors with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 tow an F/A 18D Hornet into the wash racks for the night. Aircraft are washed every day with aircraft soap as a corrosion control measure. Photo by: Sgt. J.L. Zimmer III


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: