Forest Light 21
28 Dec 2020 | Lance Cpl. Gerardo Cano 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
GUNMA PREFECTURE, Japan --
To end the crazy year that is 2020 strong, the U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the bilateral exercise Forest Light with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force December 3 to December 21, 2020.
Forest Light is an exercise that occurs annually or semi-annually between the Marines and JGSDF that rotates through the five JGSDF Army units to strengthen cooperation and bilateral operations. This iteration of Forest Light was designed to increase the partnership between the Marines and the JGSDF Eastern Army, with focus on offensive and defensive air mobile field training.
VMM-265 was the Air Combat Element for the exercise, supporting with six MV-22B Osprey’s, aircrews, maintainers and staff support. VMM-265 provided general support to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division and aviation training to the JGSDF. In addition, Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18 detachment provided radio support, Marine Air Control Squadron 4 detachment provided a Tower Liaison Officer and a weather forecaster, and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 detachment assisted with aircraft maintenance.
https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2457091/forest-light-21/
