Yuma-based Harrier squad makes history with training

Local Marines continue to make history this week more than 2,500 miles from home as pilots and air support staff participate in an unprecedented training aboard the British Royal Navy ship H.M.S. Illustrious.

According to 1st Lt. Armando Daviu, acting director Consolidated Public Affairs Office, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, this is the first time documented that an entire squadron of Marine U.S. AV-8B Harrier jets has cross-trained on a British vessel, signaling an unprecedented level of cooperation for long-time allies.

Members of Yuma-based Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) are part of the Joint Task Force Exercise, roughly 50 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The exercise is designed to qualify American pilots to land on British vessels in preparation for possible future joint military operations.

"I never would have dreamed I'd have my aircraft on a British Vessel," said Col. Van Camp, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14). "It's an extremely exciting time for us."

The Illustrious, known as "Lusty," poses a unique challenge to U.S. Harrier pilots due to its short deck space, nearly 33 percent less than a typical American carrier. To compensate for this, the ship's landing deck contains a ramp designed to propel aircraft upward, giving them the necessary lift to successfully clear the water.

Both American and British Harrier pilots refer to it as the "Ski Jump," and many noted an initial degree of measured apprehension in taking their first go at it.

"It definitely had an aura around it when we first came in here," said Maj. Graham Pennington, of VMA-513 or the 'Flying Nightmares'. "It looks like a wall sitting in front of you and is pretty intimidating when you first approach it."

Pennington likened the experience to riding the "Superman" ride at Magic Mountain theme park. He said the jet actually flies itself during the initial seconds after leaving the ramp.

"It's actually a very nonviolent, smooth transition."

---

Benjamin Hager can be reached at bhager@yumasun.com or 539-6873.