KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa, Japan -- Marines with Marine Air Control Group 18 visited Kadena Air Base May 22 to learn about an air asset the Air Force has recently made available to Marine Corps liaison personnel.
The group, part of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, observed the Air Force’s E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radars System, which provides valuable information to deployed Marines.
JSTARS is a battle management and command and control aircraft operated jointly by the Air Force and Army. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard S. Ulmen, the detachment director of operations with the 16th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, invited the Marines for a tour on board a JSTARS piloted by the 116th Air Control Wing and operated by the 461st ACW.
The Marines received the chance to see the work space and equipment on the plane. This was the first opportunity the unit has had to explore the system in person.
“The JSTARS platform brings a capability that the Marine Corps currently does not have organically,” said 1st Lt. Joseph E. Taylor, the tactical air command center’s executive officer with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18, MACG-18, 1st MAW, III MEF. “It enables an extended line of sight and aviation command and control. It is also a theater-level asset that brings increased effectiveness to target acquisition and prosecution.”
Marines were given a brief on the capabilities and operational history of the aircraft after the tour.
The aircraft can take tactical imagery and track ground movement of everything from large convoys, some aircraft and individual troops on foot. Information gathered by JSTARS can be transferred directly to infantry on the ground to expand operational awareness.
“Having a direct link would enable commanders the ability to gather intelligence and provide aviation support through deep battle management and close-air support,” said Maj. Matthew R. O’Hara, the operations officer with MTACS-18, MACG-18, 1st MAW, III MEF. “The Marine Corps currently doesn’t have these capabilities.”
JSTARS was first deployed to Iraq in 1991 for Operation Desert Storm to track the movements of tanks, placement of Scud missiles, and it completed its mission with a 100 percent success rating. Since it was first used, JSTARS has been involved in several surveillance missions across the globe including Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Having a Marine aboard JSTARS could prove invaluable to Marines.
“I surely hope there will be more joint work with the Air Force in the future,” said O’Hara.