FORT IRWIN, Calif. ­— The National Training Center, along with MCAS Miramar’s Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 executed a successful Airborne Operation and Joint Suppression of Air Defense Life Fire Exercise (JSEAD) over Greer Drop Zone and the NTC maneuver training areas on Feb. 24. Sgt. Maj. Bowman of the Spartan Team earned his Senior Parachutist badge after 30 jumps and Capt. Cavalier of Tarantula Team earned his Master Parachutist Badge by completing his 65th Airborne Operation.

Thirty-seven paratroopers were dropped, with no major injuries within 300 meters of the intended target on the drop zone.

The combined live fire JSEAD training allowed five Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) from the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (3rd ANGLICO) and two FA-18’s from VFMA-232 to prosecute fires on simulated surface to air missile targets to support Airborne Assault Operations on the Drop Zone.

The Tarantula team airborne program span of influence included Jumpmasters and Paratroopers from the Spartan / Lizard Teams, 416 / 426 CA BNs and the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.

The next Airborne Operation will be on Mar. 24 and will be supported by a UH-60 from NTC’s 2916th Aviation Battalion.