▲ Troops from the U.S. Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 explain a filter separator system to airmen with the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron at a U.S. air base in the southwestern city of Gunsan on March 15, 2026, in this photo uploaded on the Pentagon's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) US Marines-readiness evaluation

(LEAD) S. Korean, U.S. Marines demonstrate aviation ground support capabilities during KMEP exercise

(ATTN: UPDATES with S. Korean participation in drills)

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. Marine unit based in Japan has demonstrated aviation ground support and logistics capabilities during a readiness evaluation session, aimed at strengthening interoperability with South Korean Marines, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Wednesday.

The Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, affiliated with the III Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Japan, conducted the combat readiness assessment with South Korean troops from March 14 to April 19 during the annual Korean Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) exercise, according to the command.

During the training, the U.S. Marine forces worked alongside South Korean Marines to establish mobile sites to quickly refuel and rearm aircraft in "austere environments."

The U.S. Marines also conducted intensive firefighting drills at Kunsan Air Base in the southwestern city of Gunsan to practice coordinated responses to simulated mishaps.

The allies were also involved in a comprehensive mass casualty exercise designed to test the troops' ability to provide immediate medical triage and evacuation under simulated combat conditions, according to the release.

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[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]