From Noblesville to the Pacific Ocean

Last Friday in the South China Sea, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Sydney Thrasher, from Noblesville, signals the flight deck is ready to launch an AV-8B Harrier, assigned to the Ridge Runners of Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). VMM-163 Harriers worked with the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), to provide close-air support during a bilateral training exercise with the Malaysian Armed Forces. Makin Island, the flagship for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 11th MEU, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capability with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.