MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Marines and sailors from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing joined service members from the East and West Coasts as well as Hawaii at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Dec. 2 to start the 12-day Exercise Desert Talon.

The Marines and sailors teamed with soldiers of the Army's 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, Army National Guard, based out of Sandston, Va., to train and prepare for their upcoming deployment to Iraq.

"The purpose of this training evolution is to ensure Marines deploying are prepared for successful operations in the Iraqi environment and to support 1st Marine Expeditionary Forces when called upon," said Lt. Col. Fred J. Greenwood, future operations officer, 3rd MAW.

The training focuses on the many aspects of Marine Corps air operations. Aviation training covers control of aircraft, assault support, offensive air support, aerial reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Ground training involves convoys, weapons tactics and enemy engagement scenarios.

"The goal of the training exercise is to increase proficiency levels for operations in desert environments, which is vital to the success of our mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Greenwood.

Exercise Desert Talon is an intense course that focuses on academics, unit training and specific deployment training. It provides tailored training to increase proficiency in combat mission planning and execution and enhances the wing's ability to conduct integrated combat missions and operations. An integral part of this exercise is working and training with the Army UH-60 Black Hawk unit that will be attached to 3rd MAW during OIF.

"The Army has a history of joint operations with the Marine Corps, and our goal is to participate in joint operations during Desert Talon," said Army Capt. Michael T. McFarland II, adjutant, 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment.