MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- More than 30 Marine and Navy air intercept controllers gathered at the Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron at the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters building here to perform training that benefits both pilots and controllers – F/A-18 “Hornet” simulator training.

The AICs train to understand what challenges pilots face while intercepting enemy aircraft and to enhance communication between the pilots and AICs.

AICs and pilots work together, but they don’t usually train with each other, explained Capt. Jeff Mueller, the MATSS Miramar standardization/evaluation officer and an F/A-18 weapons and sensors officer. The training allowed them to speak to each other and communicate their ideas.

AICs inform pilots of enemy location, how many there are and what kind of maneuvers they are performing.

“These guys are absolutely integral to our success as Marine fighters,” said Mueller. “Without them being well trained and proficient, we would not be successful, which would ultimately affect the Marines on the ground who need F/A-18 support.”

For the training, AICs began with classes on the tools pilots use to locate enemy aircraft. The AICs had a chance to ask the pilots questions about different tools and observe them using each one in the F/A-18 simulator.

“The simulator showed me that he’s doing 20 million things at once,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Erik Findall, the AIC supervisor aboard the USS Pinckney. “In order to be an effective AIC, I have to pretend like I’m sitting in the cockpit.”

The AICs are basically training to think like pilots, explained Gunnery Sgt. Tina Kelly, an intercept controller with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd MAW, I Marine Expeditionary Force. The training reveals that pilots have to concentrate on what AICs are saying while maintaining everything in the aircraft.

Following the simulator, the pilots and AICs had group discussions on tactics and procedures during enemy intercepts. The discussions allowed them to determine what works and what doesn’t during intercepts.

“We are striving to create a better understanding of exactly what is occurring inside the F/A-18 during airborne intercepts,” said Mueller.

Although they don’t always have the chance train together, AICs and pilots continue to work toward better communication so they can continue to save lives during combat.

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