Zardic World ReportV EditionJoint Zardic and Luthori Naval Operation Exercises Conducted.Belgae, Endirahad, Zardugal (February 27, 2750) -- More than 45,000 Marines of the Holy Luthori Empire and the Federation of Zardugal's Marines worked in cohesion to secure a beach during a bilateral amphibious raid exercise on the coast of Ieffreon off the coast of Vascania Feb. 13, as part of exercise Cobra Loda 2785.
Cobra Loda is the first coalition exercise focused on maintaining and improving military cooperation among its participants.
The raid primarily involved Luthori Marines from 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, as well as Zardic Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The half-hour bilateral exercise showed the true speed and combat capability of both forces. However, the training was about more than combat.
"An amphibious landing can be used anytime you need to secure a beach," said Col. Paul L. Damren, 31st MEU commanding officer.
The same process for combat operations is sometimes needed during non war-related missions, such as noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance missions and any contingency operations that may require an amphibious landing, he said.
The raid started quickly as a wave of more than 10 amphibious assault vehicles, capable of carrying up to 25 service members each, made their way ashore under the cover of smoke pyrotechnics.
Air support from two AH-1W Super Cobras, from the ZAF's Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, provided security and suppressed the objective before the AAVs landed.
Once ashore, the AAVs pushed inland, making room for a second wave of vehicles. The first wave of AAVs secured a landing zone for three CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter transports and three Zardic Super Lynx 300 helicopters. The Marines from the helicopters provided additional support to troops already on the ground.
"It's not every day you have the chance to do something like this," said Lance Cpl. Tarin Wages, an infantryman with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st MEU.
The Luthori Marines aggressively supported the force, providing security and additional strength to sweep through the objective.
Damren said the Z.A.F. and Luthori Marines were enthusiastic throughout the exercise, and he was grateful for the opportunity to work with the Luthori forces.
"They are a great military force, and this was a great opportunity to build on years and years of a friendly Zardugal-Luthori military tradition," Damren said.
As the exercise continued, the second wave of AAV's hit the beach and secured a foothold in their stead. With a sizable force holding strong defensive positions, two massive Navy landing crafts, air cushioned, roared ashore, bringing the allied raiders' final reinforcement, as the exercise came to a close.
"On a tactical level, our forces have been exchanging information on infantry, air and amphibious operations," said Admiral Sir Sean Rawling, head of the XXIIth Naval Battlegroup and senior Luthori commander for exercise Cobra Loda. "Cobra Loda brings multiple nations together, and at the end of the day, it enhances relationships and stability in the region."