2013-11-18 According to Lt. Col. “Sniper” Brown, CO of VMM-262, FARPs are an important part of the operation to provide relief.
According to Brown, “A hub and spoke system is emerging in which the Navy helos are being supported by Marine FARPS (Forward Area Refueling Point) with the Ospreys using either the C-130s or the large deck carrier for refueling.”
In its role the USS Washington is a seasbase operating a few miles offshore and is integrated into the overall operations, rather than being considered as something apart from the overall role of airpower supporting the HA/DR mission set.
Concepts of operations can change as new technologies are added to the fleet.
American Forces Network Okinawa
11/17/13