U.S. Marines and Sailors with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, continued to improve the Joint Range Complex in Ngchesar, Republic of Palau, June 27-July 15, 2022.
The Joint Range Complex is a firing range where U.S. military and Palau law enforcement can conduct firearms training to increase their readiness and skills needed in their field. The JRC consists of a 250ft long and 135ft wide shooting range and a single building used as a shooting house. This year, the task force completed the second phase of the JRC project, designed to modernize the complex and deepen relationships with local law enforcement.
“My team and I have been working on the progress Koa Moana 21 has made by updating the Joint Range Complex to increase its longevity,” 1st said. Lt. Chance Hogan, the engineer officer in charge of TFKM 22. “We have given him a strong base to prevent further erosion and continue joint operations with local law enforcement using this range.”
“My team and I have been working on the progress Koa Moana 21 has made by updating the Joint Range Complex to increase its longevity.” 1st. Lieutenant Chance Hogan, engineer officer
One of the updates done to the building was to add an overhang to the front and back sides to protect it from possible weather damage. Inside the building, the Marines rewired various electrical components, creating plastic insulin to improve durability, and installed new lights on all sides of the building. The Marines improved the beach surface by establishing a stable, compacted gravel beach. These updates to the complex will allow Department of Defense personnel and local law enforcement in Palau to fire effectively without being disturbed by clay.
The Marines with TFKM 22 have started preparatory work for future improvements on the JRC, but the final version is not yet complete. The building has been analyzed for the future installation of solar panels, ventilation, plumbing and the overall expansion of the complex.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Gadiel Zaragoza
United States Marine Corps spear. Shane Cooke, left, an equipment operator engineer, and PFC. Brayan Cordovagonzalez, a heavy equipment operator, both with Task Force Koa Moana 22, I Marine Expeditionary Force, flattens gravel during construction at the Joint Range Complex in Ngchesar, Republic of Palau, July 5, 2022. The Joint Range complex will provide U.S. military and Palauan law enforcement a place to hone skills and improve marksmanship capabilities, enhancing readiness and interoperability in support of the Command’s strategic and operational objectives American Indo-Pacific.
“It will probably be done in a few years because they have the opportunity to expand into the area,” the gunnery sergeant said. Monica Knight, Utilities Manager at TFKM 22. “This year we completed the second phase by making improvements to the existing structure and range. There are discussions about future plans to add a building and further expand the JRC.
U.S. interaction with partner nations and states builds on shared knowledge and best practices, from which we can together develop and improve our mutual tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance forward readiness and capabilities. real-world crises.
The Marines and sailors of Task Force Koa Moana 22 are in the Republic of Palau from June to August 2022. Named “Koa Moana” after a Hawaiian/Polynesian phrase meaning “ocean warrior”, the task force is designed to strengthen and enhance relationships between the United States and partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region and enhance interoperability with local security establishments in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s strategic and operational objectives.
