Photo By Sgt. Whitney N. Frasier | Marines with 1st Platoon, Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, Yuma - A speck of sand can have the same sensation as a thousand knives piercing through skin. With wind speeds reaching the rate of a category five hurricane, even a two hundred pound man can go rolling like a tumble weed. When a mission is at stake, Marines with Landing Support Company don't think twice about the consequences ... it's their job.
During an exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, 14 Marines from LS Co., Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, practiced resupplying units with food, fuel and water, April 24. The primary purpose of a helicopter support team is to insert gear and equipment to areas that are not reachable by ground vehicle. Afghanistan's terrain may require HST's to be readily prepared.
After the crew chief conducts a brief and the mission is a go, Marines prepare themselves for a sand storm incomparable to any other in the world. As the CH-53E hovers about ten feet above the equipment, the helicopter support team uses a static wand and a grounding rod to eliminate up to 175,000 volts of static electricity.
"Being under the bird never gets old," said Lance Cpl. Kevin D. Christmon, landing support specialist with 1st Platoon, LS Co. "It's an adrenaline rush, and we get a lot of flight time," said Christmon, 21, Detroit.
The cargo is connected to the pendle hook by weight bearing slings. Once given the "ok," the helicopter and its crew take off to a new destination.
The Marines conduct field exercises to rehearse the procedures of helicopter support teams. Not only does the training benefit landing support specialists, but also a pilot in training. HST being only a portion of their job, it's important to do as many operations as possible to prepare themselves for future deployments.
"The Marines work well together," said Cpl. James M. Gando, 20, Miami, a landing support specialist with 1st Plt., LS Co. "It's good to see them get more experience and practice their specialty in a controlled working environment."
In addition to logistics, they are also responsible for the tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel. By connecting the sling legs to a hook, a pilot and HST can successfully recover a fallen or malfunctioned aircraft in various terrains.
"Lifts become routine, but on the job training is always important," said Cpl. David C. Perry, 22, Frazeysburg, Ohio, landing support specialist with 1st Plt., LS Co. "Not only is the practice good for us, but for the pilots too."
While completing assignments, LS Marines may also be tasked to transport a Howitzer and its crew to a safer position. It's also important for the specialist to educate themselves in evaluating the safety of a pick up, giving them the control to suspend the lift if it's too risky.
Marines on the front line or in a threatening environment rely on the support of landing specialist to use their tactics, knowledge and skill to continue to the fight. Despite extreme danger, helicopter support teams are essential to mission accomplishment.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2009 17:05 |
| Story ID: | 33024 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, US |
| Web Views: | 274 |
| Downloads: | 198 |
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