HMH-366 supports Exercise Emerald Warrior

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

05.02.2013

Story by Cpl. Scott L. Tomaszycki 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 continued supporting Exercise Emerald Warrior this week from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

Emerald Warrior is a multinational exercise focusing on special operations. HMH-366 is providing support to special forces units from a variety of countries by flying different types of insertion missions over both land and water.

“We’re providing them heavy lift aircraft so they can reaffirm their tactics, techniques and procedures like fast-roping and various ways they can insert into an objective area,” said Maj. Wyland F. Leadbetter, the officer in charge of the HMH-366 detachment.

Leadbetter said the unit’s Marines don’t regularly train for special tactics like this, but they appreciate the opportunity to practice alongside international special forces troops.

“It’s fairly rare that we are able to practice these tactics, so the training we do is validating,” said Leadbetter. “When we get to do these fairly challenging tactics, we get to see our training works.”
During the exercises, HMH-366 also practiced long-range raids, aerial refueling and night flying.

“I think the cool part is being involved in an exercise this big,” Leadbetter said. “It’s a great opportunity for the Marines to see a busy airspace, a challenging environment and validate that we are able to execute what we are trained to do.”

• Date Taken: 05.02.2013
• Date Posted: 05.02.2013 10:14
• Story ID: 106212
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US