Photo By Sgt. William Perkins | A U.S. Marine with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose...... read more read more
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UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - The sun disappeared, swallowed by the horizon, leaving only a light breeze and quiet thoughts for the U.S. Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command.
Classes, drills and a quick response mindset prepared the Marines for the next two hours of training.
Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel gives coalition forces the ability to retrieve a pilot if their aircraft is shot down.
Starting with a broad overview of the TRAP’s mission, the team refined the standard operating procedures and worked their way through a series of scenarios and exercises to ensure operations are successful.
U.S. Marine Cpl. Anthony Saldutti, a rifleman with SPMAGTF – CR – CC said, “We had to build up what we have and we’ve come a long way.”
Since the team was initially formed, they’ve conducted many small-scale, detailed rehearsals on the flight line. On Jan. 22, 2015, the team set out on a larger-scaled, live scenario.
The mission was to place a simulated downed pilot in an area unknown to the TRAP members and have the team locate and rescue the stranded individual.
Adding to the scenario’s realism, the mission was conducted after sundown. Each team member had to pull their weight for the exercise to be a success. From communication on the ground, to locating and retrieving the simulated casualty, each service member faced their own unique trials to contend with.
“The biggest challenge we had was it was night time,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Alex Schargorodsky, a radio operator with SPMAGTF – CR – CC. “It made it more realistic because you never know when we’re needed.”
Marines, sailors and airmen worked together to complete the mission. Two A-10 Thunderbolts provided aerial over-watch to help locate and protect the simulated casualty while being guided by a team of forward air controllers.
“Everything went smooth from the time we got the call,” said Saldutti. “Our counts were good and communications were up.”
As the exercise continued, the Marines had to adjust to developing situations.
Saldutti said the TRAP members usually exit the MV-22 Osprey immediately after it lands to recover the downed pilot. During the scenario, however, things went slightly different. The darkness, combined with dust and debris created by a second Osprey’s rotating propellers caused the crew chief to advise the team to stay put until the A-10 providing over-watch of the situation called the second Osprey off.
“We found out the second bird was waved off so it was just us,” said Saldutti. “We managed to get off the Osprey, set up security, and immediately we got the direction and distance of the isolated personnel.”
The Marines trained and rehearsed under different conditions and situations to account for the unpredictable variables that might change how the TRAP mission is executed. They practiced for the unknown so they would always be able to adapt to what the mission required.
Despite the obstacles, the Marines quickly located the pilot, provided the necessary care, safely returned to the Osprey and ultimately accomplished their mission.
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.30.2015 05:49 |
| Story ID: | 153113 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 151 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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