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Pink Team

Photo By Matt Acosta | An OH-58D Kiowa taxis down the runway at Forward Operating Base Mackenzie after...... read more read more

10.06.2005

Courtesy Story

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By Staff Sgt. Matthew Acosta
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MACKENZIE, Iraq-In the ever-changing world of combat and combat support, tactics are continually developing in order to throw off the insurgent's balance in Iraq.

Helicopter patrols known as "Pink Teams" are being implemented to maximize the effectiveness of two very different helicopter platforms, backing maximum observational capabilities with increased firepower.

"The Pink Team concept was actually used during the Vietnam War combining the small scout helicopters with the Cobra gunships back then," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Williamson, pilot, Troop D, 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry, Task Force Liberty.

Today's Pink Teams consist of an OH-58D Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter and an AH-64A Apache attack helicopter.

Although the aircraft were developed for different roles, after a short training program, both helicopter crews were able to effectively communicate and have adapted to the other aircraft's flying capabilities.

"We initiated a short training program integrating both aircraft, getting the pilots used to patrolling with each other," said Capt. Andrew Cecil, commander, Company B, 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Brigade, Task Force Liberty. "Obviously, they're different aircraft with different abilities, so we came up with a plan on how to get the best from both platforms."

Cecil said the training sessions went better than expected and the teams were flying outside the base perimeter in a relatively short time.

Since the Pink Team doctrine was initiated, observational capabilities and technology has come a long way. With the assistance of night and heat-sensing imaging, the helicopters have an advantage over the enemy.

"In today's scout aircraft, the "eye" can be rotated around 320 degrees, has night vision and thermal imaging capabilities allowing it to see in adverse weather conditions," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steven Hamm, pilot, Troop B, 1-17 Cav. "It also has a 32-power zoom so it can bring things in real close for standing off a target."

Hamm said the system also has the capability to take photos of an area or target and send them through a satellite link back to the headquarters if needed.

"Due to the (OH-58D Kiowa's) smaller size, it's much more nimble than the larger gunship and has a very wide, unobstructed view around the aircraft," Hamm said.

A drawback of the small scout helicopter is its limited ability to lift weight in armament. Its relatively "light" weapons systems, typically a .50 caliber machine gun and a seven-rocket pod, are primarily for self-defense, but are often used to assist Coalition ground forces when needed.

"This is a reconnaissance bird, not an attack helicopter, but we can lay down fire for Soldiers in trouble on the ground," Williamson said.

On the other hand, the Apache has "exceptional firepower," he added.

The Apache AH-64A is equipped with a 30mm cannon with up to 1,200 rounds and precision laser aiming. It can carry up to 16 laser-guided Hellfire missiles or four rocket pods with 19 rockets in each pod, or a combination, mission dependent.

"Together, these teams have the capability to handle any mission needed to counter any enemy attack here in Iraq," said Williamson.

Williamson said because the scouts are able to fly lower, they can they can relay target information and location to the larger, higher-flying Apache who can then home in and defeat or destroy it.

"The first time we were called into contact with the enemy, the (1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Soldiers) were pinned down and we were able to direct fire where they said they wanted it and we were able to stay on site for 45-50 minutes slinging lead," Williamson said. "Had it been the typical dual (OH-)58D combo we would have been empty and had to go to reload rockets and ammo."

Integrating the two helicopters from two units into a single team has proven to be a success to the Coalition Soldiers.

"It's a great concept utilizing the available technology we have here by combining the fighting force of two units with a common mission either supporting the ground forces or direct contact with the enemy during the Pink Team patrols," said Lt. Col. Frank Muth, commander, 1-17 Cavalry. "The 8th Battalion of the 229th Aviation supplies the Apache helicopters and pilots and together we make for an unstoppable team."

Muth said since the teams have been implemented, the missions have been going well and he didn't foresee going back to the dual scout combination unless a specific mission mandated it.

"Hopefully the units coming in and taking over will see the value of this team work and adopt this concept, effectively combining the abilities of two very different aircraft," Muth said.