Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Justin Boling | Motor transportation operators with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 mount a simulated...... read more read more
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Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 held an aircraft recovery exercise with help from Aircraft Recovery and Fire Fighting on the Air Station, May 26.
The training evolution involved many moving parts and Marines to recover the simulated crashed aircraft.
"Everyone works together in the situation to accomplish the clearance demands and breaking down the aircraft into the smallest package and safely transporting it," said Master Sgt. Alan Fernandez, the Motor Transportation operations chief with MWSS-273.
The training is geared to allow Marines to learn about how to take care of a crashed plane. This training helps many of the Marines from MWSS-273 prepare for such a disaster during deployment.
"The Motor Transportation operators get the chance to work with other sections, think progressively and keep on their toes," Fernandez said.
The exercise involved combat engineers to lift the aircraft and vehicle operators to figure out how best to mount and transport it. The ARFF Marines mainly serve as safety advisors after putting out the wreckage fires.
"Our job is to be in charge of the lift safety and to prep the crash sight," said Staff Sgt. Mathieu Torres, the ARFF assistant training chief. "We save lives first and then we help ensure the aircraft is safely prepared to be mounted and moved."
After ARFF finishes their objectives it is the engineers' goal to do the reconnaissance for the lifting and movement of the aircraft. Their responsibility includes assessing possible routes for clearance requirements and security risks. The data isused to form a plan.
"We make sure that all security and height obstacles are planned for," said Sgt. Eugene Tobias, crane operator with MWSS-273. "There is a lot of safety concerns that we must think about during the lift, even fast winds could lead to a disaster."
After the engineer hoist what is left of the body of the aircraft, Marine vehicle operators begin to situate tires on the back of a trailer to cradle the fuselage and wings. After the cradle is prepared the plane is then lowered to test how it will settle. This process is completed by trial and error.
"Working together and safely was key to the success of this training exercise," Fernandez said.
According to Sgt. Bradley Maxwell a motor vehicle operator and functioning on scene commander for the exercise, this training evolution was performed safely and successfully at one of the fastest times they have dealt with a recovery. The true success was the knowledge that junior Marines gained.
"Everything I learned was useful information for me to know when I deploy, and to pass on to Marines when I am their senior," said Pfc. Allen Coker, a Motor Transportation operator with MWSS- 273.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2010 12:35 |
| Story ID: | 50867 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 231 |
| Downloads: | 139 |
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