Helicopter support team sends heavy equipment via air

Photo By Staff Sgt. Bruno Bego | Lance Cpl. Seth A. Peikert, originally from Darien, Wis., a landing support specialist with Helicopter Support Team, Landing Support Detachment, Headquarters and Support Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), ensures chains and straps are properly secured during an HST mission aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, March 29. During the operation, a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion,picked up an 11,500-pound bobcat to transport it to Forward Operating Base Azadi, Afghanistan, to support landing zone improvements. The HST conducts similar operations numerous times a day to sustain FOBs throughout Helmand province, Afghanistan, in support of International Security Assistance Force operations.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.29.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Bruno Bego 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines with Helicopter Support Team, Landing Support Detachment, Headquarters and Support Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) conducted an HST mission where they attached a bobcat to a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion, March 29, aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

“This tractor is one of many pieces of equipment and material we have sent lately to [Forward Operating Base] Azadi,” explained Sgt. Jonathan D. Fassnacht, the Arrival Departure Airfield Control Group staff non-commissioned officer in charge. “The equipment and material will support improvements on the landing zone.”

The HST conducts similar operations numerous times a day to sustain troops at FOBs throughout southwestern Afghanistan, where deliveries by helicopter are becoming more common.

“HSTs are more effective,” said Lance Cpl. Seth A. Peikert, originally from Darien, Wis., a landing support specialist with HST, LS Det., 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “Especially with the mountains in Afghanistan …. We use HSTs to get the supplies to the troops faster.”

No matter what they have to load, the team will organize it, pack it, place it on the landing zone and ensure it is properly attached to the helicopter to guarantee the cargo arrives at its destination.

• Date Taken: 03.29.2011
• Date Posted: 03.30.2011 09:46
• Story ID: 67983
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF