Centurions deliver for Alaska-based Airborne Brigade

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jason Epperson | U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Stevens, a parachute rigger with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (Airborne), Task Force Spartan, prepares to hook up a sling load to a Russian Mi-8 helicopter at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Jan 3. Stevens, is a member of Task Force Spartan which recently took over responsibility of Paktya and Khowst provinces.  

KHOWST PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

01.03.2012

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

By U.S. Army Capt. Charles M. Spears

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A group of Alaska-based parachute riggers are now rigging everything from fuel to food for delivery to soldiers on the front lines in Afghanistan.

The riggers are part of the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, Task Force Centurion, which recently deployed to eastern Afghanistan. Task Force Centurion assumed responsibility of the support and sustainment mission for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Task Force Spartan.

“This section has already coordinated the transportation of over 3,000 soldiers and just under one million pounds of cargo by contracted aviation in less than one month,” said U.S. Army Capt. Adam Jones, TF Centurion transportation officer. “Without this air coordination, the maneuver forces would not be able to sustain operations at certain bases.”

In Alaska, the riggers support the brigade’s airborne mission by re-rigging thousands of parachutes the brigade uses every week for airborne proficiency training. They also keep their skills fresh by rigging entire Humvees and howitzer artillery platforms for what’s known as aerial delivery.

While Spartan paratroopers aren’t jumping in Afghanistan, Centurion paratroopers still provide the kind of support the brigade needs to conduct its mission. Much of that involves the delivery of fuel and supplies using a mix of military and civilian contracted helicopters, in addition to ground convoys.

Sustaining the force is a team mission; however, some personalities stand out. The BSB’s support operations air transportation section is at the head of the battalion’s logistical support mission. This section, led by Staff Sgt. Michael Wambsgans, plans and coordinates with military and civilian contract agencies to bundle, sling load, and fly needed supplies anywhere in the brigade’s battle space.

Despite the rough terrain of east Afghanistan, air delivery isn’t the only option. “Last week the 725th pushed out our first convoy over the KG pass from Salerno to Gardez,” said U.S. Army Capt. Eddie Gorbett, battalion operations officer. “The roads of Afghanistan are rough and lack the conveniences of the U.S. interstate system. There were problems to overcome like vehicle breakdowns and flat tires.

“During their convoy they moved over hard ball, dirt, and even river beds to get from one destination to the other. These soldiers quickly responded to all challenges and ensured everyone made it back safely and tactically,” Gorbett added.

While transitioning with the outgoing 201st Brigade Support Battalion from Fort Knox, Ky., the 725th BSB diligently worked to learn the battle rhythm the 201st used to ensure smooth flow of operations over the last year.

The focus of the 725th BSB’s mission is the full transition of security and governance responsibilities to the Afghan government. For its part of that mission, The 725th BSB is observing Afghan National Army operations in order to build trust, learn the ANA logistics system, and identify areas to focus on while mentoring and training the ANA, according to U.S. Army 1st Lt. Courtney Fuller, battalion personnel officer.

Nearly 3,500 paratroopers conducting combat and support missions everyday requires significant resource support. The BSB provides flexible and responsive logistical support to TF Spartan’s maneuver units arrayed across the area of operations, according to Jones.

The 725th BSB, Task Force Centurion commander, Lt. Col. Brad Hinson, summarized the principle that guides all members of his team, “No mission will fail due to logistics.”

• Date Taken: 01.03.2012
• Date Posted: 01.03.2012 14:46
• Story ID: 82001
• Location: KHOWST PROVINCE, AF