Courtesy Photo | CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Sgt. Nicholas Cooreman, a Miami native and a UH-60 Black Hawk...... read more read more
Sgt. Robert J. Strain
1st ACB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from two aviation support battalions have been working together for approximately two weeks here as the 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, completed its relief-in-place with the outgoing 404th ASB of the 4th Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade and conducted the transfer of authority here Nov. 4.
The time leading up to the transfer of authority, known as the relief in place, is when the Soldiers and leaders of the two battalions work together to ensure a smooth transition from one unit to the next.
According to Lt. Col. Mark Hirschinger, commander, 615th ASB, the relief-in-place process showed the Soldiers of the battalion everything from day-to-day administration, to the specific mission requirements of the companies as well as an orientation of the camp.
"Basically, the 404th acted as our instructors," the Baraboo, Wis., native said.
Hirschinger explained that Soldiers of the 404th ASB showed the 615th ASB's Soldiers the best way to tackle the challenge of supporting an aviation brigade in Iraq.
The 615th ASB and the 404th ASB are organized almost exactly the same way, making the transition easier.
These battalions' missions differ from the rest of the brigade's however, Hirschinger said.
Rather than flying, the two battalions work from the ground, providing maintenance, supplies and communications to their respective brigades.
Sgt. Marc Johnson, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the avionics production control section for Company B, 615th ASB, said the lessons learned during the relief-in-place process will make their tour easier.
"Without the transition, we'd be way behind the power curve," said Johnson.
Johnson's section deals with the brigade's maintenance work orders on avionics equipment, and the 404th ASB showed them a way to track work orders and parts that is easier than what they had done at Fort Hood, Texas.
The avionics repair section added a new shop that the 615th ASB didn't have at Fort Hood, which specializes in repairing equipment found on AH-64 Apache helicopters.
"It's like stepping into a whole different animal here," Johnson said about having the new repair section, but the 404th ASB's technicians worked hand-in-hand with the 615th ASB's technicians to ensure a smooth transition.
Hirschinger said the Soldiers of the 404th ASB should feel good about what they've accomplished during the relief-in-place period.
"The 404th ASB did a fantastic job of welcoming us and showing us what's important to succeed here in Iraq," Hirschinger said.
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2006 13:58 |
| Story ID: | 8319 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 338 |
| Downloads: | 206 |
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