CH-47s provide essentials to ground troops

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Aubree Rundle | Troops from Company C., 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, make their way down a mountain to board a CH-47 (Chinook) from observation post Copenhagen, Afghanistan, to move to another observation post. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Aubree Rundle)  

04.18.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Pfc. Aubree Rundle
Task Force Pegasus Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATIONS BASE NARAY, Afghanistan— Pilots, crew chiefs and door gunners from Company B, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade provided operational support to ground troops, April 14.

Task Force Spartan's team elements received combat supplies and air assault assistance for Task Force Titan troops from Task Force Pegasus and Bravo Company.

The Soldiers from Co. C, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division carry out movements throughout the northeastern region of Afghanistan and rely on TF Pegasus to provide provisions and transportation to their mission locations, said Army Capt. Jeffrey O'Dell, Operations commander, 3-71st Cav.

"Without roads developed in these mountain regions, its difficult to get supplies out to the combat operation areas," said Army Staff Sgt. George Beckett, logistics noncommissioned officer in charge, Co. C, 3-71st Cav.

The supplies that are transported by Co. B include ammunition, food and water, mail, and combat equipment.

These supplies are transported in CH-47s Chinooks by means of sling loading cargo underneath the aircraft or packing the aircraft's body with troops and supplies. A CH-47 can carry up to 10,000 pounds of cargo in one trip.

"Task Force Pegasus transports supplies almost weekly, keeping our Soldiers well equipped and satisfied" said Beckett. "If we don't receive a delivery of water, Soldiers don't drink water. Aviation support is that essential."

"Whether it is mail, (ammunition) or food packs, whenever a re-supply helicopter arrives, especially before a mission, our team's entire attitude changes for the better," said Army Sgt. David Fischer, fire squad leader, Co. C, 3-71st Cav. "Getting mail out here is like Christmas day."

"This operation and location wouldn't exist without the support that Co. B and Task Force Pegasus provide for our troops," said O'Dell.

• Date Taken: 04.18.2007
• Date Posted: 04.18.2007 10:31
• Story ID: 9990