Marines conduct external load operations training with Osprey

Photo By Staff Sgt. Anne Henry | Marines attach a training block to an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during external load operation training, Nov. 5 on Ie Shima. The training provided Marines an opportunity to prepare for real-world contingencies involving external load operations. A loading team is comprised of outside coordinators who guide the aircraft into a hover position over the cargo. Once the aircraft is in position, inside coordinators use hand-and-arm signals to communicate with the outside coordinators who can then signal the pilots to adjust the aircraft’s elevation so that a hook is able to secure the cargo. It is critical for Marines to become proficient in external load training, according to Cpl. Kyle H. Haupt, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit , III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, III MEF, and the Marines are with CLB-31, 31st MEU, III MEF. Photo by Lance Cpl. Anne K. Henry  

IE SHIMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.05.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Anne Henry 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

IE SHIMA, Japan — Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 trained for external load operations Nov. 5 on Ie Shima.

The training prepared the Marines for real-life scenarios involving operations that could occur throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

“Today, we conducted training (in conjunction) with the helicopter support team,” said Capt. Bryan G. Hole, a pilot with VMM-265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “We will be practicing in standard patterns, which is how we would typically come in, pick up any load, and drop it (off) again.”

The training involved the Marines attaching a 3,500-pound cement training block to the hook of the aircraft. The Marines repeated the process numerous times with the Osprey flying in circular patterns overhead, giving the Marines in the HST time to regroup, maximizing the effectiveness and participation of the training.

“The Marines in the (HST) will be guiding us in when we are picking up the loads as well as staying in contact with us,” said Hole. “As we come in, we will be hovering over the ground. Once we are low enough, we will ground the (equipment to dissipate) static electricity. They will then attach the hook to the block.”

It is critical for Marines to become proficient in external load training, according to Cpl. Kyle H. Haupt, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, III MEF.
“This training gives the Marines more (proficiency) in their military operational specialty,” said Haupt. “It’s important because it prepares us for a real-life scenario should we ever need to get equipment to Marines on the ground.”

External load operations are used whenever any particular load of supplies cannot be carried inside the aircraft, according to Hole.
“It is typically advantageous for us to fit all (of) our cargo inside the aircraft,” said Hole. “If for some reason we can’t, we have to use our cargo hooks in order to externally carry supplies.”

The training gave the Marines renewed confidence and experience in their respective professions.

“From this training, I feel more confident in my own abilities as well as those of my Marines,” said Haupt. “Practice always makes perfect, therefore, the more practice we have, the more confident we (become), and the safer we are.”

• Date Taken: 11.05.2013
• Date Posted: 11.13.2013 23:13
• Story ID: 116692
• Location: IE SHIMA, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: LOS ANGELES, CA, US
• Hometown: MCALLEN, TX, US