Photo By Sgt. Carl A Johnson | Members of the 133rd Engineering Battalion, Wyoming National Guard, watch as pilots...... read more read more
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The engineers restored the Mystic Trailhead near Sheridan Lake Road, to support the Black Hills National Forest. They tore down a damaged gazebo, used gravel to restore the parking area and placed rocks around the perimeter to limit unauthorized vehicle use.
“We are thankful to have the National Guard out here today,” said Ben Schumacher, project coordinator, Black Hills National Forest. “Without their expertise and equipment, it would have been difficult to get these projects accomplished.”
The day ended with CH-47 Chinook helicopters sling loading some of the engineers equipment to the next work site at Lakota Lake near Keystone, S.D.
“We coordinated with other units and found a way to get our equipment where it needed to be,” said Chief Warrant Officer Ellison Kurtz of the 133rd. “Moving equipment by helicopter is much faster and will save us several man hours tomorrow.”
Riggers from Company D, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, Iowa National Guard finished preparing skid steers with slings just minutes before pilots from the Republic Singapore Air Force lowered a CH-47 Chinook within feet of the equipment. Cpt. Clint Boatman, Commander of the 334th, climbed on top of the 133rd’s skid steer and attached the sling. The pilots took off for Lakota Lake with the skid steer attached.
“Training like this allows us to practice our skills in an environment that is similar to overseas operations,” said Boatman. “Working with other nations is an essential part of modern warfare.”
Cpt. Jared Gledhill, also of Company D, was communicating with the pilots by radio throughout the lift and had the responsibility of making sure everyone on the ground was safe.
“Safety is our number one priority,” said Gledhill. “Nobody got hurt and it was an efficient use of resources. Mission accomplished.”
While the helicopter sling load operation was the highlight of the day, the engineers’ work at Mystic Trailhead will benefit the community for years to come.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2016 15:29 |
| Story ID: | 201954 |
| Location: | KEYSTONE, SD, US |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Sling Load operation essential to engineer mission, by SSG Kayla Morris, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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