ARCHANGELS SUPPORT OPERATION TOY DROP

Photo By Spc. Dustin Smith | Parachute rigger Soldiers ensure safety and perform pack evaluation for U.S. and foreign jumpmasters before jumping from aircrafts during Operation Toy Drop Dec. 8 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Riggers involved in Operation Toy Drop completed a three-day validation to enhance event cooperation and safety. (Photo by U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Dustin Smith, 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

CHARLOTTE, NC, UNITED STATES

12.12.2016

Story by Spc. Tynisha Daniel 

319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Established in the 1940s, the Army’s Parachute Rigger (92r) Soldiers have ensured the safety and organization of airborne and airdop missions for U.S and foreign partner nations around the world. The 11th Quartermaster Archangels continue to uphold their duty to soldiers during Operation Toy Drop XIX, Dec. 8-16 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Operation Toy Drop has provided the Archangels with an annual training opportunity to sharpen their tactics and techniques while training with allied and partner nations to remain ready.
“So far I have participated in two Operation Toy Drop missions, our mission is to ensure that the parachutes are well equipped for our fellow jumpers; foreign and our own,” said Spc. Matthew Montalvo, a rigger with 11th Quartermaster, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
As advisors on airborne operations, acting as a bridge between support and personnel staff, riggers play a major part in maintaining the safety of Soldiers and proper packing and delivery of equipment used.
“We make sure that the riggers of the parachute are sustainable for everybody here. We want to make sure the paratroopers have a good landing and a good opening when exiting the aircraft and make sure there are no malfunctions with the parachutes,” said Montalvo.
The process of checking and packing parachutes become second nature to us, says Montalvo. Beginning day one of advanced individual training (AIT) riggers begin perfecting their craft.
During Operation Toy Drop the Archangels have supervised the inspection and inventory of personnel and parachutes for over 35 aircraft missions. Abiding to their motto “We drop, don’t stop,” riggers pack, check and recheck the parachute pack to guarantee that paratroopers will have a safe and secure landing when jumping from aircrafts.
Operation Toy Drop has allowed Montalvo and the Archangels to create and sustain relationships built between U.S. and foreign soldiers building trust while abiding to strict safety policies and guidelines.
“We are the home of the airborne operations and having foreign partners in that aspect brings tremendous amount of efforts on both parts, we are learning new things from each other and bringing new ideas to the table,” said Montalvo.

• Date Taken: 12.12.2016
• Date Posted: 12.13.2016 09:39
• Story ID: 217491
• Location: CHARLOTTE, NC, US