Photo By 2nd Lt. Jarvis Mace | An UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter assigned to 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment,...... read more read more
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FORT IRWIN, California - For the past few weeks, Soldiers have been executing difficult missions at the National Training Center, a combat training facility located at Fort Irwin, California. How do Soldiers training in this vast training area transport equipment and personnel efficiently over impassable terrain?
Company C, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, Missouri Army National Guard, attached to Missouri’s 35th Aviation Brigade, is there to provide aerial transport and assault capabilities for Mississippi’s 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team during their rotation at NTC.
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters are used to transport cargo and personnel across the simulated battlefield. The unit consists of mostly pilots and crew chiefs that hold different responsibilities while operating the Blackhawk helicopters.
“I assist the pilot in command with flying the aircraft, doing ring routes and moving Soldiers and equipment around the training area,” said Warrant Officer Jeremy L. Benford, a line pilot with the 1-106th. “Ring routes are a series of predetermined pickup points that are usually flown in a roundabout, reaching spots between the start and end points.”
“Whenever we fly, I’m making sure that all the crew and passengers are safe,” said Spc. Ryan N. Gonzales, a crew chief with the 1-106th. “I also ensure that any loads on the aircraft are intact.”
The unit has two working shifts for Soldiers conducting day-long missions while the other shift prepares for the next day, said Benford.
At the start of their shift, Soldiers with the 1-106th report to the battalion’s tactical operations center for a briefing.
“There I am told what aircraft I’m going to be in, what missions I have, and takeoff times,” said Gonzales. “After that, I have to get the aircraft ready whether for an air assault or passenger carry.”
The mission planning process is lengthy and tedious, with many factors the crew members have to adapt to.
“The execution is straightforward,” said Benford. “It’s more of the unknown that is the difficult part. Being able to adapt is necessary while working here.”
In addition to transportation, the unit provides aerial reconnaissance for ground units in their area.
“If we see something while in the air, we inform higher headquarters to let them know,” said Benford. “The ground commander can only see so far, but we can see hundreds of feet above the ground.”
The 35th Aviation Brigade has other battalions that use AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook aircraft. The unit’s presence at NTC is an important learning experience for the 155th as they train here.
“We’re definitely helping,” said Gonzales. “We’re contributing to their mission with the help of our Blackhawks.”
“This exercise is not so much about teaching us how to conduct missions,” said Benford. “It’s more about integrating with larger units and learning how to do things under their command.”
With the support of the 1-106th, the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team is strengthening its combat power while conducting missions in the training area. Company C will continue to provide air support throughout the remainder of the NTC rotation, which ends in mid-June.
| Date Taken: | 06.02.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.03.2017 01:29 |
| Story ID: | 236235 |
| Location: | FORT IRWIN, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 925 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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