U.S. Soldiers hone aerial gunnery skills

Photo By Sgt. Shiloh Capers | CINCU TRAINING AREA, Romania — A gunner from Bravo Company, 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York, scans the range area for targets from a UH-60 Black Hawk, Cincu Training Area, Romania, Aug. 22, 2017. Flight crews from the unit hone aerial gunnery skills, sighting targets and ensuring the weapon systems perform correctly. The flight crew operates the helicopter, flies through a set course and engages targets at multiple points. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade has presence throughout Eastern Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Atlantic Resolve is a U.S. endeavor to fulfill commitment to NATO interests by rotating units throughout Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mark Brejcha)  

ROMANIA

08.22.2017

Story by Sgt. Shiloh Capers 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CINCU TRAINING AREA, Romania — Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York, hone skills in the first day of a week-long aerial gunnery training, Cincu Training Area, Romania, Aug. 22.

The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade has presence in multiple countries in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. endeavor to fulfill NATO commitments by rotating units throughout Europe.

During the range, the crew flew to the range and loaded the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter prior to departing on a set course. On the course, the crew engaged targets at multiple points. At the end, the crew reverses, flying the helicopter back along the path and engaging the targets with the 240H machine gun building lethality for the brigade.

Throughout the course, the crew is actively engaged in crew search, carefully viewing the area of operation in sectors to acquire targets. Communication is key to accurately locate and describe the target to the other crew members.

During the flight, an evaluator ensures the helicopter weapon systems operate properly and that the crew is proficient at suppressive fire while maintaining aircraft duties.

Except for certain training tasks, aerial gunnery cannot be completed indoors in a simulation. Realism is the most important factor of gunnery training. Firing while in an operating aircraft is necessary to understand how wind and terrain can be an obstacle or advantage for the crew.

"Doing gunnery is still simulated but it's one of the most realistic things that we can do as a company," said U.S. Army Sgt. Derek Seifried, Black Hawk chief and maintainer, Bravo Company, 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. "Getting our pilots, our crew chiefs proficient at firing the weapons out of the helicopters makes us battle ready at any time and shows that our unit is capable of deploying."

The unit continues to develop its relationship with Romanian soldiers while at Cincu.

There is a lot of interaction with soldiers in the Romanian Army, said Seifried. The unit relies on them to coordinate tasks and accomplish missions.

"It is absolutely imperative that we build bonds with other nations and build strong relationships with our NATO Allies," he said.

Romanian Army Maj. Mihai Ciuta, range control officer, Joint National Training Center from Cincu, Romania, agreed.

The time between training is just as important, he said. Soldiers can meet and practice language skills, developing confidence in each other.

"During relation activities like cultural days, evening meals or sports activities, we can build our English," Cuita said. "After that, you can go directly into an exercise because you already know your counterpart and you're going to be more relaxed to talk with him."

• Date Taken: 08.22.2017
• Date Posted: 08.25.2017 02:17
• Story ID: 245803
• Location: RO