Photo By Spc. Jason Dangel | Sgt. Tyler Woodworth, Chinook helicopter crew chief, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 4th...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jason Dangel
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, executed a training exercise at Camp Taji, Nov. 10, aimed to provide added versatility to refueling operations for both aviation and ground units operating in and around the Iraqi capital.
With the implementation of the CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopter-based portable refueling system, respectively called the "Fat Cow," the brigade's refueling mission can now extend to virtually any location in theatre.
In an attempt to offset the heavy demand placed on MND-B's various fixed refueling points, the Fat Cow will enable both forward-deployed air and ground assets to conveniently receive fuel directly from a Chinook integrated with a crash resistant internal 2,400-gallon fuel apparatus called the Extended Range Fuel System II.
"The helicopter can use the fuel itself or it can pump the fuel into other aircraft or vehicles. It provides the CAB the ability to place a Forward Area Refueling Point anywhere on the battlefield with a suitable landing zone. The capability can extend the reach of any aviation mission," said Capt. Michael Cerchio, commander, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Avn. Regiment, from Walden, N.Y.
This adaptable system makes it possible to set-up a fuel point anywhere the Chinook can land, he said, and for the CAB, this means aviation crews now have the ability to extend the range of attack or assault missions by providing a fuel stop that otherwise would not be there.
Despite the fact this mobile system is extremely convenient, it is limited in terms of how much fuel and security personnel it can carry. The prescribed range of the aircraft must also be taken into account when conducting Fat Cow operations. Lengthy mission specific planning is required when considering this type of operation in a combat setting.
In a tactical environment, the Forward Area Refueling Equipment, or FARE, can be set up in as little as 15 minutes, but during Friday's exercise the set-up time took longer due to the implementation of additional safety features, Cerchio explained.
"Speed is extremely essential for the Fat Cow mission," he continued. "Anytime an aircraft is stationary on the ground in a combat operation, it is vulnerable. A great deal of pre-mission planning goes into any Fat Cow mission to limit the amount of time aircraft spend on the ground."
The Fat Cow mission is extremely applicable and beneficial on the modern battlefield, said Sgt. Tyler Woodworth, a native of Missoula, Mo., who is a Chinook crew chief and participant of the training exercise, assigned to Company B, 2nd Bn. 4th Avn. Regt.
This training exercise is just another example of the brigade's combat power and sustainment capabilities, he said.
A popular phrase heard around the U.S. Army is "We train like we fight." For the Soldiers of the CAB, this mentality remains part of daily operations even when engaged in a war against a determined yet dwindling enemy.
This was the first time the 'Iron Eagle' brigade performed the exercise in combat, adding yet another bullet to its long list of combat aviation capabilities that are used to benefit the Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2008 10:08 |
| Story ID: | 26351 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 338 |
| Downloads: | 181 |
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