Photo By Sgt. Matthew Marcellus | Sgt. Kole Lewsader, left, an AH-64 Apache armament, electrical and avionics systems...... read more read more
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — An ominous roar steadily grew as a group of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters appeared in the distance and engaged static targets, kicking up columns of dirt and destruction as the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division participated in Saber Vortex, an aerial gunnery live-fire exercise in Grafenwoehr, Germany, August 29, 2018.
“Today we were doing a ready to fight exercise, doing manned and unmanned teaming,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Stephen Krumm, an unmanned aerial systems technician with 6-17 CAV. “Basically, we send out a Shadow unmanned aircraft to scout in front of everything and find bad guys”.
The unmanned Shadow aircraft worked in tandem with the Apache attack helicopters to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of combat operations and to prioritize potential hazards which would compromise the safety of the Apache and its crew.
"We identify those targets... that would be harmful to the Apaches," said Krumm. “After that, we bring in the Apache helicopter, we pass on the targets to them and they can take action.”
The exercise incorporated various aspects of Army aviation, as maintenance, logistical and preparatory tasks were completed to establish mission success.
“We’re out here doing Forward Arming and Refueling Point operations,” said Sgt. Kole Lewsader, an AH-64 Apache armament, electrical and avionics systems repairer and squad leader with 6-17 CAV. “The aircraft land here, we fuel them and load rounds, hellfire missile, or rockets.”
The exercise tested the effectiveness of the unit in combat efficiency as well promoted and strengthened the sense of cohesion during operations.
“It’s important to see what the squadron is capable of doing, especially considering the change from the United States to Germany,” said Lewsader. “This exercise shows us what we have and how we can use it.”
Saber Vortex, along with other exercises conducted by the 4th CAB, is designed to emphasize and demonstrate their commitment to readiness and efficiency.
“Readiness is our number one priority,” said Krumm. “We are ready to rapidly deploy and deploy our aircraft on short notice.”
The 4th CAB is currently supporting Atlantic Resolve in Europe, conducting training and operations to support European Allies and to ensure the preservation of peace and stability in the region.
Training conducted by 4th CAB readily shows that they are an able and ready force, prepared to stand and defend alongside allies in the European theater.
“This training demonstrates our force and lethality,” said Krumm. “It shows our commitment to our European allies.”
| Date Taken: | 09.04.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.04.2018 14:01 |
| Story ID: | 291301 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE |
| Web Views: | 357 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Aerial Teamwork: 6-17 CAV participates in Saber Vortex, by SGT Matthew Marcellus, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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