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By Amanda Tucker
3rd Sustainment Command
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Sherpas help provide logistical support to 20 units scattered across 15 locations in Iraq.
The 330th Transportation Battalion, from Fort Bragg, N.C., is tasked with providing aerial support to facilitate the distribution sustainment operations for the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and Multi-National Corps - Iraq, on all rotary and fixed wing aircrafts, said Col. Ronald J. Ross, the 330th Trans. Bn. commander and Somerville, Mass., native.
"The sherpas have an operational support mission," said Maj. Chris W. Abbott, the operations officer for the 330th Trans. Bn. and Gardnerville, Nev., native. "They are specifically for Army requirements," he said.
According to the Military Analysis Network, the C-23 sherpa is, "the Army National Guard's answer to missions requiring an aircraft that is capable of faster, higher-altitude and longer distance coverage than helicopters."
Sgt. Paul S. Acosta, the sherpa non-commissioned officer in charge for the 590th Movement Control Team, under the 330th Trans. Bn., and Charleston, S.C., native, said medical equipment goes out almost every night by sherpa.
"It's a good feeling of accomplishment when you get Soldiers the equipment they need, especially medical supplies because you know it's going to a worthy cause," said Acosta.
The sherpa can carry approximately 3,000 pounds for each flight, which is broken down various ways and dependant on personnel and equipment. Some loads can either be three pallets or 12 passengers, eight passengers and one pallet, or four passengers and two pallets.
"Air assets are always very sought after," said Abbot. "Whenever we have them, it keeps Soldiers off the road."
A unit can drop off cargo for the sherpas and get it out the same night.
The 590th MCT has control of the flight manifest and can prioritize what needs to be delivered first, making sure mission essential equipment gets to where it needs to be quickly.
| Date Taken: | 02.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2009 09:01 |
| Story ID: | 29590 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 312 |
| Downloads: | 259 |
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