Photo By 2nd Lt. Cody Kellum | An AH-64 Apache attack helicopter flies over the training field following the...... read more read more
The gaze of the gathered spectators drifted towards the skies, as the roar of attack and support helicopters filled the air during the completion of Operation Titanomachy near the foot of Mount Olympus in Litochoro, Greece, on February 19, 2020. U.S. Army soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, practiced downed pilot recovery operations alongside Greek Marines from the 32nd Marine Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Hellenic Army.
“Today marks the fifth month of training as a partnered force,” said U.S. Army Maj. Beau Robinson, 3-17 Cavalry Squadron Operations Officer. “The Hellenic and U.S. Army can operate and easily overcome many of the previous brief challenges we faced. Two items of note that clearly increase our interoperability include similar combat equipment, and the relationships formed over our time here.”
Key leaders from the U.S. and Greece gathered at the Litochoro Range training site to view the live demonstration. The exercise consisted of live fire from attack helicopters, simulated medical evacuations, as well as air assault and fast rope team tactical procedures. The exercise demonstrated the U.S. and Greece’s ability to effectively train and operate alongside one another.
A variety of helicopters were utilized in the exercise including AH-64 Apaches, UH-60 Black Hawks, CH-47 Chinook and UH-1 Huey helicopters.
The helicopters were piloted by both the U.S. and Hellenic forces.
Geoffrey R. Pyatt, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, joined General Charalampos Lalousis, General of Staff of the Hellenic Army, and Lt. Col. Clifton T. Causey, the battalion commander for 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, viewed the exercise from the observation deck as Apache attack helicopters provided cover fire for the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters landing for the downed pilot recovery maneuver.
The leaders used the opportunity to discuss future joint multinational training exercises in order to further increase the interoperability between the U.S. and Greece, as well as ensuring a continued friendly relationship with our NATO partners and allies.
“What we have seen today is a fantastic preparation for Defender 21,” said Geoffrey R. Pyatt, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece. “Our work to develop interoperability with our Greek allies is critically important, and will be even more so in 2021 when we work together to celebrate the bicentennial of the Greek War of Independence.”
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.21.2020 11:47 |
| Story ID: | 363591 |
| Location: | LITOCHORO, GR |
| Hometown: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 824 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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