12 CAB refuelers keep birds in flight at Falcon Autumn

Photo By Thomas Mort | A team of 10 U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, come together for a quick photo during exercise Falcon Autumn 22 at Vredepeel, Netherlands, Nov. 5, 2022. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Mort)  

NETHERLANDS

11.08.2022

Story by Capt. Gabrielle Hildebrand 

12th Combat Aviation Brigade

LIEUTENANT GENERAL BEST BARRACKS, Netherlands -- A team of ten Soldiers, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, facilitate a hot refueling point for the Dutch, Polish, and United States rotary wing aviation assets during exercise Falcon Autumn 22 at Vredepeel, Netherlands, Nov. 5, 2022.

Exercise Falcon Autumn 22 simulates the defense of allied territory in a collaborative environment, which reflects realistic conditions and prepares participants for multinational operations.

Sgt. 1st Class Chris Cox, petroleum supply specialist, HHC, 1-214th GSAB, 12 CAB, is the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) and explains how it is a force multiplier for commanders.

"It [the FARP] allows us to launch aircraft to the forward line of troops, and with us being so far forward, they don't have to reach back as far to get fuel, and it keeps them in the fight longer," said Cox.

1LT Joseph Caudill, FARP officer in charge, HHC, 1-214th GSAB, 12 CAB, explains more.

"We have conducted multinational cross-training on petroleum laboratory analysis, communications equipment, military vehicles, uniforms, and personal protective equipment," said Caudill.

Although the Dutch and U.S. have separate FARP locations, the teams end their days together.

"We are at separate [FARP] locations but the same LSA [logistic support area]. We live together," said Cox. "I knew many of the guys from exercise Green Griffin last year, and they made us feel right at home."

U.S. personnel and equipment are scheduled to return to their home garrisons after completing the exercise activities.

12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

For more photos, videos, and stories about 12 CAB, please visit DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/12CAB.

• Date Taken: 11.08.2022
• Date Posted: 11.08.2022 04:49
• Story ID: 432869
• Location: NL