Photo By Sgt. Samuel Bonney | Soldiers from 41st Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat, 10th Mountain Division...... read more read more
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SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. — Soldiers from the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, in coordination with the 41st Engineer Battalion, conducted a helocast training exercise over Lake Ontario off the shore of Sackets Harbor on Sept. 19, 2025.
The exercise, which began at 10 a.m., involved Soldiers jumping from low-flying helicopters into the water and swimming to shore, testing skills needed for rapid water insertion operations. Community members gathered at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site to watch the event.
Helocasting is an insertion technique used by Army aviation and engineer units to deploy troops into water, allowing them to access areas that are difficult or impossible to reach by land or conventional flight paths. During the operation, aircraft from 3-10 Aviation Battalion supported the mission while engineer Soldiers performed the water entry portion.
The training required careful planning and preparation. Soldiers conducted swimmer readiness drills, water survival rehearsals, and practiced helicopter exits prior to the live event. The U.S. Coast Guard supported the exercise with a safety boat, positioned to respond in case of emergencies and to ensure no civilian vessels entered the training area.
Leaders said the helocast allowed participating units to refine specialized skills and strengthen coordination between aviation and engineer elements. The training also gave Soldiers the opportunity to operate under realistic conditions that could be applied to amphibious or littoral missions.
“This was a great opportunity to not only train Soldiers on methods of deploying, but also to interact with the community of Sackets Harbor,” said 2nd Lt. Justin Bartolowits, lead planner for the helocast training exercise. “It was awesome to socialize and display some of our military capabilities to a community that supports us so much.”
The event drew local residents and visitors who lined the shore to observe the helicopters approaching over Lake Ontario before Soldiers entered the water. Organizers said the exercise demonstrated the capabilities of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade while highlighting the unit’s connection to surrounding communities.
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2025 15:40 |
| Story ID: | 548787 |
| Location: | SACKETS HARBOR, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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