Air to Ground Integration Essential to Bastogne Operations

Photo By Sgt. Barbara Ospina | Pilots of an OH-58, Kiowa Helicopter, 2nd Squadron, 2-17th Cavalry Regiment circle through the sky pulling security for their comrades on the ground while keeping an eye for anything that might look suspiscous. (U.S. Army Photo By: Spc. Barbara Ospina, 1st BCT Public Affairs)  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

03.14.2006

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Linsay Burnett, 1st BCT PAO, 101st ABN DIV

KIRKUK, Iraq - As Bastogne Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team continue operations throughout the Kirkuk Province, the success of their missions has been significantly enhanced by the aerial support provided by Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron (reconnaissance), 17th Cavalry.

Currently stationed at FOB Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq, the primary mission of 2-17th Cav. Soldiers is to provide aerial transportation, reconnaissance and security for Bastogne Soldiers. The squadron consists of numerous Scout Weapons Teams, flying OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopters, and a section of UH-60 Blackhawks from the 5-101st Aviation currently attached to the 2-17th.

Carrying as many as 11 fully-equipped Soldiers, the primary mission for the Blackhawks is to conduct air assaults, transport Soldiers to and from the different forward operating bases, provide MEDAVAC capabilities for up to four casualties, and occasionally transport detainees.

These services are especially pertinent to the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 1st BCT, stationed at FOB McHenry near Hawijah, Iraq. According to Sgt. Maj. Thomas Coleman, of Pittsburg, Pa., Operations Sgt. Maj. for 1st Bn., the aerial transportation provided by the Blackhawks affords more flexibility for the Battalion. "Their aerial support minimizes the number of vehicle convoys we have going to and from Kirkuk. This helps reduce the risk of encountering IED's [improvised explosive devises] on these routes and allows us to focus these vehicles on missions."

Whenever 1st BCT convoys do go out, the Kiowa Warrior Scout Weapons Teams are overhead. Their small maneuverable frame, equipped with a .50-caliber machine gun and a rocket pod, provides security for ground troops, conducts aerial reconnaissance and protects key infrastructure facilities. "They're the infantrymen in the sky," says Ltc. Marc Hutson, of Grand Junction, CO., Commander for 1st Bn.

The greatest threat to Soldiers operating in the Kirkuk Province is IED's. According to Maj. Hank Taylor, of Santa Monica, CA., Operations Officer for the 2-17th, since launching missions, there has been a significant reduction in the number of IED's placed throughout the Province. The Scout Teams" constant aerial surveillance has reduced the ability for insurgents to place IED's and transport munitions.

Along with identifying scores of IED's, the teams have also discovered five significant weapons caches and 10 to 15 minor ones. They have participated in cordon and search missions, resulting in the detention of several insurgent targets, and their defense of critical infrastructure sites has increasingly closed off the avenues of approach for insurgents wishing to damage the facilities.

The air to ground integration established by Bastogne and Cavalry Soldiers has been fundamental to the success of their missions. When the Cavalry Soldiers are not in direct support of a specific 1st BCT mission, they know what their priorities are. "We know what the Brigade Commander's intent is, therefore we know what we need to do operationally," says Taylor.

With over 10,000 hours of flight time in support of the 1st BCT, the Cavalry Soldiers are an integral part of Bastogne operations. Taylor considers the air to ground integration created in this area of operation to be one of the best he's ever seen. "The key thing we want is to be part of "The Club" team, and I think we've done that."

• Date Taken: 03.14.2006
• Date Posted: 03.14.2006 15:44
• Story ID: 5724
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ