Marines fast rope during PIX 2003
USMC News
Story Identification Number: 200332812146
Story by Lance Cpl. Dave Boni
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- PHILIPPINES - Marines and their Philippine counterparts burst onto a CH-53D Sea Stallion as if their life depended on it during a recent fast roping exercise. For some Philippine Marines this would be their first time stepping foot on a helicopter, and now they were being trained in the proper way to effectively board and depart one while maintaining there combat readiness.
The exercise was exciting for some, but it was just another step in maintaining strong ground support elements for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 during their deployment to the Republic of the Philippines Feb. 3.
"Back in the rear we don't have many opportunities to work with the ground side of things so this gives us a great chance for that interaction," said Cpl. Colter Gilmore, HMH-463 crew chief.
Throughout the exercise, Pegasus played the role of taxi as three waves of officers and staff noncommissioned officers, sergeants and corporals took turns taking their Philippine Marine training partners on and off the helicopter.
"This is our bread and butter," said Lt. Col. Scott Kerchner, commanding officer for HMH-463. "Our primary mission is transporting Marine infantry from place to place and this deployment will give us a great opportunity to practice those skills."
The exercise is part of an extensive cycle with the Philippine Marines to better prepare them for training in other areas that involve helicopters. "There will be other exercises that involve fast roping and other advanced drills so the basic knowledge of how to properly maneuver inside of a helicopter is vital," said Gilmore.
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