Marines test Super Stallions' horsepower with night lift qualification
US Marine Corps News
3/20/2009
By Lance Cpl. Melissa A. Latty, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Marines from Landing Support Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducted helicopter support team operation at night in support of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, here, March 18.
The purpose of this HST was to assist pilots from HMH-461 in obtaining their night qualification for lifting specified weight amounts in the CH-53E Super Stallion.
“Our mission is to provide pilots the training they need to be proficient in their jobs,” said Sgt. Alicia Corey, the battalion’s range officer in charge. “It also keeps our Marines up to date and on-point with the skills and keeps them from becoming complacent.”
A team of six landing support Marines hooked up a 6,000 pound beam as an external load to the Super Stallion. The beam represents supplies, such as food, water, ammunition, or vehicles, these helicopters will have to transport onto the battlefield.
Transportation of supplies can be done by using logistical convoys, however, when a unit needs supplies quickly, helicopter support is needed.
Corey said that when their unit was in Afghanistan on their previous deployment, they had to resupply an infantry unit with food and water. They needed supplies quick and a convoy wasn’t as expedient.
The landing support Marines perform HST’s several times a month, mostly at night.
Sgt. William Weaver, the range safety officer, explained that night HST’s come with more risks. The pilots’ depth perception is limited due to night vision goggles, so they have to rely solely on the guidance given to them by ground control.
Glow sticks are used for directing the helicopters and are attached to stakes and put in the ground to outline the landing zone.
Once the Stallion was hovering at the proper elevation, Marines attached the beam to hooks located on the belly of the helicopter. These hooks conduct static electricity and must be prepped each time before handling them. The risk of static shock is high during the operation.
Once the load is attached, the helicopter circles the area, lands the load, then repeats the process.
Marines conduct these same operations with various military aircrafts such as, the MV-22 Osprey and the CH-46 Sea Knight.
The Marines of Landing Support Platoon will continue to aid Marine pilots in gaining knowledge and experience to better prepare them for whatever operations they may face.
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