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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marine pilots with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA), and Air Force pilots with 34th Weapons Squadron, an instructional unit for Air Force rescue mission training, conducted joint combat search and rescue exercises aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 28, 2014.
The training improved interoperability between the two branches of service and familiarized them with new tactics, ensuring optimal performance in future joint combat scenarios. The training also acted as formal schooling for the 34th Weapons Squadron, ensuring that the airmen within it were fully prepared to go back to their native unit and act as instructors.
“Working in a joint environment has really opened our eyes to what to expect and what’s expected of me when working with other forces,” said Air Force Capt. Matt Forbes, an instructor with 34th Weapons Squadron. “The best way to succeed during joint operations is to train within that type of environment. HMLA had a lot of knowledge to offer us, and I feel that what we brought to the table greatly benefitted them.”
The Air Force simulated a high-risk causality evacuation using a Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter while being escorted by an AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter and a UH-1Y Venom, piloted by Marines. The casualty was loaded onto the HH-60 while the AH-1Z and UH-1Y provided security and acted as a deterrent for enemy fighters attempting to fire on the evacuation site.
Captain Devon St. Cyr, a flight officer with HMLA 267 explained the intricacies and necessity of the planning process.
“No flight ever just happens,” said St. Cyr. “No matter what the situation is or what time constraints a pilot must take into consideration, planning is always an essential part of the mission. Before a single helicopter took off, every single pilot taking part in the exercise was thoroughly versed in what they needed to do and when they needed to do it. In the case of a causality evacuation, a person’s life is at stake and there can be no mistakes.”
The Air Force and Marine Corps have different procedures for evacuations, but the training bridged that gap allowing for them to merge tactics and develop a more efficient course of action.
“Both branches have inherently different protocol and ways of conducting themselves,” said St. Cry. “In the end, our goals are the same; we just get there in different ways. Working with the Air Force has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I learned new terminology and a new way of operating. If I ever find myself working with them in the future, I’m confident that the operation will be a success.”
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2014 11:20 |
| Story ID: | 146564 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 146 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, HMLA 267 joins forces with Airmen during search and rescue training, by Cpl Jonathan Boynes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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