Photo By Staff Sgt. Cooper Cash | Soldiers of the 421st Quartermaster Company, 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)...... read more read more
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico–The roaring engines of the C-130 Hercules howled as an Air Force loadmaster called out, “Ten minutes!” The rear doors lifted open and the sound of wind joined the symphony of engine growl. Sgt. 1st Class Steven H. Lamb, a platoon sergeant and jumpmaster assigned to the 421st Quartermaster Company, grasped the sides of a door and arched his chest forward to inspect the plane's exterior before his parachute riggers glided to the earth at Camp Santiago, July 17.
Soldiers of the 421st Quartermaster Company conducted a three-week parachute rigger exercise across the island of Puerto Rico from mid-July to early August, where they sharpened the various skills required for their profession.
The Army's parachute riggers are responsible for preparing equipment and vehicles for airdrops. They are also responsible for packing parachutes for all airdrop deliveries, including personnel and cargo.
“The overall goal for the this period is to conduct five personnel jumps and five cargo jumps, including either bundles or CDSs (Container Delivery Systems),” said Lamb, a native of Hawkinsville, Ga. “The CDS is the primary method for delivering supplies to troops from the air in forward positions,” said Lamb.
“The purpose for conducting the exercises in Puerto Rico was not solely the majestic scenery; there are vital training benefits as well.
“The smaller drop zone, weather and the overall climate are variables we are adjusting and training for here,” said Sgt. Michael C. McCullough, a jumpmaster and rigger assigned to the 421st Quartermaster Company. “ I hope these experiences build the knowledge of the junior soldiers, and help them understand how the chutes work, as well as becoming better jumpers,” said the Toccoa, Ga., resident.
As Lamb gave commands from the aft of the plane, the soldiers echoed back each command in unison as they performed each task.
The riggers departed orderly the plane for the first time over the island's southern drop zone. Their smiles were evident, which seem to indicate that learning can be fun.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2013 11:48 |
| Story ID: | 110990 |
| Location: | SAN JUAN, PR |
| Hometown: | HAWKINSVILLE, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | TOCCOA, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 358 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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