Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Bragg | Sgt. Wilton Garcia, an air crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron...... read more read more
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KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii - Marines and sailors with Marine Aircraft Group 24 conducted a maximum launch, May 6, 2014, flying to the island of Molokai and around Oahu.
The MAG launched a total of 11 AH-1W SuperCobra and UH-1Y Huey helicopters assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463.
“We created our own enemy scenario this time around,” said Maj. Jeff Marantette, a future operations officer with MAG-24. “It was created to give the units a bit of a challenge, but to ultimately give them a chance to work as a group and demonstrate their capabilities.”
The units were notified of an emergency beacon going off on the island of Molokai, simulating a downed aircraft and pilot, and began prepping their aircraft for takeoff immediately.
A Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel team was dispersed with the aircraft to assess the situation and rescue the pilot.
The helos dropped off the team and returned to Oahu to continue flight operations during the max launch.
“Basically, the scenario was set up to give our TRAP team a chance to simulate as an in-theater group,” Marantette explained. “We always have a crew on call, so they have to be prepared to go at any time.”
After conducting several flight operations, the aircraft refueled at several forward arming and refueling points manned by Marine Wing Support Detachment 24 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24.
“We did a FARP rodeo in the past with the Army and were planning to do another one with them at (Marine Corps Training Area Bellows),” said Chief Warrant Officer Adam Miller, officer in charge of MWSD-24. “The MAG thought it was a great idea and decided to incorporate it into their max launch.”
On the ground, Marines worked alongside soldiers with 25th Cavalry, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, to teach them proper procedures to guide incoming aircraft into the fueling stations as well as identifying the appropriate fuel for each type of aircraft.
Miller explained how important it is to work together to see how the other operates, because the interservice training and camaraderie is what brings a greater capability to the Pacific.
“The mission on the ground is all about training our capability to extend our fuel range,” Miller said. “MAG-24 was pretty used to not having ground support up until two years ago. Since MWSD-24 became part of the MAG, we’ve been really tied into their plan to implement better techniques in training and operations.”
After refueling at different FARPs on Oahu, HMLA-367 and HMH-463 flew in a final formation over the runway at MCAS Kaneohe Bay.
Every quarter, MAG-24 conducts a max launch utilizing their aircraft to enhance training, unit cohesion and camaraderie between HMLA-367, HMH-463, MWSD-24 and MALS-24.
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2014 23:56 |
| Story ID: | 129259 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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