HMH-464 conducts dual-point sling-load externals

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Mary Popejoy | A Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-464 CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter prepares to pick up a Humvee in order to conduct dual-point sling-load externals. HMH-464s primary role is moving cargo and equipment with a secondary role of transferring troops ashore in an amphibious assault. The CH-53Es are the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory today.  

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

10.22.2007

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

By Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti — A Humvee being transported through the air by Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-464 (HMH-464) Horn of Africa Detachment B's CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter is not a normal occurrence over the skies of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, but in order to conduct dual-point sling-load externals, Oct. 17, it was the only way to travel.

The mission of HMH-464 is to move cargo and equipment with a secondary role of transferring troops ashore in an amphibious assault. In order to effectively do their mission, HMH-464 conducts training twice a month to keep pilot qualifications up-to-date and to train for even the most unexpected events.

"We train like we fight," said Gunnery Sgt. Eric Cayson, senior enlisted leader for HMH-464 HOA Detachment B. "In our profession we can't afford to be complacent, so the more we train, the better off we are. When we get the call, we have to be ready for anything and everything, and training evolutions like this allow us to hone our skills and be mission-ready 24/7."

Being able to do unique training missions like this gave Marine Lance Corporal Devan Leblanc, HMH-464 HOA Det. B crew chief, an opportunity to keep his pilot qualifications current and see Djibouti from a different perspective.

"Its nice to enjoy the aerial view of Djibouti while doing training missions like this because you see far more than you normally would if you were on foot," said Leblanc.

Leblanc went on to say that seeing the sites is a bonus, but it's the real reason for them to go "wheels up" that reminds them why there deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

"We're here to do a mission and support CJTF-HOA the best way we can, and for us to do that we have to constantly train because practice makes perfect and we strive for perfection," said Leblanc.

And with perfection comes the ability to use the CH-53E, the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory, and pick up passengers, cargo, vehicles and also land in places that would be difficult to get to with a vehicle.

"It's a powerful aircraft that can land anywhere without a landing strip, which is pretty impressive," said Leblanc. "Being able to operate it is one of the greatest jobs in the Marine Corps and I love every minute of it."

• Date Taken: 10.22.2007
• Date Posted: 10.22.2007 10:10
• Story ID: 13164
• Location: CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ