Landing Support Marines provide outpost with vital supplies

Courtesy Photo | A group of landing support Marines stretch out slings and then place them over loads of supplies in Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 18. The Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4 inspect each load before it is loaded the bottom of a helicopter. (Photo/Cpl. Wayne Edmiston, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (FWD) Public Affairs)  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

10.18.2007

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Cpl. Wayne Edmiston
2nd Marine Logistics Group (FWD)
Public Affairs

AL ASAD, Iraq – Is it worth the time and risk? If there is risk, how can we mitigate it? This question is asked of battlefield commanders before every mission. This situation is no different.

The risk: The roads of Iraq are long and sometimes improvised explosive device laden. If a commander can think of a safer and more effective way, the Marines of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) will find it and execute.

In the case of Combat Outpost Timberwolf, a remote location very difficult to get to by road, the sky is the perfect delivery method.

The mitigation: Helicopter lift mission.

However, the landing support specialists of Combat Logistics Battalion 4 don't strategize, they execute. That means getting the adrenaline rush of having a 73,000-pound aircraft flying just 6 to 8 feet above their head as they connect vital supplies to the bottom of the hovering behemoth.

In the case of Timberwolf, it can take more than a day of driving to arrive there and about a day to return. Sending it via helicopter saves time, effort and possibly lives.

"It takes a while for a convoy to do it, but for us to do it takes about 30 minutes," said Sgt. Roy A. Gutierrez, the commander of the helicopter support team and Bronx, N.Y., native. "We ressuply them so they can stay in the fight."

Before they can begin connecting the supplies, there is a long process of preparation.

In addition to visually and physically inspecting the slings and nets to ensure a secure load, the Marines must coordinate with the helicopter squadron transporting the supplies to the outpost.
This requires a clear understanding of when the load will be lifted and how heavy it is. Only then can they perform a lift, explained Cpl. Benjamin R. Flores, the noncommissioned officer in-charge of the helicopter support team and Missoula, Mont., native.

The landing support Marines must guide the in-bound helicopter and brace themselves for the 150 mile per hour wind that gushes past as they connect a grounding wire to a hook dangling from the overhead aircraft.

The "ground", as he is called, is the first player in a series of quick actions in the hurricane-like conditions.

"Having a (helicopter) right above your head is a real rush," Flores continued.
But even in the midst of all this, Flores said the 300,000 volts of static electricity running through the hook and hurricane-like winds puts one concern above all else.

"Safety is the number one thing underneath the bird," Flores said. "You have to keep a constant eye on what is going on and make sure nothing happens to your Marines."

Once it's grounded, a Marine connects the load and yells a command to clear everyone away from the bottom of the helicopter, ducking dangling wheels and dodging whirling rotor blades as they rush from the landing zone.

They do this while watching the load to make sure the legs of the sling stay tight and the load looks like a compact cube.

For many of the Marines, getting underneath the actual helicopter is their favorite part. But not for Gutierrez, he prefers the end of the lift.

"Knowing the lift is in the air is the best part." Gutierrez said. "When everything is said and done, watching the (helicopter) fly away."

Gutierrez then analyzed his Marines' performance, looking for ways to improve.

"They did a good job today," Gutierrez explained. "Good safety all around and everything went as planned. There are a few things we can tighten up, but we completed the mission and that's what counts."

For these Marines, the satisfaction lies in knowing that one convoy is relieved of having to make the long trip to COP Timberwolf. A half hour flight in exchange for a day of driving: mission executed, mission complete.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2007
• Date Posted: 11.01.2007 11:23
• Story ID: 13551
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ