Task Force Storm hits midpoint of current deployment

Courtesy Photo | Pedestrians and automobiles cross a highly trafficked bridge in Baghdad March 9. The scene is typical of what pilots in Multi-National Division - Baghdad's Task Force Storm say are signs of a rejuvenated city. In the 7.5 months since Task Force Storm began its mission in Iraq, the pilots have reported seeing more life in the city each day. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton)  

TAJI, IRAQ

03.01.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton
Task Force XII Public Affairs Office, Multi-National Division-Baghdad

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The halfway point came and went quietly somewhere around March 1; most of the members of Task Force Storm however, were too busy to notice.

Task Force Storm is Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Assault Helicopter Battalion. While other units' helicopters frequently transit the area, the Black Hawk's mission in Baghdad belongs solely to the Storm Riders.

The task force is made up primarily of Soldiers and aircraft from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade's 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, and is augmented by Troop S, 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Together, the enhanced force package performs multiple missions in support of MND-B.

"We do all types of general support missions as well as the air-assault missions, all within the confines of MND-B," said Lt. Col. Jay Macklin, a native of Macon, Ga., the unit's commander.

"We pretty much run the full gamut of support with those types of missions, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

During the battalion's first few months of deployment, its Soldiers performed, almost exclusively, air-assault missions while working in support of Multi-National Corps – Iraq. In early December, the Soldiers moved to Camp Taji, where they expanded their horizons in aviation operations with a mission dedicated to Baghdad's operational environment.

"The first half of the deployment went pretty quick," said Sgt. Orales Stroud, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, assigned to Company A, 3-158 Avn. Reg. "The tempo was really high, and we were always on the move."

"I'm particularly proud of the bravery of the flight crews (during the first half)," added Macklin. "We've been in some (tough) situations here, and the ability of the crews to complete their missions, no matter what, has amazed me. We've really made a difference in the battlefield here."

The difference coalition forces have made here, since most of the task force arrived in July is very discernible, said Macklin, also an active pilot in the battalion, adding that he and his Soldiers see it from a unique vantage point.

"As we've continued to fly over Baghdad, we've really noticed a resurgence of life down on the street," he said. "You see things like children playing in parks, markets that weren't there before are now open, and people are out in the streets.

"When you see the normal Iraqi with a family here just wants to live in peace, it makes you feel like you're really making a difference here and they're living their lives the way they want to," he said. "I feel honored to have served and continue to serve here. It's utterly amazing to watch a city coming to life as you fly over it."

The next step for the Soldiers is looking ahead to the second half of their 15-month adventure. While they all focus on passing the time quickly so they can get home to their families and lives back in Germany, most continue to pursue the goals they brought with them to Iraq.

"I still want to get promoted to staff sergeant," said Stroud. "I'm taking college classes, and just became a squad leader, so I want to lead my Soldiers the best I can and continue to learn and grow here in my first deployment."

And though halfway through, the battalion's had no serious incidents or mishaps to date. However, the Soldiers are reminded every day not to get complacent.

"I think we're doing a pretty good job, but that's something you have to stay on constantly," said Macklin. "It's a very dynamic environment here in Iraq, and it can change very quickly. We try not to take anything for granted when we fly.

"It can go really good one day and then bad the next," he said. "So far though, our guys have been good at doing things efficiently as well as safely. That's what every commander wants."

• Date Taken: 03.01.2008
• Date Posted: 03.10.2008 18:56
• Story ID: 17221
• Location: TAJI, IQ