Photo By Staff Sgt. Erik Warren | Pvt. Jayme Bryant (right) and Pvt. Christopher Compo, both indirect fire infantrymen...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas – Mortar Platoon Troopers from 3rd Squadron “Thunder,” 3rd Cavalry Regiment loaded four new double V-hull Strykers into the belly of a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft to train at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 13.
These Troopers are scheduled to conduct joint-firing exercises with A-10 Warthogs in the Nevada Desert.
“We are going to sling some rounds and do some joint training,” said Lt. Col Todd Hook, the Thunder Squadron commander. “This mobilization is very similar to a deployment. Working with different services and watching jets drop bombs is great for both the new folks and some of the more seasoned guys.”
The 3rd CR Troopers will be integrating with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, specially trained airmen who work with ground forces, to communicate with air elements on the battlefield.
“Creech is for the best of the best,” said Lt. Col. Garner Hixson, 11th Air Support Operations Squadron, 3d Air Support Operations Group. “The best pilots and the best instructors all work at the weapons school there. The Troopers will be calling for fire and close air support while coordinating with different elements in the next two weeks.”
Loading the double V-hull Strykers was no easy task, Hixson said.
“The load master had to do a lot of math for this,” said Hixson, as there was very little room with four Strykers and a Humvee strapped down in the belly of the aircraft.
Pvt. Roberto Rodriguez has only been in Thunder Squadron for three weeks, and this is his first duty station, but he said he’s excited to train in the desert.
“I didn’t think I’d ever get to go to Nevada,” said Rodriguez. “I look forward to assisting the Air Force and throwing a lot of rounds.”
The 3rd CR troops will be at Creech Air Force Base for 16 days before they load their Strykers on another C-5M Super Galaxy and return to Fort Hood.
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.16.2015 14:40 |
| Story ID: | 179112 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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