Photo By Aaron Rosencrans | Spc. Matthew Mahoney, a native of Sweet Valley, Pa., cleans his UH-60 Black Hawk...... read more read more
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By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans
MND-B PAO
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is the Army's primary form of air transportation – and also one of its fastest vehicles on, or above, the battlefield.
In order for these helicopters to successfully conduct air missions, they need knowledgeable and focused crew chiefs to watch over passengers, maintain the aircraft and watch for threats from the sky.
Such is the mission of Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Spc. Matthew Mahoney, a native of Sweet Valley, Pa., who said he never gets bored while he is flying because he has enough responsibilities to keep him busy.
Mahoney, who serves as a Black Hawk crew chief with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Task Force XII, said he loves his job because it keeps him constantly engaged, which helps the time fly by.
"When we're flying, we're continually monitoring the cockpit to back up the pilots," he said. "We're also on the lookout for towers and other aircraft flying around Baghdad. On top of all that, we manage all the passengers in the back, and we are constantly on the lookout for any threats."
Mahoney first started his military career in the National Guard as a maintenance professional, working on Black Hawks, only to later switch to active duty and crew the helicopters.
"I went on active duty after two years in the National Guard, where I was a Black Hawk repairer," he said. "Initially, I wanted to become a pilot, but my recruiter convinced me to work on the helicopters to get some experience. When I went on active duty, I switched over to become a crew chief – and I am loving it."
Mahoney's leadership greatly values his technical expertise when it comes to the helicopters. They say he's the first Soldier they talk to when they have specific questions about the inner workings of their Black Hawks.
"Mahoney is one of the best and brightest Soldiers I've ever worked with," said Sgt. Brett Babin, a native of New Orleans, who serves as a squad leader and crew chief with Co. A. "He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to these helicopters, so he is a great resource to have on my team. If any of us have any questions about something, he is always there to help us out."
For his future, Mahoney is still unsure whether or not he is going to stay in the military, but said he knows he will continue to work with helicopters even if he decides to join the civilian workforce after his deployment.
"I plan on dropping my warrant officer packet if I decide to stay in the military after this deployment," he said. "If not, I still want to continue working with helicopters."
No matter what he decides to do with the rest of his career, Babin said he will support him every step of the way.
"I think he likes the maintenance side more than the flight side," he said. "I know he's been talking about getting out of the military and working as a civilian contractor, but I'd still like to see him stay in. I know he'll be successful with whatever he does."
Until then, Mahoney will be crewing the "Death Dealer" as it carries cargo and passengers from place to place around Baghdad.
| Date Taken: | 05.17.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2008 15:57 |
| Story ID: | 19544 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 524 |
| Downloads: | 491 |
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