Photo By Kyle Richardson | Pfc. Clayton Carroll, from El Paso, Texas, OH-58D crew chief; Pfc. Nathan Bloom, from...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Kyle J. Richardson
11th Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq — The methodical sounds created by the propellers of an OH-58 Kiowa light attack helicopter calms the aviators as they fly over the city of Mosul in support of coalition force ground assets.
The airspace over Mosul is patrolled and protected by the aviators of 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment who deployed from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to replace the 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment based at Fort Lewis, Wash., Aug. 24, 2008.
May 2006, the 6-17 CAV was to undergo a drastic change in climate as the unit was redesignated from Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii, to Alaska, said Salt Lake City native, Nick Snelson, commander, Task Force Saber and 6-17 Cav.
"With only a handful of aircraft and 125 personnel for the total organization, the unit moved from Hawaii to Alaska and spent two years building up and getting ready for this deployment," said Snelson. "There was a lot of work invested in standing the unit up by the previous commander and by some of the soldiers currently deployed here today."
While possibly serving a 12-month deployment, the Soldiers of the 6-17 Cav. primary mission is to support the ground troops in the Ninewa and Kirkuk province.
"We add the third dimension element," said Snelson. "We're up over-head and we see can the big picture."
"Our role as aviators is to be the eyes in the sky" said Capt. Keelan McNulty, UH-60 aviator and future commander of Blackhawk Troop, 6-17 Cav. "It's a pretty important role; we provide the necessary cover for the ground guys to meet mission success without worrying more than they have too about the enemy sneaking up on them."
Carrying the honor and pride of their unit, the aviators of 6-17 Cav. take on the risks of their job diligently, said Saratoga, Calif., native 1st Lt. Melissa Vu, executive officer for A Troop, 6-17 CAV.
"We're here for situational awareness," said Vu. "It's an honor. I just want to do my part."
Vu is currently the only female pilot in the 6-17 CAV.
Snelson said the 6-17 CAV provides aerial support seven days a week and with the constant call of duty, his unit met and surpassed the amount of flight hours within the first six-weeks of their deployment than one year of flying in Alaska.
"It's my honor and privilege to be able to replicate the amount of service and sacrifices that have passed and what is to come," said Grand Rapids, Mich., native Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Bailey,6-17 CAV. "I'm just so proud that I'm able to do my part and watch the soldiers on a day-to-day basis do their jobs. It's an incredibly inspiring thing to watch."
As vital as aerial reconnaissance is, the increased flying creates greater stress on the helicopter making maintenance equally important.
"I'm like a third co-pilot in the helicopter for these guys," said Cedar Rock, Ark., native Pfc. Jerry Davis, aviation operations specialist, 6-17 CAV.
"Our unit is essential to the Mosul area as far as aerial reconnaissance and supporting the ground elements," said Milton, Vt., native Staff Sgt. Shawn Keelty, aviation component repair supervisor, 6-17 CAV. "Therefore, my role is vital because me and the other NCOs have to make sure the helicopters and anything aviation passes the standard of safety for these pilots to go out there and fly every day."
The day may end for one Kiowa team but another goes up. The mechanics will continue to turn their wrenches to keep their helicopters operational. No matter the job or skill set, every soldier in the 6-17 CAV is pitching in to ensure mission success for the 6-17 CAV who in-turn will ensure mission success for the ground troops.
| Date Taken: | 10.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.22.2008 02:09 |
| Story ID: | 25359 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,152 |
| Downloads: | 374 |
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