Review with the MEU: Helicopter Support Teams

Photo By Pfc. Frank Cordoba | PACIFIC OCEAN – Marines aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, the Logistics Combat Element of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, attach an M-777 Howitzer to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) to conduct a helicopter support team operation where two M-777 Howitzers will be transported from ship-to-shore during Composite Training Unit Exercise, May 3, 2017. COMPTUEX will test the LCE’s ability to move personnel and equipment from sea to land demonstrating the amphibious force’s extensive set of ship-to-shore capabilities. COMPTUEX is the second at-sea training exercise that provides opportunities to sharpen mission essential skill sets prior to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Certification Exercise and Western Pacific 17-2 deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. F. Cordoba)  

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

11.22.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Dusty B Kilcrease 

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

A Marine Expeditionary Unit, in its essence, is an expeditionary force in readiness, meaning the Marines are able to quickly and effectively respond to any crisis situation ranging from combat operations to humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.

Part of this readiness is being able to transport personnel and equipment from ship to shore, and back no matter the environment. One way the 15th MEU can do this is by using Marines from the Logistics Combat Element’s Helicopter Support Team (HST).

These teams facilitate the pickup, movement, and landing of troops, equipment and supplies by air furthering the 15th MEU’s capabilities by making such transports expedient and reliable.

To do this, the HST hooks a payload to the under side of the aircraft with straps and attaches it to cargo that could not otherwise be transported via other means.

“The HST is perfect for getting food and supplies to civilians ravaged by natural disasters,” said Cpl. Clayton Stolle, a Marine with CLB-15, as he’s describing a possible use for the HST. “Because MEUs operate all over the globe and must respond to crises in a variety of terrain, and although transporting cargo can be quick and effective through ship transportation, having the capability to travel over land as well as water is what makes an HST necessary and efficient.”

The aircraft most commonly used in external lifts are CH-53E Super Stallions.
Their load-bearing capacity of over 36,000 pounds and three engine-design allows the HST to easily transfer cargo that is too big or too heavy for traditional transportation.

“External lift capabilities also allow my team to help in the transfer of supplies on and off ship,” said Stolle. “Basically we can relocate supplies anywhere within the aircraft’s range of operations.”

HST’s have been a fundamental asset for the Marine Corps for decades and this capability is one of many reasons why the 15th MEU is able serve the Nation as America’s premier crisis response force.

• Date Taken: 11.22.2017
• Date Posted: 11.22.2017 10:12
• Story ID: 256240
• Location: U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY