Photo By Sgt. Waine Haley | The soldiers from Voodoo platoon prepares the shadow for lift-off.... read more read more
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By Spc. Waine D. Haley
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAYJI, Iraq (December 5, 2005)" Who knows where evil lurks? The Shadow knows.
The Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle crews of the Rakkasans" "Voodoo Platoon", Bravo Company, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, are the fortunate soldiers that get to operate the surveillance aircraft known as "The Shadow".
The Shadow relays real-time reconnaissance and surveillance information for combat units to assist them with raids and air assaults.
The aircraft also provides intelligence to ground commanders without the enemy knowing they are under surveillance. They do this by flying at an altitude of several thousand feet, allowing for a low presence signature.
"It gives them (ground troops) a better chance to see what's going on without people being aware we are watching them," said Capt. Jim Gourley, Voodoo Platoon Leader.
The recently formed Voodoo platoon is comprised of Soldiers from many different job fields throughout the Army. The technical expertise and levels of training and responsibility required to support this mission is high.
"Some of the obstacles new units face is training issues," said Gorley.
The company was moved to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama for "New Unit Training" on the aircraft. Field training increases familiarity with the Shadow 2000 system and requires operational experience.
After completing their training in August, they returned to Fort Campbell before being deployed overseas.
"In September we were deployed to Udari Army Airfield in Kuwait," said Gourley. "We were the first unit to fly the Shadow in Kuwait.
"We're lucky to get to do this MOS (Military Occupation Specialty), this type of responsibility is usually left to officers and upper enlisted." said Sgt Jeffery R. Llamas, TUAV Operator, "These aircraft cost well over $700,000 each."
The Army is expanding its high-tech arsenal not only with bombs and missiles but also with the newest surveillance equipment available, with great success.
"We have a great bunch of troops here," said Gourley, "These guys have a big responsibility and they live up to it every day."
| Date Taken: | 12.09.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2005 09:00 |
| Story ID: | 4003 |
| Location: | BAYJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 211 |
| Downloads: | 64 |
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