Photo By Lance Cpl. Carlos Chavez-Flores | U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 33, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine...... read more read more
Subscribe
Propelling Partnerships: CLC-33 Conducts External Lift Operations Alongside Soldiers
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY — Over the course of two days, U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Company 33, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, attached three loads of heavy cargo onto the hooks of a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Brigade, during external lift operations at Landing Zone Westfield, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 6, 2024. The training allowed Marines with CLC-33 to test and enhance their knowledge in a joint environment.
The unit’s very own Sgt. Seth DeBusk, logistics chief and landing support specialist, attended the Army’s Sling Load Inspector Certification Course (SLICC). The five-day course trains non-commissioned officers and above from all branches in basic sling load operations and certifies students as sling load inspectors. The training includes instruction on helicopters and their limitations, cargo hook reach pendants, safety equipment, the proper rigging and inspection of loads, and more. Though the resident course is held at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA, SLICC also holds mobile training courses at various host installations. This allowed DeBusk, who trained at the Fort Gregg-Adams installation last August, to spearhead this collaboration.
DeBusk identified a unique opportunity to improve the Marines’ external lift capabilities and reached out to 3-25 GSAB. Chinooks utilize an unfamiliar triple-hook external load system, whereas most combat helicopters utilize a dual-capacity cargo hook.
“I simply started a basic form of contact, established that relationship, and built upon it,” said DeBusk. “It was fairly easy. They were more than willing to work with us and were flexible with everything that we had planned.”
The exercise required the Marines to prepare loads of tires, ensuring they were securely wrapped in cargo netting with a large hook attached at the top. Seven Marines stood ready by the cargo as the CH-47 hovered above in position for the attachment. Once the hooks of the cargo were securely connected to the hooks under the aircraft, the Marines quickly moved a safe distance away from the loaded helicopter. The tasks in aviation support are hazardous due to the heavy equipment and powerful propellers.
DeBusk had a positive response when discussing his team’s efforts: “Given that it’s such a unique lift - three different loads at one time - we had to have eyes everywhere. Despite that, everything was executed flawlessly. The Marines did their job, and they did it proficiently.”
After completion of the exercise, the Marines were invited to board the Chinook where they learned about its specifications and the various compartments of the interior. The Marines also had the opportunity to join the pilot in the cockpit, learn the controls, and speak with an aviation support soldier who answered their queries about the heavy-lifting helicopter. The joint-service training ended with a group photo on top of the aircraft.
It is necessary for leaders in the Marine Corps to take initiative, as DeBusk did, in order to ensure readiness for any scenario. As the capabilities of the Marines continue to expand, so will an increase in confidence in the proficiency of their tactical abilities.
| Date Taken: | 06.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2024 14:19 |
| Story ID: | 474586 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Propelling Partnerships: CLC-33 Conducts External Lift Operations Alongside Soldiers, by LCpl Taylor Von Sanders-Frazer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
