Photo By Staff Sgt. Bruno Bego | Lance Cpl. Nicholas F. Reed, from Russellville, Ark., an airborne and air delivery...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Afghanistan’s rugged terrain and improvised explosive device-laden landscape often impede supply convoys on their journey to remote bases. In many cases however, one must look no further than the skies above them for a little assistance.
In order to safely deliver goods such as food, water, batteries, and ammunitions to troops operating throughout Helmand province, airborne and air delivery specialists with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) are in charge of packing and dispatching Container Delivery Systems.
“CDS is a container we use to deliver supplies,” explained Cpl. Edwin B. Lathrop, from Trenton, Fla., an airborne and air delivery specialist with 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “It consists of a skid board, an energy dispersing material in between the board and the cargo, [which is wrapped up – to keep it all together].”
The containers can vary in size and weight. They range from three to six-foot tall, weigh up to 2200 pounds and can be launched from various aircrafts, such as the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion or the V-22 Osprey.
“We attach a parachute to the top of the cargo,” Lathrop said. “As the CDSs leave the plane, a static line in the inside of the airplane will pull the parachute, which will slow down the fall.
“We are aiming at really small [landing zones] near the base we are looking to resupply,” Lathrop added. “The airplane has a computer system, which can measure the altitude, wind velocity and tell the crew chiefs when to release the cargo.”
According to the Marines from the platoon, the CDSs are an easy way to distribute the supplies around the area of operation. The systems can be assembled in fifteen minutes and loaded on to an aircraft in less than an hour.
“The purpose is to support Marines and sailors on the ground,” said Lance Cpl. Braxten R. Brodie, from Frostburg, Md., an airborne and air delivery specialist with 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “I think we can help by taking the cargo to them in a timely and safe manner.”
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2011 08:54 |
| Story ID: | 76740 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 288 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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