Photo By Master Sgt. Reeba Critser | A Humvee is sling-loaded at Local Training Area 130 by members of 1st BCT during the...... read more read more
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CAMP RODRIGUEZ, South Korea - On a frigid February morning, soldiers prepared for the arrival of a helicopter at Local Training Area 130 in the Chaparral Training Area.
Soldiers waited until the dust settled from the rotors of the CH-47 Chinook to sling-load a Humvee to it.
“The flight crew inspected the chain links, the pins and the static discharge wand, and ensured anything that shined was taped on the Humvee,” said Sgt. Darnell Young, a Soldier with Company A, 302nd Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team.
Members of Company F, supporting 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, 1st BCT, at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, readied to sling-load the Humvee.
Young manned the static discharge wand during the mission.
“During flight, static electricity is increased with weight, low humidity and the amount of dust blown around. While the helicopter is hovering it stores an electrical charge,” said Maj. Mekelle Epperson, support operations officer, 302nd BSB. “The wand protects the hook-up man from static electric shock by grounding the cargo hook.”
Once the vehicle was cleared for the sling-load, the helicopter hovered over the landing area, waiting to be hooked up with the Humvee.
The adrenaline rush of having to drive the vehicle underneath the helicopter and hook it to the Chinook overcame the fear factor, said Young.
Sling-loads are used in the movement of cargo when time is a factor. It allows supplies to be moved more easily and efficiently, said Epperson. She had done several sling-load operations while serving in Iraq, but this was her first in the Republic of Korea.
To prepare for the sling-load, Young and other crew members trained around the clock. Soldiers were taught how to properly prepare, rig and inspect equipment for sling-loads. Soldiers were then trained in their area of responsibility, such as hooking up the load, being a static guide or signaling the helicopter.
“Throughout the sling-load operation, safety was a top priority while we were carrying out the mission and training,” said Sgt. 1st Class Rafael Taylor, 302nd BSB.
During sling-load operations, all soldiers wore protective eye wear, earplugs, advanced combat helmet and leather gloves to protect themselves from debris and rocks being blown around from the helicopter hovering.
“The sling-load was a great learning experience for new Soldiers. It prepares them to do this in combat,” said Taylor.
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.08.2012 23:56 |
| Story ID: | 84971 |
| Location: | BUSAN GWANG'YEOGSI [PUSAN-KWANGYOKSHI], KR |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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