FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Tennessee National Guard Troop A, 278th Regimental Support Squadron (RSS) and Arizona National Guard 2-285th Aviation Regiment work together to conduct cargo operation training of slings, June 5, at Fort Cavazos, Texas.
Army sling loading operations are complex military maneuvers that involve loading supplies or equipment onto the cargo hook of a helicopter for aerial delivery. The use of sling loading operations is beneficial in remote and difficult to access locations with difficult terrain. This form of logistical movement is essential when soldiers may find themselves in a dangerous situation and need supplies in a timely manner.
Arizona National Guard Maj. Ryan Matchey, 2-285th Battalion executive officer, oversaw the mission conducted by his unit.
“This morning, the 2-285th Aviation Regiment supported the 278th RSS in conducting external operations in the cargo pickup area,” Matchey said. “This was to conduct a rehearsal of concept for maintenance operations that will take place during the unit’s next deployment.”
Without the help of the Arizona National Guard, the sling loading operation would not have been possible for the Tennessee soldiers.
“During the mission, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Todd Johnson of Alpha Company’s 2-285th Aviation Regiment served as air mission commander, 1st Lt. Michael Matter of Headquarters Company’s 2-285th served as PZ controller, while that Sgt. First Class Luis García and Sgt. Jonathan Atcity of Bravo Company 2-285th inspected the loads and assisted with sling load connection operations,” Matchey said.
The helicopter transporting materials for the exercise is known as the UH-60 Black Hawk. The Black Hawk has two engines that have the capacity to carry up to 9,000 pounds of cargo externally by sling. In addition to the weight and size of the load being transferred, the aviation unit must also consider other factors during its sling loading operations, such as: altitude, temperature, humidity, wind, and amount of fuel in the helicopter. The Black Hawk is also designed for other missions, including troop transport and medical evacuation.
Arizona aviation unit members and Tennessee Soldiers worked together to maintain safe flight and ground procedures during this training process. These joint exercises improve coordination, communication and operational readiness.
The training consisted of numerous iterations of the exercise in order to familiarize each Soldier with the task at hand. The operation requires a team of soldiers on the ground to ensure the load or equipment is properly attached to the helicopter. The cohesive collaboration of the sling carry exercise was critical to the development of growth among Tennessee Soldiers.
Captain Sarah Sellers, 278th RSS troop commander, said, “This was an incredible training opportunity for our Soldiers and one they do not experience often. “It was great to work with the Arizona National Guard to enhance our readiness and enhance our operational capabilities in different environments.”
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Date to be had: | 05/06/2024 |
Publication date: | 08/06/2024 14:53 |
Story ID: | 473432 |
Location: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, USA |
Web views: | 9 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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