Submitted by: MCAS Miramar
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Jessica N. Aranda
Story Identification #:2007913165731

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2007) -- When three tons of supplies require transportation across a span of desert terrain, the heavy lifting CH-53E Super Stallions, capable of lifting 16,000 pounds, get called to the job.

The Super Stallions act as the military’s flying bodybuilders and can muscle downed aircraft including, another Super Stallion, into the sky and out of harm’s way.

During the Desert Fire Exercise, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 assisted units from the 11th Marine Regiment out of Camp Pendleton and MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The Super Stallion crews ensured the safe transport of three tons of supplies and thus, helped provide troops with equipment they needed to complete the training exercise.

“We participated in the training because our helicopters are powerful enough to get the job done,” said Capt. Justin E. Reetz, a pilot with the squadron, nicknamed the “Heavy Haulers.”

Moving the supplies, an action called an external lift, requires the crew chiefs to release the hook and cable through the hatch at the bottom of the helicopter while the pilots hover the aircraft over the load.

The helicopter hovers approximately 20 feet above the ground while the Marines underneath work quickly to establish a connection while fighting the wind gusts produced by the three gas-turbine engines. Meanwhile, landing support specialists use a static wand to make the connection.

“The static wand keeps electricity from traveling through the hook,” said Cpl. Andrew Tesnow, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 7.

The Marines within and underneath the helicopter maintain communications when connecting the load to the hook to ensure proper balance of the aircraft. If the aircraft loses its balance, it has the potential to crash.

Much like a weight lifting regimen creates toned muscle, continued training builds up confidence for Marines.

The training benefited the Heavy Haulers by providing an environment in which the air crew can rehearse operations similar to those the squadron would carry out in a combat environment.

“Our primary mission in Iraq is to lift heavy equipment, so it is critical that we are proficient at that,” said Reetz.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/252473FFB4464B678525735500732150?opendocument