I keep just having great the greatest time and experiences here in Iraq. Last night proved to be another as I went on what I thought was the observation of a nighttime HST training exercise with a CH-46 Squadron (picture below) and a Landing Support Battalion (LSB).
Every month the CH-46s pilots must perform a certain number of operations (day and night) known as HST (Helicopter Support Teams). Basically what they do is fly in one at a time, hover just a few feet over the heads of a couple Marines, and await the signal that those Marines hooked up gear to a line hanging down from the helicopter.
Its dangerous work for many reasons but these LSB Marines love it. Just a few ways the Marines in the LSB can get hurt or killed include sand and rocks flying all over the place, getting electrocuted by the high amount of static electricity, getting squashed by 46, or getting knocked out by one of the 46 tires.
Going there just to observe I was right next to the 46s when they came in but after watching the first set (2 birds) they threw me rubber gloves and told me the rest where mine. My job was to was to lock the hook when it came in then attach the cargo it to.
Talk about being thrown into the fire. No training, just get in and do it. While it was fun it was also a great learning experience. No better way then to write up an observation and recommendation on nighttime HST operations.
Prep-Time
First we use glow sticks to setup a small landing pad to help guide the 46s coming in and as well to always provide reference to the LSB Marines of rally points in case something goes awry.
Next each of the Marines who will be in the operation gets two glow sticks. We wear a glow stick in the chest area and back of our protective vests so that no matter what happens we can always find a Marine.
Normally when you use glow sticks you stomp on it and crack it for them to start glowing. These Marines, however, have a tradition before they start the operations. Instead of letting the individual Marine cracking their glow sticks the two Marines heading up the operation do it.
Everyone lines up for a gear inspection and then the two Marines heading up the operations kick you in the chest and back to crack them open. The LSB Marines were all Sergeants and below so they were hesitant about me being of Gunny. Of course I had no problem with and actually thought it was pretty funny. It appeared they liked seeing the Gunny kicked too.
Time To Eat Rocks
Now we are ready to start playing so we walk to the cargo and wait for the birds to start coming in one at a time.
The initial wave of sand, rocks, and debris that caused by the 46 coming in is like a wall coming at you. You crouch down a little, brace yourself, try not to eat dirt, deal with being pelted by rocks, and make sure you don’t lose site of the hook hanging down from the 46.
The reason why you do not take your eyes off the hook, despite the wall of debris, is because of the static electricity being given off by the 46. Before working with the hook and attaching the cargo I must know the Marine next to me is touching the hook with a grounding rod else I get shocked / electrocuted.
My first one I had a little problem with the hook but afterwards not an issue as I better understood the mechanics and how to work with the other Marine and the grounding rod. I ended up doing 11 of the 13 lifts.
Rocking Eating Time Is Over
While only being out there for two hours it does get rather draining. Certainly must be hydrated and we had a good Doc on the scene as she was rather pushy with safety and water.
Just a great job all around from the LSB Marines and the Corpsman.
I continue to have a great time out here and owe the Marine Corps so much for what they have given me. I have served our country my entire adult life and yet I still feel I owe them. Love it.
Semper Fi,
GySgt Jonathan Jenkins
- CH-46
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