Posted on 02/03/2011 4:09:13 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Three C-17 Globemaster IIIs carrying 120 bundles dropped the largest resupply of fuel ever to a remote military outpost in Afghanistan.
Throughout the span of two days, Jan. 29 through 30, Soldiers hustled to collect the pallets, store them and then prepare for the next C-17 pass.
"When these drops come in, our Soldiers immediately move into action to collect the bundles," said Lt. Col. Davis Preston, the Support Battalion for Task Force Currahee. "Speed is important. The less time our guys are outside (the fence line), the better. Today, we're breaking down the bundles in record time. Everyone hustles when a shipment comes in."
The forward operating base runs off of the fuel supplied in these airdrops.
"Places like Was K'wah are completely dependent on air drop," said Capt. John Gruenke, the Combined Task Force 101 Headquarters air mobility liaison officer.
Due to poor to non-existent roadway infrastructure, and the high risk of enemy activity, Wasa K'wah has not had a convoy ground resupply in nearly three years.
"It would take a week to clear the route and then we would have to close it because we don't have enough security to keep it open on the return trip," said Col. Sean Jenkins, the 4th Brigade commander, Task Force Currahee. "With air drops, it's an immediate turnaround -- something our Soldiers need out here."
Due to this persistent threat, Wasa K'wah, along with a handful of other FOBs and checkpoints, is a dedicated air drop only location.
"We couldn't sustain Task Force Currahee's outposts without the Air Force," Colonel Preston said
(Excerpt) Read more at defencetalk.com ...
Saw them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.