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ACE prepares for next generation of terrain flight (+) 24th MEU, Iraq
Marine Link ^ | Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

Posted on 08/30/2004 3:05:50 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl



ACE prepares for next generation
of terrain flight

Submitted by: 24th MEU
Story Identification #: 200482355939
Story by Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers



FORWARD OPERATING BASE AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (Aug. 17, 2004) -- A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit descends deep inside the Majarrah Canyon, cruising at an altitude far below the canyon’s ridge.

This is one of many maneuvers essential to the terrain-flight certification pilots with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the MEU’s Aviation Combat Element, are undertaking in order to prepare future Marines for duty in Iraq.

“It [allows us] to teach new pilots how to effectively maneuver in this
environment,” said Capt. Adam McLendon, 31, an Asheville, N.C., native, and a CH-46E Sea Knight pilot with HMM-263. “[The training] also brings into account the effects of the sun, wind and power of the aircraft.”

The successful completion of this exercise will qualify pilots to instruct future members of HMM-263 in these tactics. One of the key tactics of this training are low-altitude maneuvers in the desert environment.

“The primary purpose is to deny the enemy acquisition with their weapon systems,” said McLendon “By using these techniques, you mask yourself below the terrain.”

Another aspect in terrain flying is the ability to perform a main-mount landing. This is a process in which the front of the aircraft hovers as the rear touches down onto an available surface.

“We use this [technique] when the terrain can’t provide enough room for the aircraft to make a complete landing,” said Capt. Doug Thumm, 28, a native of Havelock, N.C., and a CH-46E pilot with HMM-263. “[This method] is used for the tops of buildings or if the [environment] creates a plateau in an area we need to get troops to.”

The responsibility to train new pilots may seem like a daunting task, but to the Marines of HMM- 263, it’s a necessary step in ensuring the mission success of today, and tomorrow.

“We’re building the squadron for future deployments,” said Capt. Lance Henderson, 33, a CH-46E pilot with HMM-263 from Beaumont, Texas.

“Training can’t stop just because we’re in Iraq.”
 
-30-

Photos included with story:
A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit descends inside the Majarrah Canyon by Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training. 
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit descends inside the Majarrah Canyon by Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training.
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit flies over the area surrounding Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, before beginning terrain flight training.
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain. 
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit flies over the area surrounding Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, before beginning terrain flight training.
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruises along the river inside the Majarrah Canyon near Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training. 
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah. A. Beavers A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruises along the river inside the Majarrah Canyon near Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training.
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah. A. Beavers

A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruises over a bridge inside the Majarrah Canyon near Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training. 
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit cruises over a bridge inside the Majarrah Canyon near Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training.
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

Capt. David Henderson with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit pilots a CH-46E Sea Knight during terrain flight training. 
Henderson, 32, is a native of Beaumont, Texas, and a CH-46E Sea Knight pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain while performing mission oriented operations in Iraq.
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers Capt. David Henderson with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit pilots a CH-46E Sea Knight during terrain flight training.
Henderson, 32, is a native of Beaumont, Texas, and a CH-46E Sea Knight pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain while performing mission oriented operations in Iraq.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares to land following terrain flight training. 
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepares to land following terrain flight training.
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit performs a main-mount landing during terrain flight training. 
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers A CH-46E Sea Knight with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit performs a main-mount landing during terrain flight training.
The Sea Knight belongs to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

Gunnery Sgt. William Heaton of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit looks out the window of a CH-46E Sea Knight as it flies over the area surrounding Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training.
Heaton, 38, is a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and an aerial observer and gunner with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
 Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers Gunnery Sgt. William Heaton of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit looks out the window of a CH-46E Sea Knight as it flies over the area surrounding Forward Operating Base Al Taqaddum, Iraq, during terrain flight training.
Heaton, 38, is a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and an aerial observer and gunner with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, the Aviation Combat Element of the 24th MEU.
Terrain flight training is performed in order to certify pilots to instruct techniques such as low-altitude flying, which masks the aircraft below the terrain.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Beavers

 


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: 24thmeu; gnfi; iraq; marines; seaknight

1 posted on 08/30/2004 3:05:52 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
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To: Cannoneer No. 4; TEXOKIE; xzins; Alamo-Girl; blackie; SandRat; Calpernia; SAMWolf; prairiebreeze; ..
~ ~    

              Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263   ~                                                         
     ~ "Thunder Eagles"  ~ 24th MEU, preparedness, ping !

 

2 posted on 08/30/2004 3:07:44 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
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To: All

Iraqi National Guardsmen provide security during a raid Aug. 26.
The raid was conducted by the Iraqi National Guard and Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province of Iraq. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Caleb J. Smith
ING, 24th MEU capture large weapons cache during raid
Submitted by: 24th MEU
Story Identification #: 200483024543
Story by Sgt. Zachary A. Bathon



FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq (Aug. 27, 2004) -- Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, working closely with Iraqi National Guardsmen, conducted a raid in central Iraq Aug. 26, netting a large weapons cache that included dozens of weapons, munitions and explosive making devises.

The raid, led by the MEU’s Force Reconnaissance Platoon and members of Delta Company of the Iraqi National Guard, initially began at a different target. The Marines from the Force Reconnaissance Platoon went in and secured the buildings, which later led them to a second target where the cache was found.

At the second objective, the Force Reconnaissance Platoon secured the building and began to exploit the site with help from the ING, combat engineers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and members of an interrogation team. Marines from 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, set up blocking positions, allowing no one to enter or exit the area around the site.

Combat engineers armed with metal detectors cleared the site and began finding weapons and ammunition, which had either been buried or camouflaged in the surrounding area.

“This was a lot of hard work for everyone out there,” said Capt. Billy Ray Moore, a New Castle, Ind., native and company commander of Alpha Company.

The raid turned up a laundry list of items that included everything from small arms and machine guns to mortars, rockets and bomb-making materials, some of which were rigged to explode.

The items found included Rocket Propelled Grenades and launchers, rifle grenades, hand grenades, 167 mm ammunition, 57 mm rockets, 120 mm mortars, 89 mm rockets, electric blasting caps, detonation cord, 30 mm cannon parts, a Dragonov rifle, AK-47 assault rifles and several other small arms and light machine guns with ammunition.

“That was a pretty good haul for the day,” said Moore. “[The raid] went extremely well. We found an extremely large weapons cache. All the units out there acted very professional.”

“The Force Platoon is phenomenal,” he added. “They are smooth, fast and know how to do business.”

Moore also gave credit to the ING company. “The ING was very flexible and extremely motivated,” he said. “They were about getting the job done and getting these weapons out of the hands of the enemy.”

Once everything had been found, the EOD technicians consolidated the items and prepared them for demolition. With everything in place, the techs blew all the ammunition and explosives, creating a massive blast.

The ING and the MEU will continue to conduct raids in the area to uncover weapons and bomb-making material. Their work is part of an ongoing effort to take weapons and ammunition off the streets.

-30-

Photos included with story:
 
Iraqi National Guardsmen provide security during a raid Aug. 26.
The raid was conducted by the Iraqi National Guard and Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province of Iraq. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Caleb J. Smith
Iraqi National Guardsmen provide security during a raid Aug. 26.
The raid was conducted by the Iraqi National Guard and Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The 24th MEU is currently conducting security and stability operations in the Northern Babil province of Iraq. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Caleb J. Smith
 


3 posted on 08/30/2004 3:09:24 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
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24th MEU (SOC)
 

~*~
                

4 posted on 08/30/2004 3:14:15 PM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl
We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~

5 posted on 08/30/2004 3:55:21 PM PDT by blackie (Be Well~Be Armed~Be Safe~Molon Labe!)
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl

Bump!


6 posted on 08/30/2004 9:33:12 PM PDT by Alamo-Girl
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl

Following the "main-mount" landing (as pictured), all crew members report for a change of underwear.


7 posted on 08/31/2004 6:56:43 AM PDT by bruin66 (Time: Nature's way of keeping everything from happening at once.)
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