U.S. Army Capt. Beau Rollie, an Apache pilot, inspects the tail rotor of his UH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter before flying a mission. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jerome Bishop More Photos..
Apache Longbows crews serve as an airborne quick reaction force, supporting infantry units, searching for improvised explosive devices and returning fire on insurgents.
By U.S. Army Pfc. Jerome Bishop - 1st Corps Support Command Public Affairs Office
LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Balad, Iraq, March 29, 2005 — As the only aerial quick reaction force here, UH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter crews find themselves conducting a variety of missions.
The missions include aerial support for infantry units, armed reconnaissance looking for improvised explosive devices and returning fire on insurgents that attack the post, said U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Thad Menold, an Apache helicopter pilot from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment.
“[The insurgents] are really afraid of the Apache. It’s a tough bird. I wouldn’t fly anything else,” U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Thad Menold
“[The insurgents] are really afraid of the Apache,” Menold said. “It’s a tough bird. I wouldn’t fly anything else.”
The unit also performs convoy escort missions and provides air support for raids conducted on insurgent homes and hideouts, he said.
Several steps are followed for success from the moment the Apache crew gathers to begin a mission. Following numerous mission briefings, the small crew takes to the flight line where the process of pre-flight checks begins.
“[The crew chiefs] look for anything out of tolerance and anything that might be unsafe for the pilots,” said Sgt. Jeremy Young, crew chief.
The pilot must first determine when the aircraft is due for routine maintenance and whether all deficiencies have been corrected, Menold said.
Upon completion of the equipment checks, the soldiers suit up in their flight gear and body armor before settling in the helicopter and taking off.
Once in the sky each member focuses on the job at hand because the Apache crew’s success is determined not only by whether it protects infantry soldiers or defeats insurgents, but also whether the helicopter comes back in one piece. This is daily duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and soldiers like Menold say they are proud to be part of it.
After required pre-flight checks, a 101st Aviation Regiment UH-64D Apache Longbow takes off on a routine patrol mission near Logistics Support Area Anaconda. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jerome Bishop)