Airmen train in joint environment


Members of the Navy learn how provide cover for a UH-60 Black Hawk during helicopter pre-deployment training at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. June 7. This training was to prepare Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors for actions they might experience in combat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle)

Airmen train in joint environment

by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/11/2012 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.(AFNS) -- Members from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps came out to Davis-Monthan for helicopter pre-deployment training June 7.

Lt. Col. Kjall Gopaul, 355th Mission Support Group deputy commander, led the multiservice training. It was the first of its kind at the base.

"This training is important so we can prepare Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors for going overseas, where they will have to work around aircraft." Gopaul said. "We want to prepare them here, before they deploy, for the sights, sounds and disorientations that are associated with working around aircraft. If we can do that here, we can mitigate risk there."

There were two training sessions with 55 participants. Military members were taught how to get on and off a helicopter quickly and safely, how to provide cover for aircraft and how to sling-load cargo. Each participant was able to take a helicopter ride after learning how to safely load and unload the helicopter.

"I learned a lot of things I didn't know about, things I probably wouldn't have learned otherwise," said Marine Corps Sgt. Adam Jimenez, Bulk Fuel Alpha inspector instructor. "It's important to know how to get on and off a helo safely. We learned dry runs first to get use to everything, then we got on the aircraft. This will help in case you are in an environment that you need to get out of the aircraft quickly and safely."

This training was conducted on an Army UH-60 Black Hawk.

The UH-60 Black Hawk is a utility tactical transport helicopter that has enhanced overall mobility. The Black Hawk's critical components and systems are armored and its airframe is designed to progressively crush on impact to protect the crew and passengers. The mission of the UH-60 is to provide air assault, general support, aero medical evacuation, command and control, and special support to combat operations. It has been a cornerstone of tactical operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This training was offered to all local branches of the military.

"This is a multiservice success story for Davis-Monthan," Gopaul said. "We have Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen all working together for a common mission. Davis-Monthan was able to demonstrate its success as a showpiece for joint training."