ACE; Extra eyes for MAGTF-8
Submitted by:
MCB Camp Lejeune
Story Identification #: 200441614643
Story by Sgt. Ryan S. Scranton
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (April 14, 2004) -- As
Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion 8th Marine regiment conduct day and
night patrols down narrow roads and alleyways shaped by shanty towns,
makeshift buildings and refuse in an effort to bring safety and security
here, there’s a force more often heard than seen that watches over them.
The eye in the sky or air combat element comprised of Marines and sailors
from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 269 out of Marine Corps Air
Station New River, N.C. and Marine Wing Support Squadron - 274 out of
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. provide troops on the ground a
unique and essential perspective of their areas of operation.
“The standoff surveillance and reconnaissance provided [by the UH-1 Huey]
within this environment is hard to do with standard assets.” said Col.
Mark Gurganus, commander of Marine Air Ground Task Force - 8.
This is because the Huey’s versatility and advanced imaging systems
allow pilots and crew to see where others may not.
“[The air crewmen] can see the patrol, buildings, windows, people and
vehicles entering the patrols area before they get there,” Gurganus
explained.
The ability to see into areas ground troops normally can’t, or the “third
dimension” as Gurganus refers to it, has played a vital role in the
MAGTF’s success here.
“Imaging capabilities allow us to see everything; around corners, down
city blocks. We can ensure that there are no surprises for the Marines on
patrol, ” said Maj. John A. Ostrowski, Huey pilot with HMLA-269.
The Hueys that provide a watchful eye over the patrols also have a
psychological effect on the city’s civilians as well as the thugs and
criminals who pose a potential threat.
“The sound [of the rotor blades] has become a sound of comfort to the
majority of the population here and a sound to fear for the bad guys,”
said Gurganus.
Knowing that support is just seconds away carries a lot of weight with the
Marines conducting the patrols as well according to Sgt. Daniel S.
Standridge, a section leader with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion 8th
Marine Regiment.
“The Hueys are one of the biggest assets we have here,” said the
Sheridan, AK native, “When you get in a bind they are there to get you
out, whether it’s by giving us directions or providing a medevac. It‘s
reassuring knowing they are there.”
Providing this unique perspective requires more than a pilot and his crew
according to Ostrowski.
The ACE is comprised of Marines with various specialties that keep the
aircraft flying, to include aviation mechanics, refuelers, flight line
crews and weather forecasters. All of them play a vital role in supporting
the Marines on the ground.
“Without fuel the birds can’t fly,” said Lance Cpl. Bradd J. Sendele,
bulk fueler, from Rockford, Ill., with Marine Wing Support Squadron-274.
The outstanding support is a hard fact that Ostrowski says is evident
everyday.
“I can’t fly a single mission without the help of the support element.
They provide the fuel, the water, the logistics, everything that is
required to get the mission accomplished,” Ostrowski explained.
Keeping the Hueys in the air requires between five to ten hours of
maintenance for every hour of flight time. With thousands of mechanical
and electronic parts, all with a limited life span, maintenance crews are
constantly repairing or servicing the aircraft.
“The mechanics we have are very flexible. At any given time, the bird
needs to be ready to support a mission. It could be in the middle of the
day or the middle of the night,” said Staff Sgt. Craig J. Swanton,
maintenance control chief , from Butler, Pa.
When the ACE arrived more than a month ago, they brought with them all the
personnel needed to be self sufficient. Like most other commands within
the Corps, the ACE has personnel that manage the daily operations of the
unit.
“We have admin, intelligence, supply and medical personnel that keep the
unit going, ” Ostrowski explained.
Providing support to the MAGTF has kept the Marines here busy. They have
flown nearly 90 missions and accumulated nearly 130 flight hours since
their arrival here.
The hard work and dedication of the Marines in the ACE has been worth its
weight in gold according to Gurganus, who said their efforts have been a
major contributor to the success of the Marines here.
“The Hueys have become like our guardian angels above, and the
capabilities that they bring with them have made them uniquely qualified
for the mission here.” Gurganus explained.
| Updated:
12 January 2008
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Born on 09 January 2006 |
