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Eye In Sky Provides Overwatch For Ground Forces
(September 28, 2010) | 
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE DWYER, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces on the
ground depend on a variety of aircraft to support their various missions here in
Helmand province, but one type of aircraft is providing a unique capability no
other can match. |
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd
Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), uses the unmanned aerial vehicle known as
the RQ-7B “Shadow.” The aircraft is only 11 feet long, but is carrying out
the enormous mission of providing surveillance, reconnaissance and
intelligence information for troops operating across the vast landscapes.
Most of the information collected by VMU-1 is “pattern of life” information.
This information helps ground Marines in their missions to identify enemy
forces living and working among civilians in the area.
“It's a good feeling knowing we are providing overwatch for the guys on the
ground,” said Cpl. Ryan Venem, a UAV |
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(Left to right) Lance Cpls. Nathanael Shoemate and Quinn Schweher, and Cpl. Matthew Worrell, Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), prepare an unmanned aerial vehicle for launch Sept. 22,
2010. The Marines prepare the UAV and ensure its successful launch for each
flight. At least one of six UAVs is airborne throughout the day. |
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operator, originally from Lancing, Ill. “I always try to look at it as if I
were the guy on the ground and what would I want the UAV looking for.” |
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The UAVs provide real-time video to the controllers and VMU-1 intelligence
Marines who relay the information to ground units.
“We collect and send the video to the intelligence representatives at the
battalions and regiments as well as to the air officers for the forward air
observers,” said Lt. Col. John Barranco, the VMU-1 commanding officer,
originally from Boston.
There are several Marines working literally behind the scenes to ensure the UAVs
are operating correctly and providing the support ground Marines need. There are
two operators working from the back of a truck filled with computers to guide
each UAV and search for possible threats.
One operator guides the aircraft to ensure it is in safe flight zones and
maneuvering to coordinate with other manned aircraft that may be in the area.
The other operator works with a VMU-1 intelligence Marine, who can also see what
the UAV camera is recording, to coordinate where ground units are and the type
of support they need. This operator controls the onboard camera to aid in this
coordination.
Before the Marines can launch a flight and as soon as the flight is over,
maintenance Marines step in to ensure the aircraft is operating correctly.
“Each and every one of us do our part to aid the Marines on the ground,” said
Sgt. Dane Hayes, a maintenance quality assurance representative for VMU-1. “The
Marines in this unit are motivated. We are a little bit removed from the combat
aspect of things, but if I were on the ground, I would want the advantage of
having someone above me telling me who was around what corner and what to do
next.”
The UAV doesn't require as many maintenance hours as a manned aircraft, but that
doesn't mean it isn't just as important, explained Hayes, who is from Fort
Pierce, Fla.
There are several systems that have to be checked on the aircraft to ensure it
operates correctly and to ensure the UAV and operators can communicate. VMU-1
Marines perform daily inspections on the aircraft, as well as the launching and
landing platforms.
Recently, a new chapter in its capabilities opened to further aid Marines on the
ground and in the sky. The aircraft now carries a precision laser, which can
guide munitions from other manned aircraft to a target. Having the laser
capability can aid with target acquisitions for manned aircraft that may be too
far away to help if the need arises, explained Barranco.
There is not much as kinetic activity throughout the day now that the Afghan and
coalition forces have weeded more and more insurgent forces out of the area,
according to Barranco.
However, when things do get hot, a UAV can be on the scene at a moment's notice
to help Marines positively identify targets. There is no escaping the Shadow
when the Marines get “eyes on.” | |
Article and photo by USMC Sgt. Deanne Hurla
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Copyright 2010
Provided
through DVIDS
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