Sgt. Jason Sparks, a native of Savannah, Ga., and a door gunner
for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, scans for
suspicious activity while providing air support for Marines from 1st
Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Helmand province,
Afghanistan on March 15, 2012. Helicopters from the squadron often
provide aerial security for Marines participating in ground
operations. Photo by USMC Cpl. Isaac Lamberth
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CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan (3/23/2012) - An hour before the break of
dawn, offices on the flight line of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, were
abuzz with the day's upcoming operations; one of which included
providing close-air-support for Marines on the ground.
Prior
to heading into a hostile area, two helicopters, a UH-1Y Huey and an
AH-1W Cobra, from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, also
known as the “Gunfighters,” fired their door mounted machine guns.
The final function check of their weapons reassured the crew they
would be ready to engage enemy forces if necessary.
After
finishing their final tests, the duo flew south and circled over a
location suspected of containing IED-making materials as they waited
for ground units to arrive and search the area.
As the sun's
rays began to touch the desert of southern Helmand province, a
platoon of Marines from 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion
arrived in MV-22B Ospreys, from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron
365, to |
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check the suspected location as the Gunfighters provided overwatch. |
Arriving from the north, the Ospreys landed in a cloud of
dust. Within seconds of touching down, the Marines of 1st
LAR poured out of them. As quickly as the helicopters
landed, they left, leaving the Marines on the ground to
begin their search under the watchful eyes of the
Gunfighters.
Capt. Josh McClellan, a pilot with
HMLA-369 who participated in the day's events, said the
mission was to support ground troops and stop the
manufacturing of IEDs.
While the Marines of 1st LAR
were on the ground, the two helicopters from HMLA-369
circled overhead, carefully scanning for any suspicious
activity and ready to repulse any insurgent attack.
McClellan, of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., said providing air support
is crucial to Marines in the event they are attacked.
“We are here to deter anybody from attacking the guys on
the ground,” he said. “If they do, we can nullify the
threat.”
Lance Cpl. Devin Yang, a scout with 2nd
Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st LAR said having 3D MAW (FWD)
helicopters nearby was a comforting sight.
“Seeing
the Cobras [and Huey] made us all feel safer,” said Yang of
Tomah, Wis. “Since we are so far from friendly forces, the
Cobra [and Huey] were a welcome support.”
Sgt. David
Garcia, a crew chief for HMLA-369, said the helicopters have
large-caliber machine guns, rockets and missile systems
which can greatly assist ground troops and save lives.
Garcia, of Glendale, Ariz., said the helicopters can
deal serious firepower if needed.
“If they [Marines]
engage insurgents, we are here to help them out,” he added.
McClellan said fortunately the mission did not require
the Gunfighters to engage but if they are needed to in the
future, they will be ready to assist ground troops in a
moment's notice.
More photos available in frame below
By USMC Cpl. Isaac Lamberth
Marine Corps Air Station
Miramar / 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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