RTR Marines, Army train together in helo exercise

[thedrifter]

RTR Marines, Army train together in helo exercise
Submitted by: MCRD Parris Island
Story Identification Number: 200351153959
Story by LCpl. Jennifer Brofer



MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C.(May 2, 2003) -- Army personnel from Hunter Army Air Field invited six Marines to join them for a training exercise conducted on a CH-47 helicopter flight to Charleston Air Force Base April 22.

The flight was an exercise to maintain instrument-flight proficiency, although service members onboard the flight felt it was a good way to interact with members of another service while enjoying the scenery from more than 4,000 feet above the ground.

For some, it was a way to get out of their normal environment and experience training they have never had.

"It was different - you can't pass up opportunities like this," said Staff Sgt. Andrew J. Yousse, S-3 operations chief, 1st RTBn.

"It was a good experience because we got to fly with the Army," added Staff Sgt. Amy A. Lebouef, drill instructor, 4th RTBn. "It was pretty fascinating."

For others, it was a chance to refamiliarize themselves with former aviation training.

"It was fun to get back into a helo again," said Sgt. James M. Curran, drill instructor, 1st RTBn. "I came from a helo unit, but haven't been in one for more than two years."

Aviators and crewmembers of the Georgia Army National Guard are required to complete a total of 45 hours of flight training every six months. The mission on this flight was to approach the airfield, utilize the instrument landing system and clear the runway.

For Army personnel who helped coordinate the flight, it was a chance to get to know Marines and experience joint-service training, while building a positive rapport.

"It's an exciting thing. It lets them enjoy something they might never get to do. Some people may never get to fly on a helo," said Army Staff Sgt. Angela F. Seals, NCOIC of flight operations, Detachment 1, Fox Co., 131st Aviation, Georgia Army National Guard. "In this time of war, it's nice to know that the troops back home can train together and maintain camaraderie."

According to Seals, she likes to invite members of different services out every once in a while to participate in the flights, which occur every Tuesday and Thursday night. Along those same lines, she invites civilians to participate in the training flights once a year.

For the pilots, it may have just been a typical training mission, but the Marines onboard made the routine flight extraordinary.

"I liked it. It's nice to get people out there and show them what we do," said Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Duane Sandbothe, aviation life support officer, Georgia Army National Guard. "It gives us an idea of what the Marines can do and they can see what we do."

For information on how to participate in a flight, call Staff Sgt. Andrew Yousse at 843-228-2716.

Sempers,

Roger