FSS team works with Army for unique training Published Aug. 3, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Many people can say they've hooked up a trailer - fewer still can say they hooked up a trailer to a hovering UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Nearly 30 members from the 434th Force Support Squadron teamed with Soldiers from the Army Reserve's 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command for sling load training at Grissom July 23, which involves hooking cargo to a hovering helicopter as part of a joint, training exercise. "We got a call from Lt. Col. Garret Kolo, 310th ESC, about an opportunity for his Army unit to work with our Air Force personnel," said Maj. Tenna Pershing, 434th FSS sustainment flight commander. Teams of two took turns hooking a trailer, called a water buffalo, a wagon designed to carry water, and a cargo net with 55-gallon drums of water via a hooking pendant to the helicopter hovering just above their heads. Sitting on top of a trailer waiting for the Black Hawk to arrive, Senior Airman Matthew Stone, 434th FSS services specialist, admitted he was anxious. Despite those nerves, and with rotor wash pounding him, Stone climbed into the back of a small desert-colored military trailer and hooked it to the Black Hawk hovering overhead. "While I was nervous it was kind of cool as well," he said. In his team of two, Stone said he volunteered to hook cargo to the helicopter because he had height advantage over his partner, Tech. Sgt. Roland Benitez, 434th FSS information manager. "I was taller, and it was easier for me to reach," Stone said of his decision to volunteer. Not only was the training considered exciting for many there, Pershing said it provided invaluable skills in both technical ability and cooperation. "It gave our people a chance to work in a joint environment," she continued, "And, it falls in line with what we would do in the event of an earthquake or natural disaster, in which we may be called to provide humanitarian support." The sling load training was just one area the FSS members received training in during July. They also participated in casualty evacuation training, which also put members and in the Black Hawk. During the 'caseevac' training, the Airmen practiced manifesting and loading simulated ambulatory patients, and also had an opportunity to take a short flight as well. "It was the first time in a while we've been able to do home-station readiness training in major blocks," Pershing said. "From building shelters, setting a field kitchen to forklift and vehicle training, we tried to encompass as much tier training as possible." The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.
