'Seaelks' take flight over Kuwaiti deser

[USMCRET6391]

CAMP BEUHRING, Kuwait (April 18, 2006) -- Pilots and crews from Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 got a change of scenery outside of their cockpit windows when they flew off the USS Peleliu and into Kuwait for some desert sustainment training here April 12-27.

The purpose of the training is to allow pilots to hone their skills, practice aerial maneuvers and landings and to become familiar with the desert terrain, said Capt. Kalle G. Kangas, schedule writer and CH-53E Super Stallion pilot, HMM-166, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego.

HMM-166, along with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and MEU Service Support Group 11, are part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) from Camp Pendleton, Calif. The 11th MEU (SOC) as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 is on a six-month deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

During this desert training, some of the pilots and crew will train in providing close air support to the infantry on the ground, said Capt. Ryan McCullough, UH-1N "Huey" pilot. They will also conduct low-level flying missions hitting checkpoints along pre-designated routes.

During these low-level flight exercises, the pilots will scan the environment for certain terrain feature that would make landings more hospitable. Once these areas are identified, the pilots will do what is known as confined area landings or CALs. After touching down, the pilots then take off to the next checkpoint.

"The purpose of this training is to fine-tune the pilot's navigation skills in the desert and in day and nighttime environments," and also take make them comfortable operating in a desert environment, said McCullough.

"These techniques are perishable skills," said Capt. Peter C. Belej, airframes officer and CH-53E pilot. So pilots have to constantly train to maintain their qualifications, he said.
According to Belej, this training also gives pilots of different aircrafts a chance to work together as a team. It helps to strengthen the relationship between the pilots, the infantry and the forward air controllers on the ground, said Belej.

During combined area landings or patrolling missions, for example, the Hueys and Cobras must work hand-in-hand. The Cobras navigate and lead the way, while the Hueys, with their broader view of the battlefield, act as the Cobras protector, added McCullough.

During close air support missions, ACE pilots provide fire support to the infantry on the ground. To do this safely and effectively, pilots must be in constant communication with Marines on the ground to ensure the right targets get taken out and most importantly to ensure there are no friendly casualties.

Perfecting the communication, coordination, and the sharpening of these skills and techniques is essential for any unit prior to going into a combat, said McCullough.

Although, the 11th MEU (SOC) is not currently scheduled to go into Iraq, according to McCullough, the setting and the training they are receiving is exactly what HMM-166 would need if they were to be called to serve in combat.

Kuwait is the perfect environment. It is exactly as it is in Iraq, but it is safe, said McCullough. "It is the best it could possibly be."

No matter what happens, said McCullough, the Marines and sailors of HMM-166 will be prepared. "No doubt about it."