Marines from thirty first Marine Expeditionary Unit logistics fight aspect, Fight Logistics Battalion (CLB) 31, labored alongside the aviation fight aspect, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squdron-262 (Bolstered), to efficiently execute a shore-to-ship and again to shore transport of a Joint Mild Tactical Car (JLTV) with a CH-53E Tremendous Stallion. The planning and execution of this JLTV helicopter exterior carry operation built-in each a part of the thirty first MEU Marine Air Floor Process Drive alongside U.S. Navy Amphibious Squadron 11 and the USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5). This was the primary time a Marine Corps JLTV was moved from shore to ship by air, highlighting the capabilities of each platforms and permitting the thirty first MEU a brand new alternative to implement Expeditionary Superior Base Operation (EABO) ideas.
“This was primarily a chance to construct our MEU staff’s capacity to maneuver fight autos and weapon techniques to, from, and between expeditionary advance bases from ARG delivery. The CH-53 and Helicopter Assist Crew present a fairly distinctive functionality to get these techniques to in any other case inaccessible areas,” stated Capt. Tyler J. Hopping, CH-53E pilot with VMM-262 (rein).
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“CLB-31 is concentrated on difficult and real looking coaching that employs expeditionary superior base logistical resupply and prepositioning of vital gear in assist of the Naval Expeditionary Drive,” stated Lt. Col. Matthew Verdin, commanding officer of CLB-31.
The Sikorsky CH-53E Tremendous Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter operated by the US navy. Because the Sikorsky S-80, it was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, primarily by including a 3rd engine, including a seventh blade to the principle rotor, and canting the tail rotor 20°. It was constructed by Sikorsky Plane for the US Marine Corps. The much less widespread MH-53E Sea Dragon fills the US Navy’s want for long-range minesweeping or airborne mine countermeasures missions, and carry out heavy-lift duties for the Navy. The CH-53E was designed for transporting as much as 55 troops with the set up of seats alongside the cabin middle line or 30,000 lb (13,610 kg) of cargo, and may carry externally slung masses as much as 36,000 lb (16,330 kg). The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, which has new engines, new composite rotor blades, and a wider plane cabin, is ready to interchange the CH-53E.
This helicopter exterior carry operation was initiated with the CH-53E lifting the JLTV from a seaside inside a secured navy coaching space in Okinawa, Japan and proceeded totally over water to the USS Miguel Keith. The CH-53E proceeded again to the pick-up location, with the load, after conducting a number of lifts aboard the USS Miguel Keith; simulating the institution of an expeditionary superior base from naval amphibious delivery. This coaching evolution was a vital step in additional integrating subordinate parts of the thirty first MEU and offering a path for growing future EABO capabilities with comparable platforms. The crew that executed this occasion beforehand performed a number of prior JLTV lifts to maximise their readiness, proficiency and security. The thirty first MEU is working aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Prepared Group within the seventh Fleet space of operations to boost interoperability with allies and companions and function a prepared response pressure to defend peace and stability within the Indo-Pacific Area.
