Ingenuity...

SPC Shawn Derrick, SPC Eric Strick, SPC Chris Stevenson, SPC Noel Gaulard and SPC Brandon (Robo) Robertson of Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment enjoy some pizza while on break northeast of Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

"No matter what it is you're going through

even if you think you're far beyond where hope can see

I know there is a hand that's reaching out for you
because He did the same for me"

Mercy Me - I Know

Evening...

Once again the info hounds have been hard at work today...

Let's get started with some outstanding support from U.S. Army pilots to the Fires Hell Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment back in late June. Close air support? Well, yes...just not the kind you would normally think of...unless you are in dire need of water.

Give it a read...tip of the hat to the pilots of Company A, "Devils," 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment. Your creativity and can do attitude saved the day for our warriors on the ground near Abu Sayta, Iraq - thanks guys, you rock!


'Apaches Deliver Water to Ground Troops'
By Maj. Enrique T. Vasquez, CAB 1ID PAO

Tikrit, Iraq - Anyone that has ever underestimated the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Army pilots has never had to rely on them in a pinch. A Coalition Forces unit known as Fires "Hell" Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, conducting combat operations in an area near Abu Sayta, Iraq began to take on casualties as Soldiers started to succumb to the intense desert heat. The ground commander radioed his situation and within minutes Coalition Forces helicopters responded to pick-up the injured.

However, the ground units required more than just medical evacuations; the relief troops could not resupply water to those Soldiers in forward positions without exposing themselves to hostile fire from insurgents. As the situation became more critical two AH-64D Apache Longbow attack weapons teams in the area, overheard the radio chatter and decided to take action. Pilots from Company A, "Devils," 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, responded by delivering water to the stranded troops.

Spc. David Scantlin crew chief for Company A, Devils 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, demonstrates the cargo capacity of the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter gunship. On June 20, Co. A Devils, delivered much needed supplies of water to the Fires "Hell" Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, operating in Abu Sayta, Iraq. (Photo by U.S. Army Maj. Enrique T. Vasquez)

"We were flying in support of operations when we determined several groups of troops on the ground were becoming heat casualties. It was then, when we decided to return to the FOB (Forward Operating Base) Warhorse and bring these Soldiers some water," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Mawhirter, pilot with Co. A, 1-1 ARB.

Spc. David Scantlin crew chief for Company A, Devils 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, demonstrates the cargo capacity of the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter gunship. On June 20, Co. A Devils, delivered much needed supplies of water to the Fires "Hell" Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, operating in Abu Sayta, Iraq. (Photo by U.S. Army Maj. Enrique T. Vasquez)

Apache gunships don't normally deliver cargo due to the limited space onboard the aircraft, however in an unprecedented act the AH64 pilots flying in support of Coalition Forces did just that, they delivered a load of water.

"To be able to deliver water to coalition forces with this aircraft (Apache helicopter) is quite an achievement in itself. These aircraft normally have no more than 10 cubic feet of storage space, " said Sgt.1st Class Christopher Boyle, platoon sergeant for A Co.

The use of the aft compartments and saddle bags (compartments beside the cockpit) to move water is remarkable, recounted Boyle.

The area of Abu Sayta where the troops were located is heavily populated with dense groves of palm trees making it difficult for helicopters to easily land. Knowing this one of the Apache pilots planned ahead.

"As we filled up the survival bays (aft compartments) one of the pilots, Chief Porter decided to put some water bottles inside his cockpit. Upon our return to the field site we landed the aircraft and dropped off several cases of water to the troops," said 1st Lt. Philip Heiss, pilot for A Co.

"However, Porter unable to reach all the troops, lowered his aircraft to a hover just feet above the ground, opened his cockpit and started sliding bottles of water down the sides of the helicopter to the Soldiers below," said Heiss.

The actions displayed by these aviators are truly admirable and commendable as one commander put it.

"Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ron Porter, air mission commander and his crews were awesome yesterday, " said Lt. Col. Robert J. McAleer, commander of Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

According to McAleer the Apache pilots performed 'Commo' (communication) relays, talked MEDEVACS (medical evacuations) onto good landing sites, helped find goat trails for dismounts, and even dropped water resupplies out the widows of their cockpits.

"The Apache crews made a huge difference that day" said McAleer.

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Chris, we know the environment is tough up north but hang in there buddy and stay strong. Keep an eye on your buddies as they do the same for you...we are praying for you all.

Be safe!

v/r,

- Collabman

SPC Brandon (Robo) Robertson (standing) and SPC Noel Gaulard, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment enjoy some down time in front of their stryker vehicles. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

SPC Shawn Derrick, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment takes a break following operations northeast of Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

SPC Eric Strick, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment relaxes following operations northeast of Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)