Pilots with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 performed a training exercise that required Marines to rappel out of a CH-53E “Super Stallion” helicopter on to the grassy terrain of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton May 19.
The squadron performed the “fast roping” exercise with 18 Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.
“Practicing these sorts of events makes us mission ready,” said Capt. Joseph Salucci, a CH-53E pilot with HMH-462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force. “The [experience] we gain will set us up for wherever we go.”
During the exercise, the Marines lowered a rope 20 to 25 feet below the helicopter, and once lowered, they rappelled down the rope. They performed the task more than five times.
The event helped prepare both pilots and Marines on the ground for quick insertion into urban environments.
In many urban areas, the Super Stallions will not have a place to land; most buildings will not support the weight of the aircraft, explained Capt. Joshua Taylor, a CH-53E pilot with HMH-462. If Marines are needed in the area, they must be able to exit the aircraft without it landing.
It is tactically proficient for Marines to swarm an area from the air and the ground, explained Sgt. Jay Richardson, a fast roping instructor. If a helicopter brings Marines to the top of a building, those Marines can flush out the enemy to the Marines waiting at the bottom of the building.
“This kind of training gives ground commanders flexibility because they know that they can task us out to perform this operation,” said Salucci.
Although they can’t prepare for every scenario that combat may entale, the Marines of HMH-462 continue to train so that the will be ready for any mission.
“We’re always working to improve our skills,” said Taylor. “Every flight you always learn something. It’s a challenge to your skills to say the least.”
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