C-130 airdrops provide critical supplies to U.S. forces

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
  • U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) --  Improved Container Delivery System bundles fall from the cargo compartments of C-130 Hercules aircraft on a frequent basis here.

The ICDS airdrops support the ground forces on the front lines at forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan.

"Some of the ground forces are in close combat," said Army Staff Sgt. Heath Bennett, a drop zone coordinator at a forward operating base. "They receive fire from Taliban fighters and they need ammo to stay in the fight."

That ammo, along with rations, water and other essential supplies, are airdropped to them from aircraft from several airlift squadrons like the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Bagram Air Base. 

In combination with the Joint Precision Airdrop System, the ICDS allows a drop to be delivered from much higher altitudes, thus taking away the threat of enemy fire that can occur when flying at lower altitudes.

"These missions are definitely a team effort," said Maj. Kevin Mountcastle, a 774th EAS aircraft commander. "Everyone from the navigator, riggers, loadmasters and inspectors are involved in the whole process."

During flight, the aircraft commander communicates with the drop zone coordinator down range.

"We make sure there's no fighting in or around the area and that no other aircraft will conflict in the airspace," said Maj. Thomas Martin, a 774th EAS aircraft commander. "Our main focus on these missions is to get the food, water and supplies where they need to go."

Sergeant Bennett stresses why airdrops are the most ideal way of receiving supplies.

"Airdropping the supplies to us is the most effective way," he said. "There could be instances when the weather is too inclement or certain locations don't allow for ground delivery. That's why we heavily rely on the (ICDS) airdrops."

Airdrop missions can be executed with rapid response time.

"We're able to get them their supplies quickly," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Annas, a 774th EAS loadmaster with more than 35 years of experience. "They can call tonight and they can get their supplies tomorrow."

The chief receives personal satisfaction from each and every airdrop mission.

"I still get a kick out of it," he said, "I get a huge sense of accomplishment after delivering the supplies."

The frequency of airdrops in Afghanistan alleviates the number of ground deliveries.

Bad road conditions and possible enemy attacks make delivering supplies by land very dangerous, said Maj. Gregory Caldwell, a 774th EAS aircraft commander.

"Minimizing the number of convoys puts fewer service members in harm's way," Major Caldwell said.

The 774th EAS members take pride in tactically flying over mountainous terrains in a combat environment to deliver essential supplies to ground forces down range.

The phrase "These supplies are the lifeline for our ground forces" was echoed often enough to resonate through the walls. 

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