Drop-zone experts ensure success during Balikatan 2004

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Val Gempis
  • Air Force Print News
BASA AIR BASE, Philippines --  “Winds are calm. Clear to drop.” With these words Capt. Laura Curvey, an air mobility liaison officer from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, officially signaled the start of bilateral airdrop operations during exercise Balikatan 2004 here.

The term Balikatan is a Tagalog word that means, "shouldering the load together.”

More than 100 airmen and four C-130 Hercules aircraft from Yokota are participating in joint training with Philippine military forces. The exercise helps improve combined planning, combat readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Philippine armed forces, officials said. About 2,500 U.S. troops and 2,300 Philippine forces are taking part in the exercise.

Balikatan 2004 demonstrates U.S. resolve to support the Philippines against external aggression consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty between both nations.

Captain Curvey carefully set up orange markers on both sides of the runways to help pilots land during this portion of the exercise Feb. 25.

“Our mission here is very important,” Captain Curvey said. “We secure the drop zone and the landing strip. We make sure that the area is safe and free of hazards during airdrop operations.”

Using compasses, global positioning systems, wind meters, drop-zone lights and radios, Captain Curvey guided the lumbering aircraft as they swooped in low while airdropping troops and equipment over a designated target area in the middle of the field. An AMLO is in charge of the overall operations during airdrops.

Some of the captain’s responsibilities include preparing the drop zone before an airdrop, ensuring adequate medical and evacuation coverage is available, and placing equipment and personnel on the drop zone.

Maj. Manny Martin, an AMLO from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, said that safety is their No. 1 priority.

“Anytime there’s a safety problem, air operations will stop,” he said.

Aside from the tropical heat and snakes on the field, some of the dangers Major Martin has seen here include vehicles on the flightline, people on bikes near the drop zones and pedestrians in the area.

During the Feb. 25 missions, cargo delivery systems and heavy equipment were dropped from the C-130s. The equipment pallets can each weigh up to 3,000 pounds. After the cargo hits the ground it was recovered by troops from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s combat mobility element from Kadena AB, Japan.

As the pallets gently make their way to the ground, CME troops are already running across the asphalt runway to “field pack” them. They use a forklift to move the pallets.

Staff Sgt. Dave McHugo, from the 18th LRS, said that working here is a major challenge because of the weather and the rough terrain. Nighttime ops can be especially treacherous because of darkness.

“There are a lot of ruts and ditches on the ground,” Sergeant McHugo said. “There (are) stalks that can cut your ankles if you’re not careful.”

The CME has about 30 people participating in Balikatan, one of the biggest airdrop exercises in Pacific Air Forces.

During a bilateral troop drop Feb. 25, members of the Philippine air force, who jumped from about 1,200 feet, said they were impressed with the airmen at the drop zone. Airwoman Cherry Ann Apolinario said she was a little nervous about her first C-130 jump but was glad to see how well the U.S. drop-zone people responded after they landed.

Master Sgt. George Smith, an independent duty medical technician from the 36th AS, helped the airwoman with her heavy bag as she made her way back to the flightline.

“It’s a great experience to work with American forces,” she said. “I’m ready to jump again.”