Delaware National
GuardAviation deployment supports Combat Maneuver Training Center in Germany
By Spc. Robert Seidle, Co. A 3/126th Aviation
 |
|
(Top to Bottom) Sgt. Jamie Letts and Spc. Robert Seidle are conducting a Corrosion Control Inspection on a Raven Ops aircraft. Photo taken by Staff Sgt. Michael George. |
Eight personnel from Company A 3/126 Aviation and twelve personnel from Company C 2/126 Aviation represented Delaware Army Aviation while on recent deployment to Hohenfels, Germany. Their mission: to support the aviation assets of the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC).
Being under the command of the United States Army Europe and the Seventh Army Training Command, the CMTC trains NATO forces in the physical art of war. The battlefield, called "The Box", is over 162 square kilometers in size.
The CMTC provides OPFOR (opposing forces) from infantry to heavy armor and attack aircraft; this is where our guard members come in. The twenty personnel team consisted of airfield operations, fuel handlers, technical supply, aircraft mechanics, flight engineers, and pilots.
The Delaware Guard team supported two units: Falcon Ops and the Ravens. Both Falcon Ops and the Ravens utilized the army’s outgoing workhorse, the UH-1 aircraft. Falcon Ops conducted observer controller operations over the battlefield, relaying information back to HQ on both the OPFOR and the Blue Forces maneuvers and engagements.
The Ravens, being OPFOR, conducted attacked missions against the Blue Forces. Even though their aircraft appeared to be normal Hueys, the Raven birds were outfitted with Miles Gear that was custom tailored to make the UH-1 into a Soviet Union developed Mi-24 attack helicopter. A Raven UH-1 also received a custom paint scheme to that of the former Soviet Union, down to the red star.
Our guard members were deployed from November 24 to December 15, 2002.
 |
|
Flight Engineers (from left to right) Sgt. Dominick Cacciatore, Sgt. Bob Bretternitz, and Staff Sgt. Stephen Rosinski conducting an aircraft wash on a Falcon Ops UH-1. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle. |
 |
|
An aircrew heading out to their bird before a Raven mission (the Blue forces get no peace even in bad weather). Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle. |
 |
|
Moving a Raven aircraft into the hangar for servicing. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
A common site around Hohenfels, Blue Forces heading home from the Box. This time its M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles . Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
Finished with the battle, these Blue Force M109 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers… (continued on next picture.) Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
(continued from previous picture) …and their CAT-V (Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked, Vehicle) partners prepare to head home at the Hohenfels Bahnhof. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
Aircraft mechanics on a warm-up break, after conducting maintenance outside . Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle. |
 |
|
From left to right: Staff Sgt. Michael George, Staff Sgt. Stephen Rosinski and Staff Sgt. John Cole, enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner prepared by CMTC’s 1-4 Infantry Dinning Facility. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
Adding to the holiday spirit, CMTC’s 1-4 Infantry Dinning Facility created this 42 layer sheet cake. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
Sgt. Bob Bretternitz (left) helps himself to some turkey at Raven’s and Falcon’s Family Christmas Dinner. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
Sgt. Dominik Cacciatore volunteered for Santa Duty at the Raven’s and Falcon’s Family Christmas Dinner. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |
 |
|
From right to left: Staff Sgt. Michael George, Staff Sgt. Joseph Squiterie and Staff Sgt. John Cole enjoy a fine meal while striking up a conversation with Spc Miller, a Raven Flight Engineer. Photo by Spc. Robert Seidle . |