A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crewed by Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 lifts a load of provisions rigged by the helicopter support team, for delivery to a forward operating base in southern Afghanistan, at Camp Bastion, March 13. The HST is assigned to Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, the logistics combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, and is tasked with preparing loads, ensuring they are properly packaged and safely rigged for airlift. A CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter is capable of lifting up to 32,000 pounds, but for safety purposes, HST loads average between 8,000 and 10,000 pounds. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and train and mentor the Afghan national police in order to provide the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with a professional police force able to provide security for its people.
Lance Cpl. Ronald Stauffer
2009-05-25
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