2021 mid-summer edition
Storm
Watch
"Hurricanes" In This Issue 1-130th participates in Emerald Warrior 2021 HHC conducts STAFFEX using the CPCE 1-130th AB conducts aerial gunnery Charlie Co, 1-131st AVN "Killdevils" participates in JRTC Contributers
Courtesy photo
Thank you for your service! As the coronavirus lingers and we continue to adjust to those challenges, we thank those who have volunteered to answer the call in support of our State’s COVID-19 502(f) activation this past year,
Capt. Briana McFarland/Public Affairs Officer
including all of you that were orders to assist with
Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly/Public Affairs NCOIC
warehouse, refuel, food support, cyber, and
Follow us www.facebook.com/NC449THCAB
vaccination operations. We're proud of our team, and humbled by your continued resilience, selfless service and professionalism. Your commitment to our citizens is greater than we've ever seen!
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Email us: 449CABPAO@gmail.com
-Michele P. Harper 449th CAB Commander cont'd p.27
Leading from the front
I want to extend my sincere thanks to all of you for your continued efforts and sacrifices this year through these unique and challenging times. The command team thoroughly enjoyed seeing Soldiers excelling in what they have been trained to do and mastering their skills. I'm committed to support the needs of our Soldiers and our outstanding 449th CAB team.
Michele P. Harper
449th CAB Commander
Harper's Hurricanes
Headquarters and Headquarters Company "Snails"
All hail the Snail
Recognition around the runway
Story and photos by Capt;. Briana McFarland
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Soldiers in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade are hoping to say goodbye to the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and hello to the new Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) to converge warfighting capabilities and to build new future capabilities. The unit recently conducted a multiday, staff exercise (STAFFEX), at the Mission Training Center (MTC) at Fort Bragg, where Soldiers used an integrated, interoperable computing infrastructure framework
to simulate a deployed environment — the CPCE. The single, mission command suite of software provided a real-world experience and a clear common operating picture, which expanded the warfighting capabilities of the unit. The geospatial maps and briefing capabilities were imperative for the staff sections to conduct the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) from receipt of orders to orders production. According to the mission Battle Captain, Capt. Carpenter Moreland, the software was far superior to the legacy
system and more user-friendly. “The first word I think of when I hear CPCE is synergy,” “This system allows us to be more collaborative and blend control efforts.”
The Mission Command System Integrated Trainers at the MTC were on standby to assist Soldiers with any tactical and technical questions, as needed. The STAFFEX was beneficial to all Soldiers, especially the junior enlisted, who experienced this for the first time. “The instructors were very helpful,” Moreland said. “We could tell they were enthusiastic about us learning and cared about our user-experience.” The exercise was a part of the units annual training, June 4-18, 2021, and was comprised of many training events. Prior to the STAFFEX, Soldiers executed on individual Soldier tasks to include a diagnostic Army Combat Fitness Test, land navigation and M320 Grenade Launcher familiarization. The HHC, 449th CAB is located in Morrisville, North Carolina and part of the North Carolina Army National Guard.
We're grateful to Soldiers who go above and beyond their normal duties to ensure mission success. Help us congratulate seven Soldiers assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company for receiving the 449th CAB coin of excellence from Brigade Commander Col. Michele P. Harper.
NCNG Unit participates in Emerald Warrior 2021 Emerald Warrior is an annual, joint exercise that provides realistic and relevant training to prepare Special Operations Forces, Conventional Forces, Partner Nations, Interagency and Non-Governmental Organizations for crises and contingencies within different operational environments.
We worked with this STS during our deployment to Afghanistan, so we had an initial rapport..." Story by U.S. Army Capt. Briana McFarland Photos taken by Maj. Bethany Barden
MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment (1-130 AB), 449th Combat Aviation Brigade participated in Emerald Warrior 2021, hosted by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Feb. 20 to March 5 at Camp Shelby, Missouri. 1-130th AB’s mission was to conduct detailed planning in close coordination with friendly ground units and execution of aerial reconnaissance and attack missions integrated with joint fires in a non-permissive environment.
This is the second iteration AFSOC requested 1-130th ARB to support Emerald Warrior. The unit also participated in 2017, prior to their mobilization in support of Operation Resolute Support
and Operation Freedoms Sentinel in Afghanistan. However, Emerald Warrior developed significantly this year due to emerging enemy threats. The focus was to expose forces to scenarios they may not encounter in their daily training, to increase readiness and to make operators more dynamic. According to the Charlie Company Commander Capt. Adam White, daily training consisted of ground elements learning how to integrate attack aviation fires within their scheme of maneuver. Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1-130 AB, participated in Emerald Warrior 2021, hosted by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Feb. 20 to March 5 at Camp Shelby, Missouri.
“Joint Terminal Attack Controllers assigned to Special Tactics Squadrons (STS) coordinated integration efforts of a ground special operations unit and assisted our AH-64D attack helicopters in the conduct of Air to Ground (ATG) fire support,” said White. “We worked with this STS during our deployment to Afghanistan, so we had an initial rapport supplemented by a sound understanding of Joint Doctrine outlined in the Multiservice Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for Joint Application of Firepower Army publication.” The exercise consisted of multiple phases, to include simulated hybrid threats for the 1-130th AB. Aircrews and ground force commanders contended with enemy dismounted forces as well as enemy air defense artillery assets within dense urban terrain. This challenged flight crews in both planning and execution. The exercise culminated with two iterations — day and night —of a full mission profile (FMP) where elements conducted detailed planning on deliberate attacks against enemy elements. Aviators from the 1-130th AB contended with anti-air assets and conducted ATG fires against enemy elements maneuvering upon friendly forces.
Emerald Warrior helped 1-130th AB to identify future training priorities in preparation for their upcoming National Training Center (NTC) rotation at Fort Irwin, California, which provides U.S. military units and personnel with realistic pre-deployment training scenarios in all aspects of armed conflict. “We conducted numerous iterations of aerial attack operations in environments with simulated enemy air defense artillery in the area, which included tactical tasks at terrain flight altitudes,” said White. “This will directly contribute to efficient attack operation in our NTC rotation.”
E Co. Culinary Specialists (92Gs) enhanced morale with every single meal while cooking out of their Containerized Kitchen (CK) at Ft. Bragg during their 2021 Annual Training.
Photo by Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly
Courtesy photo
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Residents near Fayetteville, North Carolina may have woken to additional sounds of rapid-fire 8-15 June 2021 as crews from the 1-130th Attack Battalion (1-130th AB), North Carolina Army National Guard, conducted a live-fire aerial gunnery with their AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopters. There’s no denying the lethality of the AH-64D Longbow Apache. Armed with three weapons systems: Air Ground Missile (AGM) 114 Hellfire Missiles, 2.75-inch rockets and a 30 mm Area Weapons System, the Apache provides security to ground forces, aerial escorts and armed reconnaissance, with deep precision strikes in adverse weather and battlefield conditions.
According to Charlie Company pilot, Chief Warrant Officer Two, Tom Koestering, aerial gunnery is the most complex training event each year and provides M-Day Soldiers the opportunity to strengthen their skillsets. “Aircraft operations in training mode is different than operations using live ammunition,” said Koestering. “It’s important our fuelers, maintainers and pilots refamiliarize themselves with the risks involved – risks you don’t encounter with training missiles and inert ammunition.” Twenty-two crews were validated on day gunnery tables to show their level of proficiency, before qualifying on night, which is more difficult. There are many safety precautions aviators must think about when piloting at night, to include target fixation. “When you have effects on a target, aviators may want to focus on the objective to ensure the rounds are engaging appropriately, but it’s one of our biggest risks as pilots,” said Koestering. “Apache crews must divide the duties so one is focused on flying while the other is focused on weapons engagement. Acknowledging the risks involved in flight operations helps us mitigate them.” Lt. Col Mark VanVeldhuizen and First Lieutenant Williamities, the two newest Pilot-inCommands (PC’s) in the Battalion partnered together for gunnery!
Before each validation and qualification flight, aviators conducted risk assessments, coordinated with range control to deconflict airspace and were provided detailed weather reports from the Air Force Staff Weather Officer on duty. Safety remained their biggest priority. This year’s aerial gunnery comes approximately six years after the Aviation Restructuring Initiative proposed all eight Army National Guard Apache helicopter battalions move to the active Army force. However, in January 2018, the U.S. Army and National Guard Bureau announced that 1-130th AB would be 1 of 4 Apache helicopter battalions that would remain in the Army National Guard. The 1-130th AB is located in Morrisville, North Carolina and a part of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, North Carolina Army National Guard. The attack battalion returned from Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in May 2019. The unit’s expected field date for the AH-64E Apache model is expected in 2023.
Spc. Sech, Spc. Carter and Private First Class Carrigan work into the night, fixing a tail strut on a shooter Bravo Company Platoon Leader, First Lieutenant Celia Hendry, conduct her first aerial gunnery!
“Top Company” awarded to D Company.
Top Gun
“Top Gun" awarded to CW3 Berndt & 2LT Richards.
"Super Soldier" awarded to SSG Trull
"You can be my Wingman anytime."
Charlie Company 1-131st Assault Helicopter Battalion "Killdevils"
Charlie Company "Killdevils" complete JRTC rotation MORRISVILLE, N.C. – Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1-131st Assault The Killdevils were assigned to the 1-151st AHB, Task Force Helicopter Battalion (Killdevils) deployed to the Joint Readiness Training Marauder, out of South Carolina. Charlie Company Soldiers spent Center (JRTC) in Fort Polk, Louisiana for annual training, May 28 – June 24. several inactive duty training (IADT) weekends conducting air mission The purpose of this training was to conduct large-scale operations against near-peer threats, with multi-domain capabilities, which enabled the unit to increase readiness. According to Charlie Company Commander, Capt. Phil Howell III, JRTC allowed Soldiers to see what full-scale combat operations involve. “JRTC gave us the ability to see how operations are processed, developed and executed from the division-level down,“
“Howell said. “It affords our Soldiers and units the ability to see how every military occupational specialty (MOS) and organization brings critical assets to the fight."
briefs, weapons qualifications, air assaults/air movements and unit movement operations to prepare for JRTC. Once they arrived, Soldiers were briefed on the exercise and established company operations. The unit was presented with a combat scenario, and their mission was to destroy enemy forces and re-establish their borders. Aircrew members were responsible for flying in simulated combat theaters where they trained against air defense systems, radars and weapons that target aircraft. In addition, Charlie Company, 1-131st AHB supported air assaults, distinguish visitor movements, resupply operations, sling loads and casualty
evacuations (CASEVAC). The OPTEMPO was fast and challenged Soldiers mentally and physically while they trained in austere environment with lack of sleep. “This environment exposes you to tactics and attacks we haven’t worried about in recent operations,” Howell said. “The use of tear gas, GPS jamming, large-scale counter attacks and continuous indirect fire allows us to redefine or develop our reactions based on these events.” More than 6,000 Soldiers across the United States participated in the JRTC exercise, temporarily living in austere environments while battling sleep deprivation and equipment limitations. “I learned you must build a strong team and be able to rely on every Soldier from the top down,” said Howell. “As the commander, I realized although I make the final decisions, I have an excellent team full of experience that makes my decisions that much easier.” Charlie Company, 1-131st AHB is a part of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, North Carolina National Guard, and located in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Det. 2, Charlie Company 1-126th Aviation Regiment
Key Tasks Trained:
Conduct Coordination with Air Force RTI & Airport Conduct Convoy Operations Conduct quartering party/site survey operations Conduct Command Post Operations Conduct Phase I Setup Conduct Field Maintenance Conduct Annual Training Classes/Briefs Conduct Aeromedical Operations Conduct 3 Day CAPSTONE Event (MSTC)
"Great job by all!" - Lt. Col. Dan McAuliffe Commander, AASF #2
Around the Runway
June 7-21, Det. 2. Charlie Company, 1-126 AV conducted Medevac Operations at Stanly County Airport (KVUJ), in order to increase MOS proficiency, execute Mission Essential Tasks, and Readiness Level Progression.
Det. 1, Bravo Co, 2-151st Aviation Regiment "One-eyed Gooses"
Mobilization Recognition Soldiers assigned to Det. 1 - Bravo Co., 2-151st Aviation Regiment, currently deployed, received the 2-151st Aviation coin for excellence from Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Bryan Lake, June 6. .
U.S. Army Pvt. Marelien Exantus, Petroleum Supply Specialist from Durham, N.C. with Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion 151st Aviation Regiment checks inside of the new Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A4 “Fuel Servicing Truck” tank to make sure the fuel transfers successfully, Dec. 04, 2020. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Alonzo Clark)
U.S. Army Sgt. Lawrence Smith, crew chief and airframe and powerplant mechanic from Charlotte, N.C. with the Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion 151st Aviation Regiment cleans the Light Utility Helicopter72 “Lakota” rotary wing aircraft’s tail rotor blades prior to tomorrow’s flight as U.S. Army Spc. Victor Don-Martinez, grounds me-chanic and basic aviation mechanic from Chapel Hill, N.C. assists him in holding the ladder, Feb. 22, 2020. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Alonzo Clark)
U.S Army Spc. Joseph Potochinak, avionic mechanic from Princeton, North Carolina of Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion 151st Aviation Regiment secures the Light Utility Helicopter-72 “Lakota” rotary wing aircraft’s blade with the locking pin, Nov. 9, 2020. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Alonzo Clark)
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Patrick Kerfoot, standardization pilot from Raleigh, N.C. with the Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion 151st Aviation Regiment glance at distance as his crews and distinguished visitor, U.S. Army Ltc. Bryan Lake, Battalion
U.S. Army Spc. Mitchell Vaughn, cross-trained flight operations specialist and wheel vehicle mechanic from Holly Springs, N.C. with Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battal-ion 151st Aviation Regiment writes the Light Utility Helicopter-72 “Lakota” rotary wing aircraft’s flight activity in their daily aircraft log, Nov. 13, 2020. This is Vaughn first mo-bilization experiencing the life as a flight operations specialist. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Alonzo Clark)
Message to the troops Retention is MG Hunt’s number one priority and in order to do that, safeguarding the lives, protecting the Force & maximizing flexibility for those who are affected is critical to our success. You all have done an incredible job adjusting to the every changing requirements to ensure we have done what is necessary. Continue to listen, read and to follow the guidance disseminated through our senior leaders as our environment changes daily. We must continue to train to enhance our State Active Duty roles, since we're approaching the season when our communities are most affected by hurricanes. We must continue to improve readiness and train responsibly, simultaneously adjusting to current challenges presented by the coronavirus. I would be remised if I did not thank our detachment on the border for their sacrifice and answering the call when needed. You have been leading from the front and producing great results! If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to contact your full-time support representatives and chain of command. We're committed to maintain open channels of communication and will make every effort to answer your questions and address your concerns. The team is working hard to provide uninterrupted support to you as a valued member of our Family. I maintain an open door policy and stay committed to supporting the needs of our Soldiers and our outstanding 449 CAB Team. Commit yourselves to be a Ready, Responsive, Reliable and Relevant for the future needs. I remain confident knowing the Soldiers of the 449th will stand ready to defend our Nation and continue to conduct operations, but in order to do that, the health and protection of our force is our top priority, this includes our mental and emotional health. Stay vigilant and continue to apply proactive measures to protect the health and wellbeing of you and your families. We wouldn’t have a complete team without you and the support of your families! Hurriances! - Michele P. Harper 449th CAB Commander