LRS retrieves 'Bama hueys, helps PJs train

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Seven Airmen from the 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron recently traveled to Fort Rucker, Ala., to retrieve five helicopter bodies to be used for training purposes by the 38th Rescue Squadron.

The Airmen, who left at 6:30 a.m., used three trucks to transport the UH-1 Huey helicopter bodies back to base.

"Our mission was to safely transport the assets back to Moody," said Tech. Sgt. Reagan Ross, 23rd LRS vehicle operations supervisor. "We brought along vehicle maintenance Airmen to ensure that our trip there and back ran smoothly."

After the arrival of the helicopter bodies on base, they were placed in the 38th RQS training area at Grand Bay Range.

"They will be used to enhance Moody's combat search and rescue scenarios," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Douglas, 38th RQS chief enlisted manager. "Our pararescuemen will be able to practice their assessment, access and extrication techniques in a more realistic environment including crew and passengers trapped inside a simulated downed aircraft."

While the trip to Fort Rucker was successful, the Airmen had to overcome one minor obstacle.

"One of the trucks' water fuel separators was clogged, which explained why the truck wasn't able to accelerate more than 45 miles per hour," said Senior Airman Josh Morrison, 23rd LRS vehicle maintenance technician. "After we cleaned the separator and replaced the filter, we were able to continue our convoy."

Shortly after arriving at the site, the process of securing the helicopter bodies began.

A crane, provided by Army civilian contractors, was used to position the aircraft above the truck bed.

Wooden planks were nailed down horizontal and parallel to the landing skids.

"The most difficult part was trying to secure the wood to the first two trucks since the edges were made of metal," said Senior Airman Christopher Wise, 23rd LRS packaging and crating technician. "I had to place more nails in the middle to make sure the wood was secure."

Straps were then placed around the landing skids and wooden planks to prevent movement of the helicopters.

The process took two hours before the team was ready to head back home. The convoy arrived home later that evening at 8:30 p.m.

"Since everyone did a great job working together, we finished in the fastest time possible," said Airman Wise. "I was also well-prepared for my role since Moody civilian woodshop workers trained me earlier about how to brace down the choppers. Overall, the mission went well."