Hammerhead news

1 LELE MAKOU NO NA PUAU

“WE FLY FOR THE TROOPS”

Hello to all Hammerhead Team members- both Soldiers and Families! The past

several months contained some phenomenal events. We closed out support for Opera-

tion Koa Kai working with the Navy, including Dustoff’s real-world MEDEVAC mission off

an underway ship. The Battalion also continued Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs) and

currency, more recently qualifying Hillclimbers on an underway vessel- the first time in

recent memory and going back at least ten-plus years. The Team headed off to Pohaku-

loa Training Area (PTA), leading the Brigade in the first Battalion-level field training ex-

ercise and vastly improving our ability to operate autonomously in an austere environ-

ment and expanding the unit’s expeditionary mindset. Stingrays and Hillclimbers con-

ducted our first multi-MDS (mission-design series) night vision goggle (NVG) door gun-

nery iterations while Barracudas rolled out on the first NVG convoy live fire exercise

(CLFX) training since returning from Afghanistan. The Battalion ran convoy operations

out of the tactical assembly area (TAA) and battle-tracked movements throughout the

training exercise. Marlin staff elements and Tiger Sharks supported the operational and

logistical requirements while Cobras ensured the proper sequencing and tracking of all

flight movements. Skills were built, capabilities expanded, and teams discovered the

building & bonding which occur under adversity and the opportunity to improve! Teams

that sweat together, train together, bleed together- will fight better together.

Additionally, Hammerheads maintained the Aviation Task Force Headquarters

for the Division’s Contingency Response Force (CRF), now termed “RRF.” Stingrays and

Dustoff finished up the H-60 M-model fielding and transition course completing the mod-

ernization of this incredible formation. The month of May closed out with Dustoff

MEDEVAC coverage at PTA in support of our sister-service Marines, while Hillclimbers

provided critical on-call Bambi bucket support. Meanwhile, Cobras further improved the

Battalion’s mission capability by working to employ reliable ATNAVICS coverage on

Wheeler Army Airfield. As I reflect on our collective accomplishments during this pe-

riod, I cannot be more proud, thankful, or excited for what this unit performed, can do,

or will achieve as we move forward. The next couple months become increasingly im-

portant as we build momentum leading into Pathways and set conditions for the large

portion of the formation continuing RRF coverage, executing additional training, and con-

tinuing to “Fly for the Troops!”

Command Team Corner

Hammerhead News

Inside this issue:

“Marlins” 2-3

“Stingrays” 4-5

“Hillclimbers” 6-7

“Dustoff” 8-9

“Tiger Sharks” 10-11

“Baracudas” 12-13

“Cobras” 14-15

Culminating Training Event 16-17

Events Calendar 18

Command Team

LTC Hunter Marshall

CSM Joshua Newman



HHC 3-25 AVN REGT Soldiers, as well as other participants from 3-25 AVN REGT, sup-

ported the annual AAAA Frosty 5K run and Chili Cook-off on 25 January 2014 at WAAF.

The AAAA Frosty 5K and Chili cook-off supported Army Aviation Association of America

during their annual fundraising event, which contributes to scholarships

and building esprit de corps within the 25th CAB and Schofield Barracks

community. Soldiers from 3-25 AVN REGT and 209th Aviation Support

Battalion hosted and worked the events, which contributed to the fund-

raisers success.

Left: 3-25 AVN REGT Soldiers and Family Members who participated in the AAAA 5K Run at

WAAF.

On 18 April 2014, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade executed an organizational day in order to commemo-

rate and celebrate the Army Aviation Birthday. HHC Soldiers supported the event by planning and set-

ting up a bouncy castle for children and even adventurous adults. The event itself was a great success

and all Soldiers had a great time socializing, pie in the face, and water dunking their leadership to

enforce the esprit de corps.

Bottom Left: Bouncy Castle set up by HHC during the 25th CAB organizational day.

Bottom right: Shows just a few of HHC Soldiers who attended the event. Pictured from left to right are: SPC

Price, SPC Shang, SPC Figueras, PFC Sanchez, and SGT Rene along with her family members who pose with OH-

58 aircraft during the Brigade Organizational Day.

HHC “Marlins” Highlights

25th CAB Organizational Day

AAAA Frosty 5K Run

“Soldiers had a

great time

socializing, pie in

the face throwing,

and water dunking

their leadership”



On 25 March 2014, a portion of the HHC per-

sonnel deployed to Dillingham Air Field, Oahu,

Hawaii to execute EDRE exercises associated

with the responsibility of 3-25 AVN REGT be-

coming the HQ of the Contingency Response

Force (CRF). HHC Soldiers were responsible

for setting up connectivity, executing opera-

tions within the TOC, receiving missions, pilot

and crew briefs/updates, mission updates,

and much more.

On 06 February 2014 at 1300, MG Crutch-

field re-enlisted HHC Soldier, SGT Ramirez,

at the BN hangar. SGT Ramirez reenlisted

for 3 additional years and will stay with the

3-25 AVN REGT. MG Crutchfield reenlisted

SGT Ramirez while stationed with the 3rd

Army HQ in Kuwait in 2010. SGT Ramirez

wanted to keep the tradition alive and asked

MG Crutchfield to do him the honors again.

Command Team

Reenlistment

Promotion CPT Robert Molard

SSG Reiana Elkey

On 01 May 2014 at 0800 on North

Shore of Oahu, SSG Elizabeth

Ohlrich was promoted to the rank

of SFC by her fellow peer, SFC

Encias. SFC Encias is currently

stationed at Hickham Air Force

Base and both Soldiers have

known each other for years. They

served together in Iraq during the 2009-2010 deployment rotation

with their former unit . After the

promotion ceremony, newly pro-

moted SFC Ohlrich was congratu-

lated by numerous HHC person-

nel.

3-25 AVN REGT EDRE



January Promotions

A Company “Stingrays” Highlights

Deck Landing Qualifications

CW2 David Tanderup 27 January 2014

SGT Eric Laffoon 31 January 2014

Congratulations to SPC Evan Moore and his wife Jennifer on

welcoming the newest Stingray, Emeri Rosemary! Emeri was

born on 12 February 2014 at 12:05, 7 lb. 10 oz. at Tripler Army Medical

Center.

Stingrays’ Newest Addition

1LT Samantha Jewell 13 January 2014

During the Koa Kai joint training exercise, A and C Company 3-25 AVN REGT conducted deck landing qualifications on 25-30 January 2014. This training allowed A and C Companies the opportunity to coordinate with the Navy and land on ships such as the USS Halsey and the USS Chosin off the shores of Kauai, HI.

Above, CW3 Charles Weaver landing on USS Chosin on 30

January 2014.

Left, CW3 Phillip Wilson, 1LT Daniel McGrory, SGT Michael

Pearce get fuel on USS Chosin.

In preparation for helicopter door gunnery

at PTA, SGT Nelson, right, uses the NCM3

simulator to simulate weapon malfunctions

and flight scenarios to increase door gunner

proficiency of his Soldiers. The NCM3 simu-

lator has two UH-60 crew chief stations with

mounted M240H, which allows door gunners

the opportunity to load weapons, practice

aircrew coordination and day and night door

gunnery.

Simulator Training

Pool PT

A Company conducts pool PT to

continue training to improve overwater survival skills.



A Company 3-25 AVN REGT con-ducts day dust landing qualifica-tions in the box at NTC, Fort Irwin, CA during 14-06 and 14-07 rota-tions in order to prepare for fol-

low on training missions.

Pictures by CW2 Lockwood and 1LT Ulses

Above, rotation 14-07 conducts dust landing training on 9 May 2014.

Left, rotation 14-06 conducts day dust

landing qualifications on 13 April 2014.

Command Team

AAAA Golf Scramble

March and May Promotions

NTC

CPT Gavin Marchant

1SG Jason Lamb

CW2 Daniel Christoffersen

2 March 2014 CPT Ryan Ulses

1 May 2014

CPT Daniel McGrory

1 May 2014

A Company competes in the annual AAAA Golf Scramble on 20 March 2014 at Turtle Bay Resort to help raise money for AAAA scholarship funds.

CW3 Weaver (Left) and SFC Webster

(Right) practice at the driving range prior

to the golf scramble. Picture by 1LT Abert

NTC Port Operations

A Company conducts port operations at

NTC during 14-06 rotation in San Diego, CA.



B Company 3-25 AVN REGT and SDVT-1 refined TTPs for

conducting Day/NVG Helocast and Caving Ladder op-

erations near Ford Island in East Loch. One rated and

two nonrated crewmembers were qualified providing B

Company more maritime combat power. This operation

was conducted with Navy Seals and strengthened our

joint operations bond with our sister services.

On 18-19 March 2014, B Company worked with the 4th Marine

Reconnaissance Company, based at Kaneohe, Marine Corps

Base Hawaii. B Company trained on HALO and Static Line

Paradrop operations. The 4th Recon Company was able to

meet paradrop training requirements for 30 of their per-

sonnel on static line paradrops, and 8 personnel on HALO.

B Company 3-25 AVN REGT conducted CH-47F day deck landing qualification (DLQ) operations in con-

junction with the USS Anchorage. The training increased the operational readiness of B Company and strengthened the relationship between the 25th Infantry Division and the US Navy. B Company quali-

fied eight rated crewmembers and four non-rated crewmembers bringing the total number to 15 for

DLQ qualified crewmembers. The training was essential to prepare B Company

for future operations to be conducted within the Pacific Region.

Classroom academics were conducted prior to the flight to train crew-

members on Navy operations. This mainly consisted of the different terminol-ogy, hand and arm signals and procedures that are used on a Navy ship for

aviation operations. While awaiting

their turn to fly, some of the crew-

members were treated with a tour of

the ship and even lunch in the dining

facility onboard.

Deck Landing Qualifications 9 April 2014

Hil lclimber HALO/Static Line Paradrop Operations

B Company “Hillclimbers” Highlights

Helocast and Caving Ladder Operations 16 April 2014

LEFT: Jumpers prepare to perform paradrop operations.



Promotions

25th Combat Aviation Brigade participated in an Emergency

Deployment Readiness Exercise on 14-16 April 2014 with Task Force Hammerhead. The EDRE allowed B Company to train on

rapidly deploying and preparing to conduct full spectrum

operations.

During the EDRE, B Company performed external load

operations in order to resupply personnel in need of humani-

tarian aid and medical assistance. In addition to providing humanitarian aid, B Company simulated a precautionary land-

ing, allowing TF Hammerhead to exercise the Tactical Opera-tions Center’s ability to react to unplanned mission contin-

gencies and still remain capable of providing relief.

Command Team Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise

CPT John Wlasniewski

1SG Adam Barber

SGT Alvin Lugo

1 February 2014

ABOVE: B Company Crews perform external load operations after securing

the scene of a simulated precautionary landing.

LEFT: CW3 Kristi Hickey and CW2 Tom

Brown discuss mission planning for flights conducted in support of the

EDRE.

CW3 Thomas Brown

1 May 2014

CPT William Caffery

1 May 2014

SGT Derek Waters

1 May 2014 CW3 Michael Linzer

1 May 2014



On 28 April 2014, Soldiers of C

Company conducted simulated MEDEVAC operations in conjunction

with A Company 3-25 AVN REGT and A Company 2-6 CAV. The training

was conducted at Wheeler Army

Airfield, the Tactical Flight Training Area and Dillingham Airfield. This

was the first time aircrews from C Company were able to train in multi

-ship procedures that were com-mon practice downrange. The

On 17 April 2014 two aircrews from C Company 3-25 AVN flew to

Hickam Air Force Base to educate 75 Air Force and Navy per-

sonnel from the 15th MDG on US Army Air MEDEVAC. The Air

Force also provided an Aeromedical Evacuation C-17 to illustrate

the close cooperation between the two services in evacuating

our wounded service members off of the battlefield and back to

the United States for definitive care.

MEDEVAC Display at Hickam Air Force Base

Training at Dil l ingham Airfie ld

C Company “Dustoff” Highlights

Back to the Basics : MEDEVAC Training at Wheeler Army Airfie ld

culminating event of the training exercise occurred at Dillingham Airfield when HH-60M

and UH-60L Blackhawks from both A and C Companies linked up with an OH-58 Kiowa from A Company 2-6 CAV in a mass casualty scenario. The training helped to ensure that

lessons learned during previous deployments are not forgotten and to instruct new DUSTOFF Soldiers on MEDEVAC operations. Soldiers also got to experience operating in

an austere environment, as well as in an expeditionary aviation task force configuration.

Soldiers of C Company are now better prepared for future contingency operations within the Pacific AOR.

Right: SGT Gomez performs advanced enroute medical care on a patient from E Company 3-25 AVN REGT, while SFC Ocon observes. (Photo by SSG Valdez) Below: SPC Rios and PV2 Douglas receive 9-line MEDEVAC requests and operate as MEDEVAC mission

command from a TAC on Wheeler Army Airfield.

C Company deployed from Wheeler to Dillingham on the North Shore,

and conducted Medevac training during 2nd Quarter training event at

from 24 February – 2 March 2014. Upon receiving MEDEVAC calls,

the aircrews responded, the patients were picked up, and brought to

a hospital. This was a great opportunity for new aircrew members

of C Company to learn how we actually do business in a deployed

environment.



From 27-31 January 2014 Koa Kai

was our company as well as the

flight companies of 25th CAB’s

combined effort to land aircraft on

Navy ships positioned around the

Hawaiian Islands. The goal was to

get every flight crew member deck

landing certified from the top

down. The process of conducting

a deck landing is not easy, but our

aircrew members conducted

themselves as professional avia-

tors and successfully landed air-

craft on Navy vessels in the Pa-

cific Ocean. During this time our

aircrew successfully responded to

a MEDEVAC call to assist a Navy

sailor aboard the U.S.S. Michael

Murphy cruiser, and was trans-

ported to Tripler Army Hospital.

Pictured below is a U.S. Navy Cruiser

off the shores of the Hawaiian Islands.

Above, SFC Armando Ocon instructs soldiers on how to position a person

on a litter and Sked for MEDEVAC

transport. Right: 3-25 Aviation supported 3-7

Field Artillery with MEDEVAC Live Hoist Training.

On 05 February 2014 C Company con-

ducted port operations (left) in order to

ensure that all A Model UH-60’s were

flown to port and folded in order to re-

ceive the new HH-60M models. 1LT

Chung and CW3 Lance were placed in

charge in order to ensure mission suc-

cess.

Command Team

Live Hoist Mission

Dustoff Missions

MAJ Mark Schilling

1SG George Koranyi

Promotion of the Month

SGT Jeff Pena February 01, 2014

On 06 February 2014, C Company conducted a live hoist AMR

with 3-7 Field Artillery. The Soldiers of 3-7 Field Artillery requested training on all aspects of working with a MEDEVAC

including hoist and loading injured soldiers. SFC Armando

Ocon and SGT Stephen Van Eps conducted ground hoist, and Live hoist academics.



The first half of 2014 has been extremely busy for D Company. We have been fortunate to receive an influx of new Soldiers and families into our formation, while also saying “farewell” to some beloved members of the unit. Our training and maintenance operational tempo (OPTEMPO) have been continuously high, but the Tiger Sharks never failed to deliver outstanding results. The junior Soldiers

have been participating in some challenging and rewarding training, planned and organized by their leadership. The highlights of the past six months include a deployment to PTA and two trips to the National Training Center. Tiger Sharks

continue to be a critical asset to supporting the Hammerhead Battalion, always

remembering our motto: We Fly For the Troops!

D Company families gathered at Sam

Choy’s Seafood Grill on Hickam AFB to

celebrate the incoming and outgoing

members of the Hammerhead team. Most

notable Tiger Sharks honored at the event

were SFC Campbell, 1SG Ackerman, and

CPT Maksim. Pictured at right are hungry

Tiger Sharks enjoying the delicious buf-

fet—SFC Manzano, SFC Rosas-Cruz, SFC

Fisher, and CW2 King, to name a few.

A portion of February was spent on the big is-land of Hawaii at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). D Company joined the rest of the Ham-merhead Battalion in testing their ability to live and work in an austere environment. After set-

ting up base at Tactical Assembly Area Ham-merhead, Tiger Sharks carried out daily mis-sions to include convoy operations and crew-served weapons ranges. Left: SSG Attulien, SGT Verbeck, and SGT Rivers assisting a Soldier with the MK-19.

FEBRUARY: Pohakuloa Training Area Rotation

Hail and Farewell

D Company “Tiger Shark” Highlights

Tiger Sharks

Below: SSG Allen-Limon preparing

his squad for a night patrol at

PTA.



Below, LTC Marshall presents outgoing D Company Commander CPT Nick Mak-sim with a token of his appreciation for two years of hard work and dedication as Tiger Shark 6. CPT Maksim will be leaving the Army, but CPT Mickala Welsch (right) was excited to take over as our new fearless leader.

On 27 March 2014, D Company welcomed

CPT Mickala Welsch as the new Commander.

She is coming from

Hunter AAF, and is a Kiowa pilot by trade… but we consider her a

Tiger Shark now!

Christina Giovanetti was also recognized at a ceremony for the Volunteers of the Quarter for the entire 25th ID! She is pictured below (left) with MG Fuller, CSM Jones, and their wives. Christina has been outstanding as the D Company FRG

leader, and now passes off the responsibility to Christina Coronato. The Giovanet-tis will be missed when they PCS to Fort Drum.

Christina was also the driving force in the battalion for planning the Hammer-head Ball, which took place at the Hale Koa on 04 April 2014. Many Tiger Sharks attended, including PFC Wasdin, PV2 Bolen, PV2 Shaw, and their dates, pictured below (right).

Command Team

Outstanding Volunteers & Hammerhead Ball

Change of Command

CPT Mickala Welsch

1SG Jon Griswold



During its PTA rotation from 12-21

February 2014, E Company 3-25

AVN focused on building its ability

to shoot, move, and communicate

in any environment. To meet this

intent, E Company conducted

M249, M240, Mk19, and M2 day and

night ranges, and NVD driver’s

training. These ranges postured E

Co to conduct a night vision device

(NVD) convoy live

fire exercise (CLFX)

from 17-19 February

2014. The CLFX

scenario involved

reacting to contact,

shooting on the

move, calling in

close air support,

providing security,

and evacuating

casualties. During the

exercise, E Company

increased its ability to

operate in an austere

environment, perform

mounted fire from E Com-

pany’s organic vehicles,

and conduct operations

under blackout conditions.

Said SGT Tania Titus, who

performed as both a gun-

ner and TC on the NVD

CLFX, “This training has

really opened my eyes to how we

would actually support ourselves for

combat missions on future deploy-

ments. This is probably the most

useful and exciting training we’ve

done since I’ve been in this unit. I

have a lot more faith in our ability to

fight under any conditions.”

E Company spent the month focused on increasing its lethality and combat effectiveness.

They conducted several small arms ranges intended to qualify personnel on their as-

signed individual weapons, including the newly issued M4s and M249s. They Also di-

rected attention to its upcoming night vision device (NVD) convoy live fire exercise. To

this end the Battalion master driver, SGT Marcos Deoliveira, qualified several personnel

on NVD driving. This training consisted of NVD familiarization, breakdowns of a vehicle’s

blackout drive, and hands on NVD driving. For many Soldiers it their first time driving

with the aid of an NVD. Said a new Echo company fueler, PV2 Ronald Guyer “There was a

lot more to it (NVD driving) than I was expecting, but after the class portion, and with the

help of SSG Benson, I got the hang of it.

I’m looking forward to building on this

skill in a more complicated scenario.” E

Company also played a vital role sup-

porting the 25th Combat Aviation Bri-

gade’s Koa Kai mission.

Increasing Combat Effectiveness

E Company “Barracuda” Highlights

Training to Fight in an Austere Environment

(Above) SSG Palmer helps SPC Tipton

identify targets while rehearsing for E

Company’s NVD convoy live fire exer-

cise (Photos by 2LT Servin)

(Below) SFC Leuluai coaches SPC Joyner while she practices firing

the M240 machine gun from the mounted position.

(Above) SSG Benson gives direction to PV2

Vanerio during E Company NVD driving training.

(Right) CPL Partridge gives a class on the M249

weapon system before the E Company range on

16 January 2014. (Photos by 2LT Servin)



E Company’s Field Feeding Section provides

meals for Soldiers, Airmen, DoD civilians, retirees, and family members across the

25th Combat Aviation Brigade. The 25th CAB

dining facility serves over 15,000 meals

weekly. Cooks from E Company, deployed to

the field with the unit, preparing meals and

distributing food in an austere environment. The field feeding section is currently sup-

porting 1-25 AVN REGT at the National Train-ing Center, serving over 4,000 meals daily. E Company must conduct annual, semi-annual,

and bi-annual services on every piece of roll-

ing stock in the fleet. Without E Company dili-

gently performing this maintenance, the bat-

talion would be hindered in its ability to de-

ploy itself to an austere environment.

(Above) SPC Tipton and SPC Singleton remove a

hub for a humvee service (Photo by CW2 Duncan)

(Left) SPC Atkinson and PV2 See prepare to serve

food at a 3-25 AVN Field Training Exercise (FTX)

(Photo by SGT Armstrong)

Command Team Barracuda Missions

CPT Christian Ballester

1SG Travis Moultry

Promotion

SGT Tania Titus

January 31, 2014

E Co Exceeds the Standard!

In January 2014, the Company’s near-flawless score

during the Division physical security inspection re-sulted in E Company being selected to be inspected

by the Department of the Army Inspector General

(DAIG) from 25-26 March 2014. (Above) E Company personnel involved in the arms room in-

spection. From the left: SGT McDonald, PFC Blevins, SGT Coun-

tryman, PV2 Cruz, SPC Green, SSG Macias, CPL Partridge, SPC

Natasha, and 2LT Servin (Photo by SSG Macias)

E Co Change of Responsibility

(Above) CSM Martell charges 1SG Moultry with

the NCO sword as he assumes the First Ser-

geant position for E Company on 7 March

2014.



F Company Cobras are lead by the outstanding leadership of CPT Gunderson and 1SG Potter.

This month F Company’s outstanding Soldier was SPC Joseph Taylor. His superb knowledge and quick thinking skills during NTC 14-06 rotation single handedly kept the AIS TTCS opera-

tional for an extended period of time. ATC Maintainers are expected to be subject matter

experts on multiple Air Traffic Services (ATS) systems. During the Mobile Tower System

(MOTS) NET, the maintenance team received outstanding remarks on their testing and hands

on evaluations. We cant wait to see what else this up and coming Soldier and the mainte-

nance team has to offer for F Company and 3-25 AVN.

F Company recently conducted equipment training on the AN/TSW-7A, or “7A” for short. The 7A is a mobile tower system that can be used at an airfield or HLZ where tacti-cal air traffic control is required. With their system re-cently returned from reset, the 7A team continues to train conducting crew drills in the company area and pro-viding equipment training to newly assigned Soldiers. “It is one of the oldest pieces of ATC equipment in the Army’s inventory,” stated the 7A Chief, SSG Kirk, “But it is still one of the most reliable pieces of equipment we have”. In April 2014, F Company received the newly fielded Mobile Tower System (MOTS) which replaces the 7A system.

Instructors from PM-ATC recently arrived to Hawaii to conduct NET

on the MOTS with ATC Maintainers and Controllers of F Company.

From 7-18 April 2014, the PM-ATC instructors conducted two weeks

of maintenance training consisting on both system theory and prac-

tical hands on exercises. Afterwards, the controllers had their turn

as they spent their two weeks learning equipment set-up and op-

erations. By the end of the four weeks, five maintainers and eight

controllers were equipment certified on the MOTS. The MOTS replaces the AN/TSW-7A as F Company’s mobile Tacti-

cal Control Tower. It can be used to support temporary hasty LZ

operations, or set up long term to conduct temporary tower opera-

tions. The MOTS is the newest piece of equipment in the Army ATC

inventory, and the Cobra’s are looking forward to bringing the sys-

tem out to its first mission.

AN/MSQ MOTS Training

Cobra’s Terminal Team

F Company “Cobra” Highlights

“Providing Air

traffic services on a

first come first

serve basis since

1921”

Cobra Team



F Company AIS PLT is one of

the most well rounded pla-toons, from completing field

problems in austere envi-

ronments to doing sling load

and pathfinder operations.

They do it all! In May 2014, F

Company deployed its AIS PLT and Tactical Terminal

Control System (TTCS) to

Fort Irwin, CA. to partake in

NTC 14-06 rotation. Lead by WO1 Raymond and SSG

Gragg, they successfully

preformed Air Traffic Con-

trol operations around the

clock. In addition to provid-

ing ATC services, they also used SSG Gragg’s Pathfind-

ers skills to establish two

airfields for the use of 35

rotary-wing aircraft, ranging from UH-60’s, AH-64’s, CH-

47’s, and the OH-58’s. Along

with the training they ob-

tained from controlling air-

craft, the team also worked

with the Army’s expanding

inventory of UAS’s.

PFC Dakota Partridge hails from Jackson-

ville, Florida, and has been a Cobra since

March 2013. In the short year that PFC

Partridge has been in Hawaii, he has par-

ticipated in nearly every major ATC mission ranging from PTA Aerial Gunnery, to serv-

ing on the 18 hour crew of the Contingency Reaction Force (CRF). He is currently as-

signed to the Mobile Tower System (MOTS),

and is in the first week of New Equipment

Training (NET). On his off time, PFC Par-

tridge enjoys spending his time outdoors, and likes to spend time on the beach or

hitting the gym. “It’s been a great first year

here for me in Hawaii” states PFC Par-

tridge, “My goal next year is to attend a

Soldier of the month board, and hopefully PCS out of here as a SGT”.

F Company is happy to welcome SGT Nicole

Kretsch to the Cobra family! SGT Kretsch re-

cently PCS’d to Hawaii from Korea where she

worked as a tower operator at Desiderio Tower.

SGT Kretsch is from Dallas, Texas and is excited

to be in Hawaii. A little known fact about SGT

Kretsch, she is a professional Fitness Competitor

and recently came in 1st place in her division at

the Camp Humphreys Fall Classic Body Building

Competition. She will be assigned to the AN/TSW-

7A section where she will serve as a tower shift

leader. Welcome to the team!

Command Team Cobra’s AIS Team

CPT Jenny Gunderson

1SG Grant Potter

Soldier Highlights



DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD, Oahu, Hawaii- Soldiers of 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion self-deployed to Dilling-

ham Airfield for a five day Culminating Training Exercise (CTE) to prepare, practice and finalize the capabilities of the battalion for the upcoming Pathway Operations in the Pacific Region to confirm the GSAB Operational Con-

cept. The GSAB Operational Concept is the theory that as a battalion 3-25 AVN REGT could self-

deploy to any austere environment and be self-sustaining by the companies within the battalion for the duration of the deployment.

Flight companies were able to train and perfect their distinguishing mission sets from

Alpha company’s air assault abilities in conjunction with Bravo company’s support and Charlie com-

pany providing first up medevac coverage.

During the course of the week, Alpha Company planned and executed a five aircraft multi-

ship air assault on an airport on the island of Molokai. Alpha company conducted the air assault

with the support of Chinooks from Bravo Company, to practice real world air assaults of personnel

and equipment movement. Alpha company show cased their A2C2 console UH-60L Black Hawk heli-

copter during the air assault. The console aircraft allows a Commander of the supporting unit to

Command and Control his/her forces in the air from the back of the aircraft. The aircraft provides

multiple radios for the Commander to communicate with various personnel and two computers to

show live feed from UAV and FBCB2 (Blue Force Tracker) to see the object and control the battle-

field.

Bravo Company conducted a special mission with the 22nd Special Tactic Squadron (STS),

to infill the unit by helocast, out the back of a Chinook at 5 feet above the ocean into the ocean.

Charlie Company provided twenty-four hour first up coverage over three locations during

the entire exercise. Charlie Company had a node at Wheeler Army Airfield, Dillingham Airfield and

Kanes Landing Zone (LZ) in the Kahuku Mountains on Oahu.

“The CTE was an

exercise where all the

companies of 3-25

AVN were afforded the

opportunity to

showcase their

diverse and unique

mission set while

collectively

accomplishing a

diverse operation”,

said CPT Daniel

McGrory, Assistant S-

3 for the battalion.

Above, as seen through a UH-60L windshield, flight crews from 3-25 AVN REGT conducted a 17 aircraft multi-ship formation flight consisting

of CH-47F, HH-60M, and UH-60L

helicopters flying around the island of Oahu on their way back to Wheeler Army Airfield, after a weeklong Culmination Training Exercise.

Culminating Training Exercise



For the ground portion of the battalion Delta company provided phenomenal ground maintenance for both CH-

47’s and HH/UH-60’s and also a Down Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) to validate the company to perform these tasks in an austere environment. “The Aviation Maintenance Company holds the responsibility of training and providing DART

capability to the Battalion”, says Shops Platoon Leader 1LT Nicholas Coronato. This is an important mission for Delta

Company to conduct because of the importance of lives and equipment it can recover and save. Delta Company re-ceived training on DART procedures for UH-1 Huey’s and AH-1 Cobras from the Marines out at Marine Corps Base

Kaneohe for future missions in Japan. Echo Company provided outstanding personal

and vehicle support throughout the entire Culminating Training Exercise (CTE). From providing exceptional food

preparation and services Mobile Kitchen Team (MKT) to providing fueling support in three different locations.

Echo Company was able to sustain fuel for aircrafts from

a Jump Farp in Landing Zone (LZ) Kanes and a Fat Cow

Operations (Refueling other aircraft from a fuel tank out

of the bay of a CH-47 Chinook) in LZ Upper 36. This dem-

onstration showed the unlimited capabilities and re-

sourcefulness that resides inside Echo Company which will allow future operations in harsh conditions to remain

in full swing.

Fox Company is the battalions Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Company

which also provides Pathfinder support for establishing landing zones. With the

upcoming operations in Indonesia and Malaysia these services will be vital for

making landing zones for the aircraft and providing control for the helicopters

when in flight. Fox Company brilliantly displayed their capabilities during the CTE

such as operating tower services out of mobile towers in three different locations

on the island of Oahu.

The Soldiers from 3-25 AVN REGT came

together to conduct and execute a battalion size Cul-

minating Training Exercise where each company was

poised and positioned to highlight their specific mis-

sion set task to prove that the battalion is capable of

operating in the GSAB Operational Concept. The Sol-

diers validated and surpassed the expectations of the Concept which will quickly become the real thing with

their upcoming deployment to Malaysia and Indone-

sia.

Right, Soldiers from Delta Company, 3-25 AVN

REGT, received a class on Downed Aircraft Recovery procedures concerning AH-1 Cobra

and UH-1 Huey from Marines crew chiefs on

Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, 26 June 2014.

Above, fuelers from Echo Company 3-25 AVN REGT

refuels a UH-60L using a HEMTT in Landing Zone Boondocks out at Dillingham Airfield during their

week long Culminating Training Exercise. Echo

Company was able to provide three different refuel

points for the aircrews of 3-25 AVN REGT, HEMTTs

at Dillingham, a Jump Farp at Landing Zone Kanes.



A B C D E F HHC

Pathways AUG-NOV 14

Pathway Family Brief 14 AUG 14

Tropic Lightning Week 6-10 OCT 14

Hammerhead Fall Fest 24 OCT 14

Pathways Return Reception 12 NOV 14

25th CAB Ball 21 NOV 14

Hammerhead Holiday Party DEC 14

NTC 15-03 JAN 15 TBD

JRTC 15-07 (3-25) MAY 15

JRTC 15-08 JUN 15 TBD

AUGUST 2014 EVENTS 13 1100 AUGUST: F Company CoC

13 1600 AUGUST: HHC Company CoC

14 AUGUST: Pathways Family Brief

15 AUGUST: Training Holiday

29 AUGUST: Training Holiday

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