Alaska Army National Guard Sling Load Training

   [ March 2011 / 5 images ]

Soldiers brave sub-zero wind chills and stinging snow caused by the rotor wash of a 207th Aviation Regiment, Alaska Army National Guard, UH-60 Blackhawk during training at Landing Zone Ranger. Soldiers were familiarized with establishing a helicopter landing zone and basic sling load operations, which included hand and arm signals, hookup and release procedures, and preparation of an A-22 Cargo Bag for sling load utilizing a 10,000 pound sling set and a 5,000 pound cargo net
An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk prepares to lower cargo at LZ Ranger. Helicopters play a major role in delivering munitions and supplies to Soldiers in forward operating areas.
Soldiers stand ready to hook up cargo to an inbound UH-60 Blackwawk. As an aerial delivery unit, the Riggers of the 4th Quartermaster Detachment stand ready to rig 50 short tons of supplies or equipment within twenty four hours, while also demonstrating extreme proficiency in light pack operations.
An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk inches its way toward cargo where 4th Quartermaster Detachment Soldiers will secure it to the helicopters cargo hook.
Soldiers clear the LZ after cargo is secured to the UH-60 Bkackhawk. The Blackhawk is a single-engine, single main rotor helicopter used to transport personnel, supplies, and equipment. It has a cargo hook capacity of 8,000 pounds.