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A practice pallet is released from the back of a C-17 Globemaster III during an airdrop training mission Aug. 13 over the Pacific. C-17s from the 535th Airlift Squadron of Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, took part in a four-ship, multi-element airdrop training mission to maintain currency and proficiency. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

Hickam Airmen conduct 4-ship airdrop training

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo
  • Air Force Print News
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) --  Four C-17 Globemaster III aircrews from the 535th Airlift Squadron conducted multi-element airdrop training over the Kahuku training range Aug. 13 here allowing aircrew members to maintain currency while increasing proficiency and capability.

Strategic airlift for the eight C-17s at Hickam AFB is in high demand with six C-17s generated daily for missions and local training, but four are "contracted" out to higher headquarters taskings, which usually leaves the unit with only two jets for local training.

"We've only conducted two other four-ship formations here, both in 2006, " said Lt. Col. Scott Shapiro, the 535th AS commander. "So, to get four jets for local training is a big deal."

Airdrop currency is crucial to 535th AS pilots and loadmasters in meeting ongoing and future airdrop exercise requirements. This gives aircrews the edge for potential real-world tasking in and outside the Pacific Command area of responsibility, Colonel Shapiro said.

In order to meet multi-element currency and lead upgrade requirements, an airdrop pilot must perform them in the aircraft. To best meet these currency and performance requirements, at least four aircraft are desired to create two, two-ship elements.

There are currently 19 airdrop aircraft commanders assigned or attached to the 535th. Of those, 10 maintain lead-airdrop pilot certifications. In order to maintain currency and proficiency as an airdrop aircraft commander or lead airdrop pilot, multi-element station keeping equipment and visual formation procedures are required semi-annually. Additionally, pilots in the lead airdrop upgrade certification require multi two element formation flights to complete training.

"This training is critical for our C-17 aircrew members to stay fully qualified and proficient, and gives the 15th Airlift Wing the opportunity to fully deploy the airdrop capabilities of the aircraft," said Maj. Matt Zehr, a pilot with the 535th AS. "This training event highlights the teamwork at Hickam between operations, maintenance and all the support organizations which made this four ship a huge success."

Training like this has paid off for the aircrews of the 535th AS. Since the arrival of the C-17s to Hickam AFB in 2006, the C-17s have supported numerous humanitarian missions, disaster relief efforts and combat support missions and have made their mark in the Pacific theater.