Theater Aerial Delivery Company conducts interoperability training in Greece

ELEFSINA, Greece -- Personnel of the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company departed Ramstein Air Base with the 37th Air Wing to conduct a Flight Training Deployment Stolen Cerberus IV on April 19.

The company's aerial delivery platoon provided rigging, out-load, recovery, and inspection support for all air-drop cargo. The TADC personnel conducted their mission with the 865th TENEF, the Hellenic Army's Aerial Delivery Company. The FTD proved to be an outstanding example of ingenuity and interoperability from the Greek Army's use of U.S. legacy equipment rigged to standard of U.S. doctrine.

Stolen Cerberus called for the airdrop of watercraft, something new to Hellenic Army rigging procedures, which provided learning experiences for TADC Soldiers rigging new loads employing familiar parachutes. The 865th TENEF Riggers prepared the load for airdrop methodically, inviting 5th QM Soldiers to assist and gain hands-on experience as Staff Sgt. Jabari Nobles, the Aerial Delivery Platoon Sergeant, simultaneously verified steps of the procedures with Army manuals. He made on the spot corrections with both nations' Soldiers to ensure a safe, effective airdrop and to teach procedure and doctrine.

Additionally, the aerial delivery platoon worked with the Air Force Joint Airdrop Inspection (JAI) personnel and the 865th TENEF Riggers to ensure proper parachute rigging. During the JAI, the teams quickly identified any deficiencies, relayed them to the riggers of both organizations, and seamlessly executed corrections. The platoon verified four Container Delivery Systems (CDS), three Low Cost Low Altitude (LCLA) bundles, and four eight foot platforms rigged for the FTD's air drops. Soldiers also assisted with the 865th TENEF's out-load. Teams loaded relevant equipment onto a ground transportation in-shop at the Hellenic Army rigging facility and then conducted ground-movements to the airfield where U.S. Air Force personnel received loads. Upon USAF receipt of airdrop cargo, they conducted their download at the flight-line for onward movement and final load-master checks and inspections.

For final execution, personnel from 5th QM Aerial Delivery Platoon went out to Megara Drop Zone to assist with the recovery mission in conjunction with the 865th TENEF Hellenic Riggers. Once the equipment arrived, the Soldiers from both nations walked on to the drop zone to start the recovery of extraction packs that jettisoned from the load, the G-12 cargo parachutes, and the cargo itself. The two units worked together during all phases of recovery, including proper parachute recovery techniques and posturing all materials for transport back to the shop. TENEF Allies made quick work of recovery by bringing a crane out to the DZ to lift loads and move them to a flat-bed trailer with built-in rollers for ease in loading and unloading.

Throughout the FTD, 5th QM jumpmasters assisted the 37th Airlift Squadron's flight crews execute cargo and personnel with aerial delivery missions. Jumpmasters occupied the drop zone during every airdrop and provided Drop Zone Safety Officer (DZSO) expertise alongside the Hellenic counterparts. They ensured no personnel or vehicles were on the drop zone creating a safety hazard as well as ensuring that no low flying aircraft flew in the vicinity during the airdrops. Jumpmasters also provided safety oversight of the Hellenic jumpmasters on board the C-130Js during the drops to ensure the jumpers safely exited the aircraft, conducting visual inspections of the equipment and observing Hellenic jump procedures.

The FTD's operations concluded on April 27 with a social event hosted by the 865th TENEF to celebrate the end of a successful mission, safely executed and with zero loss of equipment.