AMMAN, Jordan -- Soldiers from the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade were hosted by their counterparts from the Royal Jordanian Air Force from Sept. 8-15 during a State Partnership exchange.
Through the exchange, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers shared their experience with both UH-60 power management and hoist maintenance with the Jordanian Squadron 8, which recently acquired UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
"Squadron 8 is a new unit with a new type of mission for the Royal Jordanian Air Force," said Maj. Robert Bugner, an aviator from the 2-149th General Support Aviation Battalion. "And the Jordanians are interested in understanding how similar U.S. aviation units operate."
The 29th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers shared best practices on aviation performance planning and power management for both UH-60A and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
Bugner emphasized that in performance planning, aviators must consider the weather conditions and the weight of the aircraft with cargo and troops on board.
Staff Sgt. Brandon Dostert, a crew chief from the 2-149th General Support Aviation Battalion, participated in a subject matter expert exchange focusing on maintenance, which was an additional priority for the RJAF Squadron 8.
"At the request of the Jordanians, Dostert shared some techniques for performing the preventive maintenance daily and 40-hour inspection on the UH-60, which are routine crew chief tasks," said Bugner.
Bilateral exchanges like these allow U.S. Soldiers to develop working relationships and interoperability with regional partner forces.
"The engagements allow us share experiences and practice skills that we may have to perform in combat with our allies," said Capt. Dan Chapple, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade partnership officer.
According to Bugner, the event provided a strong foundation for future engagements and close cooperation between the U.S. forces and their Jordanian counterparts.
The 29th Combat Aviation Brigade is an Army National Guard brigade providing aviation assets, operational and logistical support to Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight against ISIS.
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