2-158th AHB takes part in helocast training over American Lake

By Lauren Finnegan, Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison Public AffairsJune 5, 2019

2-158th AHB Helocast Training
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Keeler Pool
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Helocast Training- Keeler Pool
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Helocast American Lake
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Helocast Keeler Pool 2
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Helocast Training 1
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The 2nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, 16TH Combat Aviation Brigade took part in helocast training, supported by the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), at American Lake May 31.

The purpose of the training was to increase the water survival proficiency and confidence in the Soldiers' issued survival equipment.

1st Special Forces Group tested the Soldiers on their swim skills at Keeler Pool May 29, before demonstrating the proper way to exit an aircraft over water.

On the day of the jump, groups of six loaded into a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Gray Army Airfield bound for American Lake. From a height of 10 feet, the Soldiers jumped from the aircraft, deployed their life preserver units and swam to an aircrew life raft before returning to shore.