MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (27, Nov, 2012)— -- Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 provided aerial gun support for Marine Special Operations Command during a training exercise at Piney Island, N.C., Nov. 28.
The exercise was established to allow MARSOC Marines gain more experience with communicating with pilots in helping troops on the ground in a combat environment.
HMLA-269 received a scenario explaining that they would be in support of the nation of “Piney Island,” and the nation has been involved in a steadily increasing conflict with an opposing nation. MARSOC had been tasked with inserting a team of Marines to train the Piney Island Defense Force.
The squadron was called in to provide air support after an attack on Piney Island and tasked with disrupting the enemy’s landing capabilities and destroying its militia forces that have already landed.
The UH-1Y Hueys geared up and took flight from Marine Corps Air Station New River, outfitted with machine guns and rockets to provide air dominance during the exercise.
“It’s a great opportunity to get some of the basic training,” said Maj. Patrick J. Sise, UH-1Y Huey pilot. “It’s a pretty cut and dry flight, so a lot of the normal challenges when flying through will be present.”
During the flight, once they reached their objective, the pilots circled the simulated aircraft and took aim and began to fire, destroying the target with a combination of rockets and gunfire from the GAU-17 minigun, which boasts an impressive 2,000-4,000 rounds per minute.
After providing the necessary air support, the aircraft made their way back to the air station.
“It was a successful exercise overall,” said Sgt. Michael J. Northcut, crew chief. “The crew chiefs received good training with handling the weapons and our objective to provide support for the MARSOC Marines was achieved.”