Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Fwd) tested airborne resupply capabilities aboard Camp Lejeune, Dec. 7, 2010.
With the help of a V-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron, the Marines made several cargo drops at Training Landing Zone Pheasant in preparation for a 2011 deployment to Afghanistan. Both the MLG and Wing units will work together in similar scenarios to keep ground troops supplied with everything from food, water to ammunition.

“Right now what we are doing is working on pre-deployment training for the Marines with the MLG (Fwd) and the V-22’s just to basically get more familiarization with the aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Eugene Gallant, air deliver platoon’s Operations chief.

Although there were many crucial things to take into account, the Marines adjusted and performed well. “The exercise is going as planned,” said Gallant. ““It’s going well. We’ve got a lot of little different thing in it. We have to take the winds into account and a lot of other little things.”

Other factors were the size of the pallets and drop zone, as well as the people in the area surrounding the drop zone. “Every air drop mission is a work in progress. It will always improve the more you do. It becomes more streamlined,” said Gallant.

Making it streamlined is a necessity with the level of importance of air delivery’s mission in Afghanistan.  “Right now in country they’re trying to augment a lot of the logistics movement with an air drop,” said Gallant. “We’ve got a lot of the (Forward Operating Bases) that are all spread out, and just the movement by truck alone and the terrain it’s easier to resupply by air drop.”

As the time for deployment nears, these Marines are training time and time again, with the understanding that what they do will have a tremdously positive effect on Marines they’ve never met.