U.S.M.C. CH-53E Super Stallion

Al Asad, Iraq, 09 January 2005 — Lance Cpl. Chelsee A. Rattray (left), landing support specialist, and Cpl. Damon Robertson (right), heavy equipment operator, block their faces from wind while ensuring their teammates safely hook up a decommissioned Assault Amphibian Vehicle for an external movement. The vehicle was externally lifted by a CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced), Marine Aircraft Group 16, and moved from Al Asad, Iraq to an off-base aerial firing range used by elements of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Rattray, a 24-year-old Sunnyside, Washington native, and Robertson, a 27-year-old San Francisco native, had to brave hurricane force winds created by the helicopter’s blades in order to help properly hook up the vehicle to the helicopter. The Marines are part of a helicopter support team with Combat Service Support Battalion 7, 1st Force Service Support Group.

U.S. Marines photo submitted by: Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte

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