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101st Combat Aviation Brigade’s Task Force Sabre Maintenance crews take care of aircraft and each other

Written by Sgt. Duncan Brennan
101st Combat Aviation Brigade

Wings of DestinyFort Campbell KY, 101st Airborne Division

Fort Irwin, CA – Aircraft are not the only things needing to be maintained in a combat aviation brigade. From the most junior to senior members, soldiering and life skills need to be in top shape just like the helicopters.

Should any of the aircraft get shot down or have mechanical difficulty and crash, the downed aircraft recovery team springs into action.

Staff Sgt. Justin Thompson, D Troop, Task Force Saber shops platoon sergeant, helps maneuver a OH-58 Kiowa helicopter inside a hangar at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, Feb. 15th, 2012. (Photo by Sgt. Tracy Weeden)
Staff Sgt. Justin Thompson, D Troop, Task Force Saber shops platoon sergeant, helps maneuver a OH-58 Kiowa helicopter inside a hangar at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA, Feb. 15th, 2012. (Photo by Sgt. Tracy Weeden)

Pfc. Daniel Walters, Task Force Sabre OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crew chief , is one of the youngest members in his platoon. That does not prevent his team from counting on him to be out on the battlefield recovering downed aircraft.

“It’s a lot of trying to do the right thing,” said Walters. “I help set up the unit maintenance aerial recovery kit. I help put ropes around the tail and assist in connecting them to the main rotor.”

The operations being conducted by TF Sabre during the month of February at the National Training Center is preparing the soldiers for deployment.

“I’m looking forward to deploying,” said Walters. “It’s a different experience and a different country.”

The Kiowa Warrior helicopter crews of Task Force Saber, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade escort their aircraft back out to the flight line after a violent wind hit Forward Operating Base Miami at the National Training Center here Feb. 16th, 2012. (Photo by Sgt. Tracy Weeden)
The Kiowa Warrior helicopter crews of Task Force Saber, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade escort their aircraft back out to the flight line after a violent wind hit Forward Operating Base Miami at the National Training Center here Feb. 16th, 2012. (Photo by Sgt. Tracy Weeden)

It is not just important for the junior members of the team to take to heart the technical and life lessons of their leaders. It is just as important for the junior and senior leaders to teach and share those lessons.

“We train through repetition,” said Sgt. Antonio Williams,TF Sabre maintenance supervisor. “The more times you repeat something, the smoother it gets, and we don’t settle for mediocrity.”

It comes naturally for Williams to mentor his soldiers.

“It’s gratifying,” said Williams. “Even though I’m younger, I still find ways to share my life experiences with my soldiers.”

Ultimately, it is the senior leaders who are the binding elements of the maintenance operation. Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Oden, TF Sabre, quality control non-commissioned officer, is that unifying element. He has been on three deployments with the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade and plans on making his fourth deployment.

“I make sure everything is right on the maintenance side of the house,” said Oden. “I make sure everything is done the right way, and I train everybody to replace me. It means I’ll leave the Army in good hands.”

With the leaders mentoring, training and encouraging soldiers to replace them, the helicopters of TF Sabre are in good hands.

“I’m going to be relying on what I’ve been taught,” said Walters. “I’ve learned that you can count on your team, and you’re not out there on your own.”

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