JOINT AIRDROP: Logistics operation resupplies Comabt Outpost Chergotah

  • Published
  • By Spc. Erik-James Estrada
  • Task Force Spartan Public Affairs
KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan --  A joint airdrop operation between Task Force Spartan, the U.S. Air Force, the Afghan Border Patrol and local militia Arbici was conducted to resupply paratroopers of Task Force Blue Geronimo at Combat Outpost Chergotah, a first for the area, Feb. 28.
Paratroopers from Task Force Blue Geronimo conducted a drop zone survey two weeks prior in an effort to find a safer alternative method to re-supply Combat Outpost Chergotah.

"This particular drop sets up for future drops, especially for the rebuilding of the COP," said Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Botts, assistant operations for S-3, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment (Airborne), a native of Hermiston, Ore. "It really sets up the unit for success in being able to supply them with more equipment," A C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft was used in the joint effort to test drop 20 bundles of container delivery systems consisting of water and meals ready to eat, using low-cost high-velocity parachutes.
"None of the parachutes failed making for an easy recovery," said 1st Lt. Casey Dschaak, platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Comanche Company, Task Force Blue Geronimo, a native of Belle Fourche, S.D.

"This method allows for more supplies to get in here, definitely giving us more 'bang for the buck.' It's safer. You're not moving huge convoys out here on the roads and there's so many supplies that you're able to store for future operations," added Dschaak.

Despite taking two rounds of indirect fire, the operation continued and there were no further incidents to jeopardize the paratroopers or the operation.

"I feel that the airdrop is safer, more expedient than a convoy because a convoy has to get mission prepped," said Spc. Larry-Pablo Flores-Berrier, a paratrooper with 2nd Platoon, Comanche Company, Task Force Blue Geronimo, hailing from Las Vegas. "And on top of that, the road has many dangers, which can be IEDs, or anything, and that brings more complications, where as (the airdrop) took a max three hours."