501st lands in Big Lake

  • Published
  • By Army Staff Sgt. Matthew E. Winstead
  • 4-25th ABCT Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  "Go jump in the lake!"

That's just what paratroopers from the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, did July 22 as they leapt from helicopters into Big Lake, near Wasilla.
The unit conducted the mission to improve their overall readiness and ensure its paratroopers can land in a wide variety of conditions.

Water landings are normally considered a hazard and taught to be avoided under normal circumstances. However, a water landing does have practical uses and is a valid method of insertion for military units.

It is used more often by the Navy, Marines, and special forces units.

With the training and experience of conducting a safe water landing, any significant body of water that's deep enough can become a suitable drop zone.

"This was really fun, I definitely enjoyed doing it," said Spc. Jeff Zoller, team leader and assistant gunner with A Co., 1-501st. "I'm just glad the water was warmer than we expected it to be. You know, (it) being Alaska and all."

The paratroopers of the unit weren't the only ones making the most of the event.
The A Company, 1-501st, Family Readiness Group provided a cookout for the troops as they returned to dry land.

"This is sort of a new FRG tradition, I think I kind of started it," Connie Baxter, A Co. FRG leader said. "Whenever the guys come back from the field I imagine that the idea of a home cooked meal would seem pretty good to them. So I always try to do that for them."
The paratroopers loaded up onto UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and flew less than a mile away to jump into the lake with a standard T-10 Delta parachute and reserve.

The only additions for the water landing were two Co2 powered inflatable "floaties" under each arm. Zodiac boats manned by Army personnel quickly retrieved the bobbing paratroopers and got them to shore.