Hammerhead Battalion supports troops with diverse training

1 LELE MAKOU NO NA PUAU
“WE FLY FOR THE TROOPS”
Hello to all Hammerhead Team members- both Soldiers and Families! The past several months contained some phenomenal events. We closed out support for Opera- tion Koa Kai working with the Navy, including Dustoff’s real-world MEDEVAC mission off an underway ship. The Battalion also continued Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs) and currency, more recently qualifying Hillclimbers on an underway vessel- the first time in recent memory and going back at least ten-plus years. The Team headed off to Pohaku- loa Training Area (PTA), leading the Brigade in the first Battalion-level field training exercise and vastly improving our ability to operate autonomously in an austere environment and expanding the unit’s expeditionary mindset. Stingrays and Hillclimbers conducted our first multi-MDS (mission-design series) night vision goggle (NVG) door gunnery iterations while Barracudas rolled out on the first NVG convoy live fire exercise (CLFX) training since returning from Afghanistan. The Battalion ran convoy operations out of the tactical assembly area (TAA) and battle-tracked movements throughout the training exercise. Marlin staff elements and Tiger Sharks supported the operational and logistical requirements while Cobras ensured the proper sequencing and tracking of all flight movements. Skills were built, capabilities expanded, and teams discovered the building & bonding which occur under adversity and the opportunity to improve! Teams that sweat together, train together, bleed together- will fight better together.
Additionally, Hammerheads maintained the Aviation Task Force Headquarters for the Division’s Contingency Response Force (CRF), now termed “RRF.” Stingrays and Dustoff finished up the H-60 M-model fielding and transition course completing the mod- ernization of this incredible formation. The month of May closed out with Dustoff MEDEVAC coverage at PTA in support of our sister-service Marines, while Hillclimbers provided critical on-call Bambi bucket support. Meanwhile, Cobras further improved the Battalion’s mission capability by working to employ reliable ATNAVICS coverage on Wheeler Army Airfield. As I reflect on our collective accomplishments during this period, I cannot be more proud, thankful, or excited for what this unit performed, can do, or will achieve as we move forward. The next couple months become increasingly important as we build momentum leading into Pathways and set conditions for the large portion of the formation continuing RRF coverage, executing additional training, and continuing to “Fly for the Troops!”
Command Team Corner
Hammerhead News
Inside this issue:
“Marlins”
2-3
“Stingrays”
4-5
“Hillclimbers”
6-7
“Dustoff”
8-9
“Tiger Sharks”
10-11
“Baracudas”
12-13
“Cobras”
14-15
Culminating Training Event
16-17
Events Calendar
18
Command Team
LTC Hunter Marshall
CSM Joshua Newman

HHC 3-25 AVN REGT Soldiers, as well as other participants from 3-25 AVN REGT, supported the annual AAAA Frosty 5K run and Chili Cook-off on 25 January 2014 at WAAF. The AAAA Frosty 5K and Chili cook-off supported Army Aviation Association of America during their annual fundraising event, which contributes to scholarships
and building esprit de corps within the 25th CAB and Schofield Barracks community. Soldiers from 3-25 AVN REGT and 209th Aviation Support Battalion hosted and worked the events, which contributed to the fund- raisers success.
Left: 3-25 AVN REGT Soldiers and Family Members who participated in the AAAA 5K Run at WAAF.
On 18 April 2014, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade executed an organizational day in order to commemo- rate and celebrate the Army Aviation Birthday. HHC Soldiers supported the event by planning and setting up a bouncy castle for children and even adventurous adults. The event itself was a great success and all Soldiers had a great time socializing, pie in the face, and water dunking their leadership to enforce the esprit de corps.
Bottom Left: Bouncy Castle set up by HHC during the 25th CAB organizational day.
Bottom right: Shows just a few of HHC Soldiers who attended the event. Pictured from left to right are: SPC Price, SPC Shang, SPC Figueras, PFC Sanchez, and SGT Rene along with her family members who pose with OH- 58 aircraft during the Brigade Organizational Day.
HHC “Marlins” Highlights
25th CAB Organizational Day
AAAA Frosty 5K Run
“Soldiers had a great time socializing, pie in the face throwing, and water dunking their leadership”

On 25 March 2014, a portion of the HHC personnel deployed to Dillingham Air Field, Oahu, Hawaii to execute EDRE exercises associated with the responsibility of 3-25 AVN REGT be- coming the HQ of the Contingency Response Force (CRF). HHC Soldiers were responsible for setting up connectivity, executing operations within the TOC, receiving missions, pilot and crew briefs/updates, mission updates, and much more.
On 06 February 2014 at 1300, MG Crutch- field re-enlisted HHC Soldier, SGT Ramirez, at the BN hangar. SGT Ramirez reenlisted for 3 additional years and will stay with the 3-25 AVN REGT. MG Crutchfield reenlisted SGT Ramirez while stationed with the 3rd Army HQ in Kuwait in 2010. SGT Ramirez wanted to keep the tradition alive and asked MG Crutchfield to do him the honors again.
Command Team
Reenlistment
Promotion
CPT Robert Molard
SSG Reiana Elkey
On 01 May 2014 at 0800 on North Shore of Oahu, SSG Elizabeth Ohlrich was promoted to the rank of SFC by her fellow peer, SFC Encias. SFC Encias is currently stationed at Hickham Air Force Base and both Soldiers have known each other for years. They served together in Iraq during the 2009-2010 deployment rotation with their former unit . After the promotion ceremony, newly promoted SFC Ohlrich was congratu- lated by numerous HHC personnel.
3-25 AVN REGT EDRE

January Promotions
A Company “Stingrays” Highlights
Deck Landing Qualifications
CW2 David Tanderup
27 January 2014
SGT Eric Laffoon
31 January 2014
Congratulations to SPC Evan Moore and his wife Jennifer on welcoming the newest Stingray, Emeri Rosemary! Emeri was born on 12 February 2014 at 12:05, 7 lb. 10 oz. at Tripler Army Medical Center.
Stingrays’ Newest Addition
1LT Samantha Jewell
13 January 2014
During the Koa Kai joint training exercise, A and C Company 3-25 AVN REGT conducted deck landing qualifications on 25-30 January 2014. This training allowed A and C Companies the opportunity to coordinate with the Navy and land on ships such as the USS Halsey and the USS Chosin off the shores of Kauai, HI.
Above, CW3 Charles Weaver landing on USS Chosin on 30 January 2014.
Left, CW3 Phillip Wilson, 1LT Daniel McGrory, SGT Michael Pearce get fuel on USS Chosin.
In preparation for helicopter door gunnery at PTA, SGT Nelson, right, uses the NCM3 simulator to simulate weapon malfunctions and flight scenarios to increase door gunner proficiency of his Soldiers. The NCM3 simulator has two UH-60 crew chief stations with mounted M240H, which allows door gunners the opportunity to load weapons, practice aircrew coordination and day and night door gunnery.
Simulator Training
Pool PT
A Company conducts pool PT to continue training to improve overwater survival skills.

A Company 3-25 AVN REGT conducts day dust landing qualifications in the box at NTC, Fort Irwin, CA during 14-06 and 14-07 rota- tions in order to prepare for fol- low on training missions.
Pictures by CW2 Lockwood and 1LT Ulses
Above, rotation 14-07 conducts dust landing training on 9 May 2014.
Left, rotation 14-06 conducts day dust landing qualifications on 13 April 2014.
Command Team
AAAA Golf Scramble
March and May Promotions
NTC
CPT Gavin Marchant
1SG Jason Lamb
CW2 Daniel Christoffersen
2 March 2014
CPT Ryan Ulses
1 May 2014
CPT Daniel McGrory
1 May 2014
A Company competes in the annual AAAA Golf Scramble on 20 March 2014 at Turtle Bay Resort to help raise money for AAAA scholarship funds.
CW3 Weaver (Left) and SFC Webster (Right) practice at the driving range prior to the golf scramble.
Picture by 1LT Abert
NTC Port Operations
A Company conducts port operations at NTC during 14-06 rotation in San Diego, CA.

B Company 3-25 AVN REGT and SDVT-1 refined TTPs for conducting Day/NVG Helocast and Caving Ladder operations near Ford Island in East Loch. One rated and two nonrated crewmembers were qualified providing B Company more maritime combat power. This operation was conducted with Navy Seals and strengthened our joint operations bond with our sister services.
On 18-19 March 2014, B Company worked with the 4th Marine Reconnaissance Company, based at Kaneohe, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. B Company trained on HALO and Static Line Paradrop operations. The 4th Recon Company was able to meet paradrop training requirements for 30 of their personnel on static line paradrops, and 8 personnel on HALO.
B Company 3-25 AVN REGT conducted CH-47F day deck landing qualification (DLQ) operations in conjunction with the USS Anchorage. The training increased the operational readiness of B Company and strengthened the relationship between the 25th Infantry Division and the US Navy. B Company qualified eight rated crewmembers and four non-rated crewmembers bringing the total number to 15 for DLQ qualified crewmembers. The training was essential to prepare B Company for future operations to be conducted within the Pacific Region.
Classroom academics were conducted prior to the flight to train crewmembers on Navy operations. This mainly consisted of the different terminol- ogy, hand and arm signals and procedures that are used on a Navy ship for aviation operations. While awaiting their turn to fly, some of the crewmembers were treated with a tour of the ship and even lunch in the dining facility onboard.
Deck Landing Qualifications 9 April 2014
Hillclimber HALO/Static Line Paradrop Operations
B Company “Hillclimbers” Highlights
Helocast and Caving Ladder Operations 16 April 2014
LEFT: Jumpers prepare to perform paradrop operations.

Promotions
25th Combat Aviation Brigade participated in an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise on 14-16 April 2014 with Task Force Hammerhead. The EDRE allowed B Company to train on rapidly deploying and preparing to conduct full spectrum operations.
During the EDRE, B Company performed external load operations in order to resupply personnel in need of humanitarian aid and medical assistance. In addition to providing humanitarian aid, B Company simulated a precautionary landing, allowing TF Hammerhead to exercise the Tactical Opera- tions Center’s ability to react to unplanned mission contin- gencies and still remain capable of providing relief.
Command Team
Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise
CPT John Wlasniewski
1SG Adam Barber
SGT Alvin Lugo
1 February 2014
ABOVE: B Company Crews perform external load operations after securing the scene of a simulated precautionary landing.
LEFT: CW3 Kristi Hickey and CW2 Tom Brown discuss mission planning for flights conducted in support of the EDRE.
CW3 Thomas Brown
1 May 2014
CPT William Caffery
1 May 2014
SGT Derek Waters
1 May 2014
CW3 Michael Linzer
1 May 2014

On 28 April 2014, Soldiers of C Company conducted simulated MEDEVAC operations in conjunction with A Company 3-25 AVN REGT and A Company 2-6 CAV. The training was conducted at Wheeler Army Airfield, the Tactical Flight Training Area and Dillingham Airfield. This was the first time aircrews from C Company were able to train in multi-ship procedures that were com- mon practice downrange. The
On 17 April 2014 two aircrews from C Company 3-25 AVN flew to Hickam Air Force Base to educate 75 Air Force and Navy personnel from the 15th MDG on US Army Air MEDEVAC. The Air Force also provided an Aeromedical Evacuation C-17 to illustrate the close cooperation between the two services in evacuating our wounded service members off of the battlefield and back to the United States for definitive care.
MEDEVAC Display at Hickam Air Force Base
Training at Dillingham Airfield
C Company “Dustoff” Highlights
Back to the Basics: MEDEVAC Training at Wheeler Army Airfield
culminating event of the training exercise occurred at Dillingham Airfield when HH-60M and UH-60L Blackhawks from both A and C Companies linked up with an OH-58 Kiowa from A Company 2-6 CAV in a mass casualty scenario. The training helped to ensure that lessons learned during previous deployments are not forgotten and to instruct new DUSTOFF Soldiers on MEDEVAC operations. Soldiers also got to experience operating in an austere environment, as well as in an expeditionary aviation task force configuration. Soldiers of C Company are now better prepared for future contingency operations within the Pacific AOR.
Right: SGT Gomez performs advanced enroute medical care on a patient from E Company 3-25 AVN REGT, while SFC Ocon observes. (Photo by SSG Valdez)
Below: SPC Rios and PV2 Douglas receive 9-line MEDEVAC requests and operate as MEDEVAC mission command from a TAC on Wheeler Army Airfield.
C Company deployed from Wheeler to Dillingham on the North Shore, and conducted Medevac training during 2nd Quarter training event at from 24 February – 2 March 2014. Upon receiving MEDEVAC calls, the aircrews responded, the patients were picked up, and brought to a hospital. This was a great opportunity for new aircrew members of C Company to learn how we actually do business in a deployed environment.

From 27-31 January 2014 Koa Kai was our company as well as the flight companies of 25th CAB’s combined effort to land aircraft on Navy ships positioned around the Hawaiian Islands. The goal was to get every flight crew member deck landing certified from the top down. The process of conducting a deck landing is not easy, but our aircrew members conducted themselves as professional avia- tors and successfully landed aircraft on Navy vessels in the Pa- cific Ocean. During this time our aircrew successfully responded to
a MEDEVAC call to assist a Navy sailor aboard the U.S.S. Michael Murphy cruiser, and was trans- ported to Tripler Army Hospital.
Pictured below is a U.S. Navy Cruiser off the shores of the Hawaiian Islands.
Above, SFC Armando Ocon instructs soldiers on how to position a person on a litter and Sked for MEDEVAC transport.
Right: 3-25 Aviation supported 3-7 Field Artillery with MEDEVAC Live Hoist Training.
On 05 February 2014 C Company conducted port operations (left) in order to ensure that all A Model UH-60’s were flown to port and folded in order to receive the new HH-60M models. 1LT Chung and CW3 Lance were placed in charge in order to ensure mission success.
Command Team
Live Hoist Mission
Dustoff Missions
MAJ Mark Schilling
1SG George Koranyi
Promotion of the Month
SGT Jeff Pena
February 01, 2014
On 06 February 2014, C Company conducted a live hoist AMR with 3-7 Field Artillery. The Soldiers of 3-7 Field Artillery requested training on all aspects of working with a MEDEVAC including hoist and loading injured soldiers. SFC Armando Ocon and SGT Stephen Van Eps conducted ground hoist, and Live hoist academics.

The first half of 2014 has been extremely busy for D Company. We have been fortunate to receive an influx of new Soldiers and families into our formation, while also saying “farewell” to some beloved members of the unit. Our training and maintenance operational tempo (OPTEMPO) have been continuously high, but the Tiger Sharks never failed to deliver outstanding results. The junior Soldiers have been participating in some challenging and rewarding training, planned and organized by their leadership. The highlights of the past six months include a deployment to PTA and two trips to the National Training Center. Tiger Sharks continue to be a critical asset to supporting the Hammerhead Battalion, always remembering our motto: We Fly For the Troops!
D Company families gathered at Sam Choy’s Seafood Grill on Hickam AFB to celebrate the incoming and outgoing members of the Hammerhead team. Most notable Tiger Sharks honored at the event were SFC Campbell, 1SG Ackerman, and CPT Maksim. Pictured at right are hungry Tiger Sharks enjoying the delicious buf- fet—SFC Manzano, SFC Rosas-Cruz, SFC Fisher, and CW2 King, to name a few.
A portion of February was spent on the big island of Hawaii at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). D Company joined the rest of the Ham- merhead Battalion in testing their ability to live and work in an austere environment. After setting up base at Tactical Assembly Area Ham- merhead, Tiger Sharks carried out daily missions to include convoy operations and crew- served weapons ranges.
Left: SSG Attulien, SGT Verbeck, and SGT Rivers assisting a Soldier with the MK-19.
FEBRUARY: Pohakuloa Training Area Rotation
Hail and Farewell
D Company “Tiger Shark” Highlights
Tiger Sharks
Below: SSG Allen-Limon preparing his squad for a night patrol at PTA.

Below, LTC Marshall presents outgoing D Company Commander CPT Nick Mak- sim with a token of his appreciation for two years of hard work and dedication as Tiger Shark 6. CPT Maksim will be leaving the Army, but CPT Mickala Welsch (right) was excited to take over as our new fearless leader.
On 27 March 2014, D Company welcomed CPT Mickala Welsch as the new Commander. She is coming from Hunter AAF, and is a Kiowa pilot by trade… but we consider her a Tiger Shark now!
Christina Giovanetti was also recognized at a ceremony for the Volunteers of the Quarter for the entire 25th ID! She is pictured below (left) with MG Fuller, CSM Jones, and their wives. Christina has been outstanding as the D Company FRG leader, and now passes off the responsibility to Christina Coronato. The Giovanet- tis will be missed when they PCS to Fort Drum.
Christina was also the driving force in the battalion for planning the Hammer- head Ball, which took place at the Hale Koa on 04 April 2014. Many Tiger Sharks attended, including PFC Wasdin, PV2 Bolen, PV2 Shaw, and their dates, pictured below (right).
Command Team
Outstanding Volunteers & Hammerhead Ball
Change of Command
CPT Mickala Welsch
1SG Jon Griswold

During its PTA rotation from 12-21 February 2014, E Company 3-25 AVN focused on building its ability to shoot, move, and communicate in any environment. To meet this intent, E Company conducted M249, M240, Mk19, and M2 day and night ranges, and NVD driver’s training. These ranges postured E Co to conduct a night vision device (NVD) convoy live fire exercise (CLFX) from 17-19 February 2014. The CLFX scenario involved reacting to contact, shooting on the move, calling in close air support, providing security, and evacuating
casualties. During the exercise, E Company increased its ability to operate in an austere environment, perform mounted fire from E Com- pany’s organic vehicles, and conduct operations under blackout conditions. Said SGT Tania Titus, who performed as both a gunner and TC on the NVD CLFX, “This training has really opened my eyes to how we would actually support ourselves for combat missions on future deployments. This is probably the most useful and exciting training we’ve done since I’ve been in this unit. I have a lot more faith in our ability to fight under any conditions.”
E Company spent the month focused on increasing its lethality and combat effectiveness. They conducted several small arms ranges intended to qualify personnel on their assigned individual weapons, including the newly issued M4s and M249s. They Also di- rected attention to its upcoming night vision device (NVD) convoy live fire exercise. To this end the Battalion master driver, SGT Marcos Deoliveira, qualified several personnel on NVD driving. This training consisted of NVD familiarization, breakdowns of a vehicle’s blackout drive, and hands on NVD driving. For many Soldiers it their first time driving with the aid of an NVD. Said a new Echo company fueler, PV2 Ronald Guyer “There was a lot more to it (NVD driving) than I was expecting, but after the class portion, and with the help of SSG Benson, I got the hang of it. I’m looking forward to building on this skill in a more complicated scenario.” E Company also played a vital role supporting the 25th Combat Aviation Bri- gade’s Koa Kai mission.
Increasing Combat Effectiveness
E Company “Barracuda” Highlights
Training to Fight in an Austere Environment
(Above) SSG Palmer helps SPC Tipton identify targets while rehearsing for E Company’s NVD convoy live fire exercise (Photos by 2LT Servin)
(Below) SFC Leuluai coaches SPC Joyner while she practices firing the M240 machine gun from the mounted position.
(Above) SSG Benson gives direction to PV2 Vanerio during E Company NVD driving training.
(Right) CPL Partridge gives a class on the M249 weapon system before the E Company range on 16 January 2014. (Photos by 2LT Servin)

E Company’s Field Feeding Section provides meals for Soldiers, Airmen, DoD civilians, retirees, and family members across the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. The 25th CAB dining facility serves over 15,000 meals weekly. Cooks from E Company, deployed to the field with the unit, preparing meals and distributing food in an austere environment. The field feeding section is currently supporting 1-25 AVN REGT at the National Train- ing Center, serving over 4,000 meals daily.
E Company must conduct annual, semi-annual, and bi-annual services on every piece of roll- ing stock in the fleet. Without E Company dili- gently performing this maintenance, the battalion would be hindered in its ability to deploy itself to an austere environment.
(Above) SPC Tipton and SPC Singleton remove a hub for a humvee service (Photo by CW2 Duncan)
(Left) SPC Atkinson and PV2 See prepare to serve food at a 3-25 AVN Field Training Exercise (FTX) (Photo by SGT Armstrong)
Command Team
Barracuda Missions
CPT Christian Ballester
1SG Travis Moultry
Promotion
SGT Tania Titus
January 31, 2014
E Co Exceeds the Standard!
In January 2014, the Company’s near-flawless score during the Division physical security inspection re- sulted in E Company being selected to be inspected by the Department of the Army Inspector General (DAIG) from 25-26 March 2014.
(Above) E Company personnel involved in the arms room inspection. From the left: SGT McDonald, PFC Blevins, SGT Coun- tryman, PV2 Cruz, SPC Green, SSG Macias, CPL Partridge, SPC Natasha, and 2LT Servin (Photo by SSG Macias)
E Co Change of Responsibility
(Above) CSM Martell charges 1SG Moultry with the NCO sword as he assumes the First Ser- geant position for E Company on 7 March 2014.

F Company Cobras are lead by the outstanding leadership of CPT Gunderson and 1SG Potter. This month F Company’s outstanding Soldier was SPC Joseph Taylor. His superb knowledge and quick thinking skills during NTC 14-06 rotation single handedly kept the AIS TTCS operational for an extended period of time. ATC Maintainers are expected to be subject matter experts on multiple Air Traffic Services (ATS) systems. During the Mobile Tower System (MOTS) NET, the maintenance team received outstanding remarks on their testing and hands on evaluations. We cant wait to see what else this up and coming Soldier and the maintenance team has to offer for F Company and 3-25 AVN.
F Company recently conducted equipment training on the AN/TSW-7A, or “7A” for short. The 7A is a mobile tower system that can be used at an airfield or HLZ where tactical air traffic control is required. With their system recently returned from reset, the 7A team continues to train conducting crew drills in the company area and providing equipment training to newly assigned Soldiers. “It is one of the oldest pieces of ATC equipment in the Army’s inventory,” stated the 7A Chief, SSG Kirk, “But it is still one of the most reliable pieces of equipment we have”. In April 2014, F Company received the newly fielded Mobile Tower System (MOTS) which replaces the 7A system.
Instructors from PM-ATC recently arrived to Hawaii to conduct NET on the MOTS with ATC Maintainers and Controllers of F Company. From 7-18 April 2014, the PM-ATC instructors conducted two weeks of maintenance training consisting on both system theory and prac- tical hands on exercises. Afterwards, the controllers had their turn as they spent their two weeks learning equipment set-up and operations. By the end of the four weeks, five maintainers and eight controllers were equipment certified on the MOTS.
The MOTS replaces the AN/TSW-7A as F Company’s mobile Tacti- cal Control Tower. It can be used to support temporary hasty LZ operations, or set up long term to conduct temporary tower operations. The MOTS is the newest piece of equipment in the Army ATC inventory, and the Cobra’s are looking forward to bringing the system out to its first mission.
AN/MSQ MOTS Training
Cobra’s Terminal Team
F Company “Cobra” Highlights
“Providing Air traffic services on a first come first serve basis since 1921”
Cobra Team

F Company AIS PLT is one of the most well rounded pla- toons, from completing field problems in austere envi- ronments to doing sling load and pathfinder operations. They do it all! In May 2014, F Company deployed its AIS PLT and Tactical Terminal Control System (TTCS) to
Fort Irwin, CA. to partake in NTC 14-06 rotation. Lead by WO1 Raymond and SSG Gragg, they successfully preformed Air Traffic Con- trol operations around the clock. In addition to providing ATC services, they also used SSG Gragg’s Pathfind- ers skills to establish two
airfields for the use of 35 rotary-wing aircraft, ranging from UH-60’s, AH-64’s, CH- 47’s, and the OH-58’s. Along with the training they ob- tained from controlling aircraft, the team also worked with the Army’s expanding inventory of UAS’s.
PFC Dakota Partridge hails from Jackson- ville, Florida, and has been a Cobra since March 2013. In the short year that PFC Partridge has been in Hawaii, he has participated in nearly every major ATC mission ranging from PTA Aerial Gunnery, to serving on the 18 hour crew of the Contingency Reaction Force (CRF). He is currently assigned to the Mobile Tower System (MOTS), and is in the first week of New Equipment Training (NET). On his off time, PFC Par- tridge enjoys spending his time outdoors, and likes to spend time on the beach or hitting the gym. “It’s been a great first year here for me in Hawaii” states PFC Par- tridge, “My goal next year is to attend a Soldier of the month board, and hopefully PCS out of here as a SGT”.
F Company is happy to welcome SGT Nicole Kretsch to the Cobra family! SGT Kretsch recently PCS’d to Hawaii from Korea where she worked as a tower operator at Desiderio Tower. SGT Kretsch is from Dallas, Texas and is excited to be in Hawaii. A little known fact about SGT Kretsch, she is a professional Fitness Competitor and recently came in 1st place in her division at the Camp Humphreys Fall Classic Body Building Competition. She will be assigned to the AN/TSW- 7A section where she will serve as a tower shift leader. Welcome to the team!
Command Team
Cobra’s AIS Team
CPT Jenny Gunderson
1SG Grant Potter
Soldier Highlights

DILLINGHAM AIRFIELD, Oahu, Hawaii- Soldiers of 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion self-deployed to Dilling- ham Airfield for a five day Culminating Training Exercise (CTE) to prepare, practice and finalize the capabilities of the battalion for the upcoming Pathway Operations in the Pacific Region to confirm the GSAB Operational Con- cept.
The GSAB Operational Concept is the theory that as a battalion 3-25 AVN REGT could self- deploy to any austere environment and be self-sustaining by the companies within the battalion for the duration of the deployment.
Flight companies were able to train and perfect their distinguishing mission sets from Alpha company’s air assault abilities in conjunction with Bravo company’s support and Charlie company providing first up medevac coverage.
During the course of the week, Alpha Company planned and executed a five aircraft multi- ship air assault on an airport on the island of Molokai. Alpha company conducted the air assault with the support of Chinooks from Bravo Company, to practice real world air assaults of personnel and equipment movement. Alpha company show cased their A2C2 console UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter during the air assault. The console aircraft allows a Commander of the supporting unit to Command and Control his/her forces in the air from the back of the aircraft. The aircraft provides multiple radios for the Commander to communicate with various personnel and two computers to show live feed from UAV and FBCB2 (Blue Force Tracker) to see the object and control the battlefield.
Bravo Company conducted a special mission with the 22nd Special Tactic Squadron (STS), to infill the unit by helocast, out the back of a Chinook at 5 feet above the ocean into the ocean.
Charlie Company provided twenty-four hour first up coverage over three locations during the entire exercise. Charlie Company had a node at Wheeler Army Airfield, Dillingham Airfield and Kanes Landing Zone (LZ) in the Kahuku Mountains on Oahu.
“The CTE was an exercise where all the companies of 3-25 AVN were afforded the opportunity to showcase their diverse and unique mission set while collectively accomplishing a diverse operation”, said CPT Daniel McGrory, Assistant S- 3 for the battalion.
Above, as seen through a UH-60L windshield, flight crews from 3-25 AVN REGT conducted a 17 aircraft multi-ship formation flight consisting of CH-47F, HH-60M, and UH-60L helicopters flying around the island of Oahu on their way back to Wheeler Army Airfield, after a weeklong Culmination Training Exercise.
Culminating Training Exercise

For the ground portion of the battalion Delta company provided phenomenal ground maintenance for both CH- 47’s and HH/UH-60’s and also a Down Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) to validate the company to perform these tasks in an austere environment. “The Aviation Maintenance Company holds the responsibility of training and providing DART capability to the Battalion”, says Shops Platoon Leader 1LT Nicholas Coronato. This is an important mission for Delta Company to conduct because of the importance of lives and equipment it can recover and save. Delta Company received training on DART procedures for UH-1 Huey’s and AH-1 Cobras from the Marines out at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe for future missions in Japan.
Echo Company provided outstanding personal and vehicle support throughout the entire Culminating Training Exercise (CTE). From providing exceptional food preparation and services Mobile Kitchen Team (MKT) to providing fueling support in three different locations. Echo Company was able to sustain fuel for aircrafts from a Jump Farp in Landing Zone (LZ) Kanes and a Fat Cow Operations (Refueling other aircraft from a fuel tank out of the bay of a CH-47 Chinook) in LZ Upper 36. This dem- onstration showed the unlimited capabilities and re- sourcefulness that resides inside Echo Company which will allow future operations in harsh conditions to remain in full swing.
Fox Company is the battalions Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Company which also provides Pathfinder support for establishing landing zones. With the upcoming operations in Indonesia and Malaysia these services will be vital for making landing zones for the aircraft and providing control for the helicopters when in flight. Fox Company brilliantly displayed their capabilities during the CTE such as operating tower services out of mobile towers in three different locations on the island of Oahu.
The Soldiers from 3-25 AVN REGT came together to conduct and execute a battalion size Cul- minating Training Exercise where each company was poised and positioned to highlight their specific mission set task to prove that the battalion is capable of operating in the GSAB Operational Concept. The Sol- diers validated and surpassed the expectations of the Concept which will quickly become the real thing with their upcoming deployment to Malaysia and Indone- sia.
Right, Soldiers from Delta Company, 3-25 AVN REGT, received a class on Downed Aircraft Recovery procedures concerning AH-1 Cobra and UH-1 Huey from Marines crew chiefs on Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, 26 June 2014.
Above, fuelers from Echo Company 3-25 AVN REGT refuels a UH-60L using a HEMTT in Landing Zone Boondocks out at Dillingham Airfield during their week long Culminating Training Exercise. Echo Company was able to provide three different refuel points for the aircrews of 3-25 AVN REGT, HEMTTs at Dillingham, a Jump Farp at Landing Zone Kanes.

A
B
C
D
E
F
HHC
Pathways AUG-NOV 14
Pathway Family Brief 14 AUG 14
Tropic Lightning Week 6-10 OCT 14
Hammerhead Fall Fest 24 OCT 14
Pathways Return Reception 12 NOV 14
25th CAB Ball 21 NOV 14
Hammerhead Holiday Party DEC 14
NTC 15-03 JAN 15
TBD
JRTC 15-07 (3-25) MAY 15
JRTC 15-08 JUN 15
TBD
AUGUST 2014 EVENTS
 13 1100 AUGUST: F Company CoC
 13 1600 AUGUST: HHC Company CoC
 14 AUGUST: Pathways Family Brief
 15 AUGUST: Training Holiday
 29 AUGUST: Training Holiday
Upcoming Events

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Hammerhead Battalion supports troops with diverse training