The mission was to transport Marines from 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, located at Cleghorn Pass, and bring them to reinforce troops at the Lava and Lead Mountain areas in preparation for a simulated large scale attack from notional enemy forces in the north.
Later, the Marines transported infantrymen from 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, for a similar situation.
This exercise was just one of many the squadron has conducted in during their time at the Combat Center. HMLA-167 has been conducting training missions constantly throughout the day and nighttime hours over the past few weeks as part of their Enhanced Mojave Viper exercise.
“Twenty-four hours a day for five weeks,” said Capt. Robbie Jorgensen, pilot, HMLA-167. “We train constantly. It simulates a combat environment.”
The squadron is taking advantage of the Combat Center training area not only to train for combat, but also to get a better feel for their newest helicopter, the Yankee, which they received late last year.
The UH-1Y is an upgraded version of the original UH-1 “Huey,” which has been in use in the U.S. military since the Vietnam War. The Yankee has incorporated the safety features of its predecessor, for operating in extreme cold and hot climates. But, it has upgraded its aerospace technology, including airframe improvements and cockpit upgrades, making the helicopter faster and safer.
The squadron is not scheduled to deploy anytime in soon, but is preparing for Afghanistan while becoming experts with their Yankee helicopters.