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Two Patriot crews take top honors in reload competition

  • Published
  • By Pfc. Carlos Espitia
  • 2-43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  
 Two U.S. Army Patriot Missile battery crews deployed here were the top performers during a recent brigade-wide evaluation recently.

Both crews, representing the 2-43 Air Defense Artillery, were selected based on individual evaluations during a reloading procedures drill in late April. The launcher reload is an event where the crew reloads an expended launcher by running through inspections and procedures to bring the launcher back into operation.

A team of five Soldiers make up a reload crew. The positions consist of two tag lines, a safety, a crane operator, and a crane signal. The safety ensures the entire drill runs smoothly, quickly and safely. The crane operator and crane signal work in sync with the signal being the eyes for the operator, while the two tag lines hold the rear cables steady to prevent any unwanted sway from the missile canisters - which could lead to a multi-million dollar accident.

After Charlie Battery guided missile transporter broke down, they continued training on their competition's equipment. The crew was also short one tag line, so Specialist Joel Ruiz, Charlie Battery's crane signal operator, stepped in to fill the slot.
When all the scores were added, Bravo Battery came out victorious with Charlie Battery just behind. With identical scores on the three-part evaluation, it all came down to just a few extra points on the written exam.

According to the participants, every Soldier needed to be physically and mentally fit to properly accomplish the mission.

"The reason we did as well as we did was because I have a highly motivated and dedicated crew," said Staff Sgt. James Robertson, safety for Bravo battery launcher reload crew.

"I'm proud to say that 2-43 has the top two missile reload crews of more than 30 deployed across this theater," said Army Lt. Col. Alan Wiernicki, battalion commander. "Our battalion vision is to be recognized as the most skilled and disciplined Air Defense Artillery battalion in the Army. Winning this competition helps reinforce what our priorities are," Colonel Wiernicki said.

The Bravo Battery launcher reload crew consisted of Sergeant Robertson as safety, Sgt. 1st Class Kishann Smith (crane signal), Sgt. Joseph Caterson (crane operator), Spc. Mallory O'Brien and Pfc. Sarah Ursery, (tag lines).

The Charlie Battery launcher reload crew consisted of Staff Sgt. Charles Stokes (safety), Spc. Ruiz, Pfc. Lachon Norman (crane operator), Spc. Zackery Rosser and Pfc. Andrew Badillo (tag lines).

(U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Graham, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs, contributed to this report)