MCB Camp Pendleton

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Step of Faith;Marines hit the Pacific while helo-casting;

6 Jul 2000 | LCpl. Brian J. Griffin Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The hot afternoon sun beat down on Marines going over final preparations for the afternoon's helo-cast.

In the shadows of the sparsely placed trees at Camp Margarita, 25 Marines from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, practiced exiting CH-46 helicopters step by step, June 27. The atmosphere was relaxed, but safety seemed to be on everyone's mind. Shortly, the Marines would jump from helicopters into the 6-foot swells of the Pacific Ocean.

The sense of relaxation dispersed as the chopping sound of a CH-46 helicopter filled the air. Moments after it landed, Marines loaded the "bird" and ascended above the shores of Red Beach.

Helo-casting involves a recon team being inserted into the water from the back of a helicopter flying 10 feet above the water at 10 knots. It is one of many ways recon Marines go ashore during an insertion operation, said SSgt. Michael D. Wynn, 5th Platoon, B Company.

Typically, helo-casts are done 20 to 25 miles off the coast at twilight, so Marines can see where they are jumping. That way, by the time they reach the beach, they're under cover of night, he said.

Recon prepares for helo-casts by rehearsing everything. "Repetition is the key to the success of the exercise," Wynn said.

"It is just like training off the tower, the only difference is that you are jumping from a helicopter," said Cpl. Matt P. O'Malley, 5th Platoon.

Recon Marines practice the helo-casts from a tower prior to real-life training with the helicopter. Jumping from the tower is safer for new members of the Recon family.

"Safety is always paramount," Wynn said. "That is why preparations and rehearsals are important -- to get Marines comfortable in helo- casts, improve confidence and sharpen skills," Wynn said.

Soaked and exhausted, they loaded back onto the bird and withdrew to the shadows of Camp Margarita to critique the exercise and clean gear ... another day in the life of a recon Marine is almost over.

Step of Faith;Marines hit the Pacific while helo-casting;

6 Jul 2000 | LCpl. Brian J. Griffin Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The hot afternoon sun beat down on Marines going over final preparations for the afternoon's helo-cast.

In the shadows of the sparsely placed trees at Camp Margarita, 25 Marines from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, practiced exiting CH-46 helicopters step by step, June 27. The atmosphere was relaxed, but safety seemed to be on everyone's mind. Shortly, the Marines would jump from helicopters into the 6-foot swells of the Pacific Ocean.

The sense of relaxation dispersed as the chopping sound of a CH-46 helicopter filled the air. Moments after it landed, Marines loaded the "bird" and ascended above the shores of Red Beach.

Helo-casting involves a recon team being inserted into the water from the back of a helicopter flying 10 feet above the water at 10 knots. It is one of many ways recon Marines go ashore during an insertion operation, said SSgt. Michael D. Wynn, 5th Platoon, B Company.

Typically, helo-casts are done 20 to 25 miles off the coast at twilight, so Marines can see where they are jumping. That way, by the time they reach the beach, they're under cover of night, he said.

Recon prepares for helo-casts by rehearsing everything. "Repetition is the key to the success of the exercise," Wynn said.

"It is just like training off the tower, the only difference is that you are jumping from a helicopter," said Cpl. Matt P. O'Malley, 5th Platoon.

Recon Marines practice the helo-casts from a tower prior to real-life training with the helicopter. Jumping from the tower is safer for new members of the Recon family.

"Safety is always paramount," Wynn said. "That is why preparations and rehearsals are important -- to get Marines comfortable in helo- casts, improve confidence and sharpen skills," Wynn said.

Soaked and exhausted, they loaded back onto the bird and withdrew to the shadows of Camp Margarita to critique the exercise and clean gear ... another day in the life of a recon Marine is almost over.