RAF Mildenhall -- Pre-flight briefs, heavy cargo loads, drop zone statistics, personnel guidance, aircraft and equipment inspections – a few of the many crucial steps it took Airmen from the 352d Special Operations Wing to execute a Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System drop Sept. 27, 2016.
As part of the combined, joint force exercise Night Hawk, these Airmen worked alongside Danish air commandos and a U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-Craft unit to perform two MCADS drops, bundle deployments and air commando jumps over Little Belt Strait in Denmark.
"A lot of work goes into a drop like this, but we routinely work with partner nations in order to hone our ability to work together in an operational environment and build on the relationships we have developed over years," Maj. Andrew Pickering, 352 SOW MC-130J Commando II pilot and mission commander.
Mission planning, that began weeks prior, led up to successful cargo loads on Stuttgart Air Base, Germany. Loadmasters and crew chiefs of an MC-130J Commando II, assigned to the 67th Special Operations Squadron, worked with Navy crewmen to load two rigid inflatable boats and a bundle onto the aircraft. The RIBs were strategically loaded, inspected and re-inspected in preparation for the MCADS drop the following day.
“The MCADS requires a different type of coordination between the crew and users as far as how it’s executed compared to a standard heavy equipment drop,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Jones, 67 SOS loadmaster.
Tech. Sgt Adam Phelan, 752d Special Operations Group MC-130J Commando II evaluator loadmaster, explained how the MCADS mission poses unique challenges.
“It’s challenging because it’s a combination airdrop, heavy equipment in conjunction with personnel, utilizing a 20,000 pound boat that fills the cargo compartment,” said Phelan. “The MCADS is a specialized airdrop load, which requires experienced and trained loadmasters to ‘be on their game’ to deploy, load, rig, and execute the mission set. It is a very rewarding airdrop to accomplish.”
The MCADS increases special operation forces capabilities.
“Specifically it allows aerial delivery of naval SOF insertion and extraction for underway visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), maritime interdiction, and support for direct action missions among other capabilities,” explained Phelan. “The 752 SOG is ready to execute the MCADS mission in a joint environment to deliver combat power anywhere it is required and trains its aircrews to a high standard in order to deliver results; anytime, anyplace.”
U.S. Navy Seals followed the MCADS and bundle drop to setup the equipment post hitting the water. After the RIBs are operational, Danish air commandos performed a static line drop followed by military free-fall from Air Force air commandos.
The exercise tested the capabilities of each unit and demanded attention to detail from all aspects. The service members’ hard work was well worth the effort.
"This exercise allowed our Airmen and their Danish counterparts to practice drops with the MCADS in a controlled environment to enhance our ability to work together and ensure we are successful in a real-world scenario,” said Pickering. “This type of training is invaluable and only adds to our ability to provide combat air power in a variety of locations and scenarios."