Operation Marne Husky Takes U.S. Troops To The Air

Two UH-60 Black Hawks land at Forward Area Refuel/Rearm Point Hammer where in addition to supplying fuel and ammunition, the initiative has been taken to look after the aircrafts crewmembers by providing cold drinks.

By Multi-National Division - Center PAO

Blackanthem Military News, BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces launched an aviation-based combat offensive dubbed Operation Marne Husky Aug. 15, focusing on an enemy sanctuary in southeastern Baghdad.

This operation is a key part of Multinational Corps-Iraq’s overall operation, Phantom Strike and will target militant safe havens and weapons smugglers, in an effort to choke the flow of bombs and weapons reaching the Iraqi capital.

“The combination of aviation and ground forces will allow Task Force Marne the ability to target areas that the enemy deems as safe,” said Lt. Col. Robert Wilson, executive officer, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. “We’re leveraging the ability of the helicopters with the infantry Soldiers to take the fight to the enemy and promote security for the people of Iraq.”

The operation will disrupt insurgents who fled the towns of Salman Pak and Arab Jabour in front of earlier U.S. offensives. Marne Husky is a change for MND-C in that the unit with primary responsibility is the aviation brigade.

Instead of conducting linear maneuver across the battlefield, the operation will consist of a series of sustained air assaults, coordinated from the sky, and employing numerous platforms operating in synch. Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters will deliver Soldiers to where they’re needed within 30 minutes of identifying a target under constant support from Kiowa and Apache air weapons teams.

Intelligence has become a force multiplier in TF Marne’s area of responsibility as both Sunni and Shia Iraqis come forward with tips, and the U.S. positions its own internal assets to gather information. Marne Husky will use combat aviation capabilities to press that advantage, expanding the U.S. reach as it quickens response times, in order to restrict extremists’ maneuverability in the area.

The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division based out of Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. will take the lead for the operation. Other participating units include 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division based out of Fort Benning, Ga.; 3rd Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry Regiment from Fort Drum, NY; and an airborne infantry company from 4th Brigade (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division based out of Fort Richardson, Alaska. Iraqi soldiers from 8th Iraqi Army Division are also participating in Marne Husky.