Pilots Showcase Apaches at FOB Hammer

Chief Warrant Officer Scott Durrer, from Tucson, Ariz., a pilot with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, explains the weapons system of his AH-64 Apache attack helicopter to artillerymen from the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, during a class at the landing zone on FOB Hammer Oct. 13.

Chief Warrant Officer Scott Durrer, from Tucson, Ariz., a pilot with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, explains the weapons system of his AH-64 Apache attack helicopter to artillerymen from the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, during a class at the landing zone on FOB Hammer Oct. 13.

Staff Sgt. Derick Threatt, from Pell City, Ala., an artilleryman with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, takes notes during an aviation integration class held at the landing zone on FOB Hammer Oct. 13.

Story and photos Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment received a class from AH-64 Apache attack helicopter pilots at the landing zone on FOB Hammer Oct. 13.

The 1-10 FA Regt. recently moved to FOB Hammer from the Camp Bucca Detention Facility and will soon assume a portion of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s battle space Oct. 15.

“The purpose of the class was to integrate 1-10 FA Regt. into their battle space,” said Maj. Clyde Fleming, from Hinesville, Ga., the 3rd HBCT’s aviation officer. “We wanted them to see the Apache’s air capabilities and the pilots’ tactics, techniques and procedures.”

Soldiers listened to the pilots from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div., explain their capabilities and how they could help the Soldiers on their missions.

“If we can talk Soldiers through situations now, it makes it much easier when we actually have to go through them when it’s for real,” said Chief Warrant Officer Scott Durrer, from Tucson, Ariz., a pilot with 1-3 Avn. Regt.

The Soldiers got to examine the helicopters and see the weapon systems up close. Many soldiers asked questions about combat and tactical situations.

“One of the biggest things this aircraft does is let people see a show of force,” said Chief Warrant Officer Josh Kinney, from Seattle, Wash., a pilot with 1-3 Avn. Regt. “We can drop down and deter bad guys in a heart beat. We also recon routes and positions on a regular basis. Anything the units need from us, we have no problem doing.”

That information was good news for the 1-10 FA Regt. Soldiers as they prepare to assume their battle space.

“I thought the class was great,” said Staff Sgt. Derick Threatt, from Pell City, Ala., an artilleryman with Battery A, 1-10 FA Regt. “They gave us a lot of usable information. It made me feel safe as far as them providing security for us.”

The 1-10 FA Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.