Operations Group team performs parachute jump
Hand-picked United States Army Soldiers with Tarantula Team – one of several “critter” teams under Operations Group – conducted a static line parachute jump at Drop Zone Noah here, Feb. 2.
The professionals conducted the currency jump from an UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in order to continue providing invaluable observation, control and readiness training for thousands of light airborne, air assault, Stryker, mechanized, armored task forces and cavalry squadrons that visit the Army’s crown jewel of combat training centers.
Senior light task force trainer for the Tarantula Team, Lt. Col. Brian Harthon, explained the jump was unique, and occasionally they jump from rotary wing aircraft in order to maintain their proficiency as jumpmasters.
“The majority of these airborne operations are performed jumping from high performance, fixed-winged aircraft (C-17 or C-130),” said Harthorn.
Visit the NTC Facebook page to view Sgt. 1st Class Guillermo Orozco parachuting from a UH-60 Blackhawk flown by A Company, 2916th Aviation Battalion, 916th Sustainment Brigade.
Soldiers with Tarantula Team, Operations Group, conducted a currency jump in order to continue providing invaluable observation, control and readiness training for thousands of Soldiers at the National Training Center.
Sgt. 1st Class Jun Ramirez, jumpmaster with the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, tucks the static line underneath the reserve harness of Lt. Col. Brian Harthorn, of Tarantula Team, Operations Group. That procedure also indicates a Soldier has been inspected by a jumpmaster.
Six Soldiers with Tarantula Team, Operations Group, make their way to an idling UH-60 aircraft. They have been inspected by a jumpmaster and now are ready to jump.