Herat, Afghanistan (December, 13) – The sight of NATO helicopters buzzing overhead is not only common in western Afghanistan but essential to International Security Assistance Force missions here.
Cargo and troop movement, training, medical evacuation and combat support are the heart of ongoing multi-national efforts in the region.
For a Soldier in harm’s way or waiting on much-needed resupply, those helicopters are a relished spectacle.
One unit providing tactical helicopter transport capability to the Regional Command-West commander, Italian Army Brig. Gen. Marcello Bellachicco, is a Spanish Army Aviation unit, Aspuhel 19.
The Aspuhel 19 team is only part of the ISAF effort. Along with their American, Italian and Afghan allies, the Spanish continue to increase international interoperability across RC-West.
“We’re always flying to areas where ground troops require immediate support,” said Spanish Army Maj. Ignacio Rosales, Aspuhel 19 commander.
Rosales is also a helicopter pilot and understands there are risks involved in his line of work but said, “Our professionalism and procedures minimize these risks.”
As a secondary mission, his Camp Arena-based unit provides forward aerial evacuation.
The Afghan Air Force also compliments the ISAF helicopter fleet. However, their role is currently very limited operationally.
The Afghan Air Force pilots are presently being trained by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Ecker, 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron (AEAS) pilot, to eventually increase operational mission capability.
crew chief from the 444th AEAS, Staff Sgt. Justin Shults trains Afghan airmen on proper helicopter maintenance practices.
Nato Air Training Command is building local capability and the combined efforts are summed neatly in the 438th AEAS mission statement, which reads:
“Set the conditions for a professional, fully independent and operationally capable Afghan 'air force' that meets the security requirements of Afghanistan today ... and tomorrow.”
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