Moving a Chinook

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A CH-47 Chinook helicopter was returned home by the joint efforts of Soldiers and Airmen working within the Thunderdome here Dec. 15.

16th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers worked alongside Eielson AFB Airmen to complete the final stages of their redeployment. The brigade was a vital part of the humanitarian effort Task Force Denali in Pakistan where they distributed food and supplies, and rescued people affected by the floodwaters.

After C-17 Globemasters transported the brigade and their equipment to Eielson, the Soldiers processed their return through the Joint Mobility Complex here before transport up the Richardson Highway for return to Fort Wainwright.

The Chinook's land-based transport proved a bigger challenge for the Soldiers and Airmen. By transferring the helicopter to Ft. Wainwright using a trailer, the Army was able to consolidate their redeployment efforts. The process proved successful and was repeated for the next four returning Chinooks.

"This move is unique because it involves moving a Chinook helicopter over land during these weather conditions. It's the first time a move like this has been done," said Mr. Benjamin Barrio, 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron assistant installation deployment officer.

Moving the Chinook took a lot of eyes and hands on the task to ensure the aircraft remained in good condition. Airmen from different squadrons assisted to accomplish the needed goals during the move. Airmen operated the forklift to move the ramps in place for the Chinook to be pulled up and also provided security.

"The idea was fairly new," said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Steven Rosini, 16th CAB tactical operations officer.

According to CW5 Rosini, the cold weather had to be considered when planning the move.

"This required an extra wide trailer built especially for this over the weekend. I'm really happy with everybody; we have everything in place for it to work out right," he said.

The Chinook wheels were aligned with the ramp and pulled by cables onto the truck. The helicopter was loaded onto the extra wide trailer without the rotors attached in order to save space.

"We tried to make the move during daylight hours, which gave us a short window to work in up here," said CW5 Rosini.

Even though weather conditions were a hazard and the strategy was created within 10 days, careful planning and coordination by the Air Force and Army allowed the safe loading, transportation and unloading for a return home and mission complete.