Airmen of the Afghan National Army Air Force, along with their coalition air advisors, on July 1 conducted an operational sling-load mission with one of their Mi-17 transport helicopters. It was another small milestone in the evolution of the young air arm into an operationally capable and self-sustaining force. The helicopter took off from Kabul airport slinging a 3,200-pound crate that it carried to Orgun-e in the Paktika province while flying at 12,500 feet in altitude. Coalition advisors said the Mi-17 “handled the load with very few problems.” This capability will allow the Afghans to move heavy and oversized equipment or deliver gear in place without landing zones, they said. (Kabul report by Capt. Rob Leese)
One Airman was killed and three others injured in a vehicle mishap at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., on June 29. Additionally, two first responder Airmen sustained injuries responding to the incident. All five injured Airmen have been transported to nearby medical facilities, according to a release from the base.