SgtJim
01-08-2011, 11:12 AM
great story and photos by Sgt. Derek Carlson, released on dvidshub
3rd MAW (Fwd) develops new flightline aboard Camp Bastion
Story by Sgt. Derek Carlson
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Saturday, January 1, 2011
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Third Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) is currently completing the 9577
final phases of an extensive three-year flightline project aboard Camp Bastion, which will allow the
flightline to traffic larger aircraft, such as the C-5 Galaxy, Boeing 737 and
Antonov AN-124 Condor on its 11,500-foot runway.
The new runway parallels the previous 7,000-foot runway, which will remain as a functioning part of the flightline.
“We were unable to simply expand the old runway without shutting it down, which was not an option
” said Maj. Michael Helt, the 3rd MAW (Fwd) engineering officer. “By running the new flightline parallel
to the old one, we are able to utilize the old flightline as an aircraft taxiway.”
9578The flightline was a joint effort between Marines, sailors, airmen and local
contractors. The execution has taken more than three years, and although the flightline is not entirely
complete, it is now being utilized by Marine aircraft aboard Camp Bastion.
The need for this runway was recognized as coalition operations and service members operating out of
Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion began to increase. This new asset will allow troops and supplies
to flow through the camps more quickly and efficiently.9579
According to Helt, the ability to receive air traffic from larger aircraft will also assist in reducing the amount
of civilian and military convoys traveling to and from Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion, which will
reduce the threat of roadside improvised explosive devices.
9580“The new airfield demonstrates, yet again, the adaptability and flexibility of 3rd MAW (Fwd),
” said BGen Andrew W. O’Donnell. the commanding general of 3rd MAW (Fwd). “Not only can we frag,
fly and fix aircraft, we can move, build and sustain airfield operations and simultaneously support the
Marine Air Ground Task Force during kinetic operations.”
The new runway is slated to be flight checked and certified on Feb. 5, but will continue to receive improvements into 2012.
3rd MAW (Fwd) develops new flightline aboard Camp Bastion
Story by Sgt. Derek Carlson
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) Public Affairs
Saturday, January 1, 2011
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Third Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) is currently completing the 9577
final phases of an extensive three-year flightline project aboard Camp Bastion, which will allow the
flightline to traffic larger aircraft, such as the C-5 Galaxy, Boeing 737 and
Antonov AN-124 Condor on its 11,500-foot runway.
The new runway parallels the previous 7,000-foot runway, which will remain as a functioning part of the flightline.
“We were unable to simply expand the old runway without shutting it down, which was not an option
” said Maj. Michael Helt, the 3rd MAW (Fwd) engineering officer. “By running the new flightline parallel
to the old one, we are able to utilize the old flightline as an aircraft taxiway.”
9578The flightline was a joint effort between Marines, sailors, airmen and local
contractors. The execution has taken more than three years, and although the flightline is not entirely
complete, it is now being utilized by Marine aircraft aboard Camp Bastion.
The need for this runway was recognized as coalition operations and service members operating out of
Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion began to increase. This new asset will allow troops and supplies
to flow through the camps more quickly and efficiently.9579
According to Helt, the ability to receive air traffic from larger aircraft will also assist in reducing the amount
of civilian and military convoys traveling to and from Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion, which will
reduce the threat of roadside improvised explosive devices.
9580“The new airfield demonstrates, yet again, the adaptability and flexibility of 3rd MAW (Fwd),
” said BGen Andrew W. O’Donnell. the commanding general of 3rd MAW (Fwd). “Not only can we frag,
fly and fix aircraft, we can move, build and sustain airfield operations and simultaneously support the
Marine Air Ground Task Force during kinetic operations.”
The new runway is slated to be flight checked and certified on Feb. 5, but will continue to receive improvements into 2012.