This post expands on the first of three airframes that I may receive upon graduation from helicopter training: the UH-1N "Huey."
Where could you be stationed? Click here: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=105393404929987550582.00046b785e72dadf2e602&ll=39.368279,-148.710937&spn=128.168635,237.304688&z=a
What will you do?
This depends on where I'm stationed. Read each number below.
1. Missile Bases
Bases in the Northwest support missile silos by moving parts and pieces around, flying security patrols, and responding to emergencies. Additionally, Huey squadrons at these locations will assist with rescue efforts in Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.
2. DV Support Bases
Andrews AFB, MD and Yakota AB, Japan have Huey squadrons for moving important people around busy places. Both of these locations are nearby major cities - Washington DC and Tokyo.
3. Survival School
Fairchild AFB, WA is home to the USAF survival school. All aircrew go through this school to learn the basics of survival, evasion, resistance, and escape - should they ever be confronted with the situation. The Huey squadron out here provides survival school students with the opportunity to coordinate for a rescue attempt and practice being hoisted into a hovering helicopter. This squadron also assists with personnel recovery efforts in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
4. Fort Rucker - First Assignment Instructor Pilot
This is rare, but there are always a few students who are selected to return to Fort Rucker as instructors for their first assignment. The mission is pretty straightforward - teach undergraduate student pilots how to fly helicopters in a variety of environments (tactical, low-level, NVG ops, and formation). Although this may not seem as glamorous as other assignments, it is actually one of the more difficult ones. It takes a special mix of patience and skill to teach student pilots.
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