Joint Task Force-East Press Release

SETAF conducts airborne operations with Romanian counterparts

Joint Task Force-East
Public Affairs Office
Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base
Tel: 0040-241-60-8288
DSN: 770-8288

October 5, 2007
No. 20071005-1

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania -- U.S. and Romanian Soldiers have spent the last few months conducting tactical training on the ground for the Joint Task Force- East “Proof of Principle” exercise at MK Airbase in Romania.

However, the exercise was brought to new heights on Oct. 5 as Soldiers and airmen from Southern European Task Force (Airborne) conducted combined, joint airborne operations with the Romanian Soldiers from the 60th Airborne Battalion.

Jump preparation started Oct. 4 with a review of the safety procedures required throughout the phases of the airborne operation. The briefing included a review of actions in the aircraft, how to properly exit the aircraft, what to do in case of malfunctions or entanglements and how to land properly.

The briefing was followed by a walk-through exercise, where the Soldiers practiced proper airborne procedures and landings.

Early the next morning, the U.S. and Romanian paratroopers gathered near the flight line to prepare for the jump.

A few words of inspiration were offered from SETAF Chief of Staff, Col. Gordon Davis, then the 23 U.S. jumpers and 34 Romanian jumpers boarded onto two C-130 airplanes.

“We are looking forward to jumping with you today,” said Davis to the Romanian Soldiers. “Have a great jump.”

After a short flight to the Babadag Training Area, the doors were opened and both Romanian and U.S. Soldiers became airborne.

This jump was a special occasion for many paratroopers, not only because it is the first time SETAF Soldiers have jumped with Romanian Soldiers, but also for many personal reasons.

“It is one of the most exciting exchanges I have done,” said Sgt. Edwin Laboy,

G-3 executive assistant at SETAF. “I have never done an exchange at a national level like this.”

For Air Force 1st Lt. Chandra LeCompte, SETAF staff weather officer, the jump was her first with SETAF since her graduation from Airborne School.

“This jump signifies not being someone who just went to Airborne School, it signifies being a paratrooper,” said LeCompte. “It is an awesome experience to get to be a part of this. A lot of people will go their whole careers and never earn their foreign exchange wings, and I will get them on my first unit jump.”

In the end, the U.S. and Romanian paratroopers not only earned their foreign jump wings, but they also developed a mutual understanding and respect of each others’ abilities.

“This exercise has been a great chance for us to meet our NATO partners,” said Capt. Michael Stewart, an exercise planner for JTF-E. “It builds up partnerships between allied militaries so somewhere down the road, if we have to work together, we will understand each other.”

“It is good to learn things from the American Army,” said 1st Lt. Silviu Neacsa, a platoon commander for the Romanian Soldiers. “It is our mission here to learn from each other and learn how to work together.”

Laboy agreed saying, “It will foster better relations when we go forward together in combat.”

For more information regarding the JTF-E PoP exercise please contact the JTF-E Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Troy Darr, 0040 241 608 288, email: troy.darr@us.army.mil.

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