2009-08_Kfor Chronicle_4:Layout 1.qxd - ACO - Nato

capabilities. Each route had its own dip site to refill the water buckets carried by the helicopters. Due to thehelicopter limitations, the buckets ranged from the approximately 600 liter bucket carried by the AgustaBell - 212 up to the 2,400 liter bucket for the Black Hawk.The command and control (C2) of the exercise within the operational area was performed by the Air MissionCommander (LTC Anthony Lascano, J3 HELIOPSChief) and crew aboard the Gazelle helicopter. Theywere responsible to coordinate all measures beginningfrom the reconnaissance of the area, de-conflicting theairspace throughout the operation as well as directingthe assets as to the best location to drop the water.During this exercise Lieutenant General GiuseppeE. Gay, Commander Kosovo Force, Dr. Fatmir Sejdiu,President of Kosovo as well as other high rankingcivilian and military authorities were briefed bymission director Lieutenant Colonel S. Scott “Zip”Willits, Deputy Chief J3 Air. They were able to getan excellent impression of the complexity of thisoperation while observing the flight activities fromthe waterside of Radoniq/Radonjic Lake.J3 Air is proud to say: “The exercise wasaccomplished successfully due to the hardwork, professionalism, andcoordination between allthe Task Forces air assetsand crews, and is sureto help us safelyexecute fire fightingoperations if calledupon in the future!”KFOR Chronicle, August, 2009 17