Montana Air National Guard to use new drop zone at Malmstrom

  • Published
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard begins using a new drop zone at Malmstrom Air Force Base mid-December, base personnel and residents are advised to follow instructions from security forces and stay out of the area during training drops.

The training area is situated next to the closed runway. The site has been surveyed for use as a drop zone and was found to be free of hazards and obstacles and will not pose a danger to Malmstrom AFB personnel, facilities or helicopter flight operations.

The new drop zone will aid with training flight crews as the Montana Air National Guard unit continues its conversion to the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft mission, and is a cost-saving alternative to existing drop zones located near Helena and Townsend, Montana. It also provides more capability over the training bundle-only drop zone located at Great Falls International Airport. These locations will still be used but less frequently.

The drop zone reflects the continued partnership between Malmstrom AFB and the Montana Air National Guard. Using the drop zone on the base will save man hours, equipment wear and tear and will reduce the risk of support personnel having to drive long distances during poor road conditions.

During training missions crew members will initially deploy simulated airdrop training bundles, which are 15-pound sandbags attached to five foot parachutes. The sandbags are dropped on predetermined targets located at the drop zone. Eventually the crews will drop larger training platforms. These training missions will occur during daylight hours, some nights and during unit training assembly weekends.
 
Questions can be directed to the Public Affairs Office at 731-4050.