USS BENFOLD (DDG 65)
100% READY. 100% OF THE TIME.
9/21/2012 
 

Benfold Sailors Train with Soldiers 
By Ensign Daniel Cobb, USS Benfold Public Affairs  
USS BENFOLD, At Sea - Guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) conducted joint exercises with Army aviators from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Aug. 21.

The Army pilots conducted more than 30 landings and takeoffs on Benfold's flight deck using UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.

Additionally, the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters of the 3-159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion employed 30-millimeter, M230 chain guns against an inflatable floating target launched by Benfold.

"Watching Apaches shooting at targets out here with Benfold was exciting and something different," said Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Nicholas Freiermuth. "I've never seen an Apache helicopter before, so I didn't know what to expect."

Benfold's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Dave Oden, said that exercises like this will strengthen the Army/Navy bond.

"Deployment is all about experiences, and for these Sailors to have the experience of working with the Army is something Benfold takes pride in," said Oden.

Both the 1st Battalion 126th Aviation Regiment and the 3rd Battalion 159th Aviation Regiment are Reserve units currently deployed to Camp Buehring in Kuwait.

Benfold is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
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