Oregon Army National Guard moves field artillery by helicopter for the first time

The Oregon Army National Guard’s field artillery personnel have taken a step forward with their combat capabilities, airlifting M119A howitzer cannons by sling load for the first time.

The field exercise mission was the first of its kind by an Oregon unit, with a sling load mission followed by an artillery raid.

Soldiers of Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery moved four howitzers suspended below CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

The battalion’s commander, Capt. Andrew Christoson, said that as a light brigade the ability for artillery to be moved using aviation assets is a crucial skill set that gives far better artillery reach in support of the brigade.

“If we are unable to get to a specific area ourselves, due to terrain features, we can use air assets to transport us there,” Christoson said.

The Field Artillery unit is a part of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which typically uses light M119A2 howitzers. The howitzers are capable of a range of up to 14 kilometers, and are often utilized to destroy targets in areas with difficult terrain.

Nine soldiers from the battery were trained and qualified in air assault to complete the exercise. Sgt. William McKnight, an ammo team chief with the unit, said his preparatory training began months ahead of the actual mission.

“It was a nice surprise to actually start to use the training and an even greater surprise to do the mission,” McKnight said.