File:Helo support team provides speedy delivery for Afghanistan Marines DVIDS164064.jpg

English: Sgt. Jeremy L. Hedrick (left) and Lance Cpl. Elliot Duncan rig a load of provisions for delivery to a forward operating base in southern Afghanistan by attaching it to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Camp Bastion, March 13. Duncan, who is assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 3, is part of the helicopter support team. The HST prepares loads to be airlifted, ensuring they are properly packaged and rigged to lift by air, as well as coordinates with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), to make sure the Marines at the FOBs in Afghanistan are supplied with the materials they need to succeed. "Our mission is to support 3/8 and ensure the Marines at the FOBs receive gear to complete their mission, as well as ensure they have food and water," said Gunnery Sgt. Jennifer J. Alderette, the landing support platoon commander, assigned to Support Company, CLB-3. The team has completed 65 successful air lifts since it arrived in Afghanistan in November 2008, totaling 474,425 pounds of cargo. The airlifts are used as an alternative to delivering supplies by truck when time is of the essence. "HSTs are faster, and we're not putting as many Marines on the ground or in danger," Alderette said of delivering supplies by air. "It's exciting knowing the fact that we're supporting the Marines at the FOBs who're out doing the fighting and working hard to accomplish the mission and we're the ones who are here to support them. It's our way of contributing to the fight." CLB-3 is the logistics combat element, and 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A supports the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in providing security and services for the Afghan people.Duncan is the helicopter support team non-commissioned officer assigned to Support Co., CLB-3. Hedrick is the embark chief assigned to Headquarters Company, 3/8.