 The CH-53 Echo Super Stallion, at 33,230 pounds, it can carry twice its own weight, earning it the title of the Marine Corps' Workhorse. For Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, external lifts are a regular part of training. This is the meat and potatoes of what a crew chief does as far as in a CH-53. Once you've done it enough times, it's actually really simple because it's just playing the claw game with stuff or picking stuff up, moving it somewhere, setting it down. Pilots and crews don't take this training for granted, though any chance to hone their skills is highly valued and gives them a greater edge in high-stress situations. But for guys who are doing this for the first time, it can definitely be overwhelming with the radio calls, trying to direct the pilots and them talking back to you, trying to orchestrate the guys on the ground, making sure they're safe and out of the way. It can just be overwhelming, just a lot of multitasking. That's why we train. While crews in the back of the aircraft handle the heavy lifting, pilots take care of fine-tuning the details of the mission and plan how things are going to go. My role as a pilot is essentially I work with that unit or whoever is planning that mission at that time, find out exactly what they want, and then just try to come up with the appropriate scheme maneuver for the air to support that. So basically work with them where they want the targets, we'll fly up, move it, execute it safely and return. Everyone involved gains a little extra from the experiences this training provides. It's been a great experience. We get to work with other sister units, joint services, do some great things like that. Just really enjoy the opportunity. For Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, I'm Lance Corporal Christopher Johns.