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New drop zone opens at Dyess

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (USTCNS) -- Everything fell into place for the opening of the 317th Airlift Group's new training area as two of the unit's C-130s inaugurated the Tennyson Drop Zone here recently.

The need for the new drop zone arose out of safety concerns with using the Marion Drop Zone located on Dyess, according to group officials.

With Marion located next to the base's runway, there are many flying restrictions which limited how the group could train, and at times, added to air congestion over the base. With the opening of Tennyson, the group will shift the bulk of its more than 500 drops monthly to the remote location.

"This was a two-year project that had a primary goal of reducing the traffic congestion here at Dyess," said Col. John Tappan, 317th AG commander. "This new drop zone will allow the Dyess C-130s, and any other Air Force air drop unit, to have unimpeded access to an area for tactical training."

According to Tappan, the group searched throughout West Texas for possible areas for use and conducted environmental assessments to determine the best choice for a new drop zone. After reviewing more than a dozen sites, the Tennyson location rose to the top as an ideal drop zone for the group.

"This 520-acre area is in such a location that it will not interfere with other aircraft or disturb our civilian community," he added.

Lt. Col. Bill Spacy, 317th Operational Support Squadron commander said, "in a combat situation, the battle isn't always going on near a convenient road or major port." "So, the C-130 is essential to get the supplies to the men actually fighting the battle."

On the first drops May 23, the group made five training load drops and one container delivery system. Tappan said the Marion Drop Zone will continue to be used when weather constraints make the new drop zone inaccessible. (FROM AIR MOBILITY NEWS SERVICE)

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