Testing A Russian
MAJ Mark Stoddard, then a captain, and the ABNSOTD testing the Russian LET-410 Aircraft for suitability for airborne operations in 2000. The ABNSOTD, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, are the Army’s independent operational testers for anything airborne or airdrop. The team successfully jumped the aircraft multiple times, noting that the aircraft forced the jumpers to exit slowly and duck before the door. The test officer on this specific jump is CSM Pete Morakon, who sadly passed away on June 3, 2020. Never let their stories die. Airborne. All the way.
