Campus lawn turns landing zone for massive military transport

A CH-47F Chinook helicopter made two landings on the Madigan Library lawn Friday, picking up Penn College's Army ROTC cadets – and other members of the Lock Haven University-based Bald Eagle Battalion – for a field training exercise in Tioga County. The twin-engine, tandem-rotor 'copter attracted a curious multigenerational crowd, which was afforded the rare opportunity to talk with cadets and peek inside the cavernous transport craft. WNEP's Kristina Papa prepared a segment that aired that evening, and the college’s Public Relations & Marketing office produced a video from the visit.

– Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer;
and Joseph S. Yoder, associate vice president for public relations and marketing

 

 

 

With bags packed, cadets await pickup.

Against a fall-colored backdrop, the Chinook lands outside the library.

Cadets gather around their sturdy ride.

At nearly 100 feet long, cramping isn't an issue.

ROTC cadets head toward the loading ramp ...

... toward a cargo hold that seats dozens.

With the craft safely landed and its wind-whipping rotors no longer engaged, onlookers venture closer.

With the Stars and Stripes flying high next-door, the Chinook takes off.

Papa interviews a battalion member for her Newswatch 16 piece.

Writer/video editor Tom Speicher conducts an interview during the layover.