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.

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

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.

Papa interviews a battalion member for her Newswatch 16 piece.

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