Then the response kicked into high gear with the first ORVP airdrop missions in 1995. Guard members this year did everything but fly the airplanes. Joel Saenz of 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry, and Maj. Ruben Alonzo of Task Force Texas were even trained as navigators. A navigator watches the drop zones, operates the conveyor system, and keeps count of the rabies baits being dropped, said Saenz, a native of La Jolla, Texas.
Navigators also maintain safety by watching for telephone and power lines.
Saenz said he had to learn how to read flight plans to make sure the aircraft stayed on course. To ensure accuracy, the airplanes maintain an altitude of a mere 500 feet. The low altitude made for some jolting flights, and airsickness was a constant threat. But some light-hearted peer pressure by the Guard members was one way to handle sour stomachs. Ortiz said that although he could do without the airsickness, he would like to come back next year.