Heavy Helicopter Operations

Images of military helicopters in action, including landing drills and sling load missions, portraying dynamic training environments and operational readiness.

U.S. Army Soldiers, 237th Brigade Support Battalion, Cleveland, Ohio, attach a cable during a sling load mission at the Camp Grayling Parade Field, Grayling, Mich., Aug 14, 2022 during exercise Northern Strike 22-2. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing conduct landing drills with a CH-53E Super Stallion at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Army Soldiers, 237th Brigade Support Battalion, Cleveland, Ohio, attach a cable during a sling load mission at the Camp Grayling Parade Field, Grayling, Mich., Aug 14, 2022 during exercise Northern Strike 22-2. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing conduct landing drills with a CH-53E Super Stallion at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

A U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Michigan Army National Guard (1-147AHB), prepares to land at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 15, 2022. 1-147AHB trained with U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2.

A Polish Mil Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter maneuvers during a Defender Europe multinational live fire exercise, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 27, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises taking place in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters in support of NATO.

Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) board a Chinook to be transported to the training area, kicking off Operation Lethal Eagle II, April 22, 2022, on Fort Campbell. Lethal Eagle is a division-wide training exercise designed to produce lethal squads and platoons grounded in fundamentals ready for contingency operations on today's battlefields. (U.S. Army photos: Spc. John Simpson)

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing conduct landing drills with a CH-53E Super Stallion at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

A U.S. Soldier holds a cable as Soldiers and Airmen practice rappelling from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a Rappel Master course hosted by a mobile training team from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 210th Rescue Squadron transports U.S. Army paratroopers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, during a joint forces demonstration for Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Nov. 16, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well.

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Vipers from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuel at a forward arming and refueling point during exercise Steel Knight 23 on Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 3, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

Katrina Operations - Venice, Louisiana - 26-HK-361-158. Hurricane Katrina

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Nov. 16, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-1. Hurricane Katrina

Aircrafts - Blackhawk - 26-HK-50-8. Blackhawk on flight line-- 050924. Hurricane Katrina

Airmen wait to load a victim of a simulated aircraft crash during exercise Angel Thunder 2013, April 13, 2013, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Angel Thunder provides personnel recovery and combat search and rescue training for combat aircrews, pararescuemen, intelligence personnel, battle managers and joint search and rescue center personnel. The Airmen are assigned to the 355th Medical Group at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Esequiel Lopezramirez, a landing support specialist with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, runs toward a CH-53E Super Stallion as it lands on Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan, April 19, 2022. Marines with 1st MAW and 3rd MLG conducted helicopter support team (HST) training in preparation for joint service Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations.

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, finishes his final flight in his Army career on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. CW5 Rolando Sanchez, 10th CAB Command Chief Warrant Officer, also conducted his last flight with the brigade.

Spouses were given orientation flights on the UH-1N Huey as part of the 150th and 58th Special Operations Wings annual Spouses Day event at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. May 14, 2022.

Spc. Timicia George, Detachment 1 Company D, 1-114th Aviation hot fueling a UH-60 black hawk during annual training Camp Grayling Army Airfield June 8, 2022.Soldiers of the 1-114th had the opportunity to train on hot and cold refueling and maintenance of UH-60 blackhawks, and flight operations.

A UH-60 Black Hawk operated by Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, takes off from Muir Airfield at Ft. Indiantown Gap, PA. July 20, 2022. The UH-60 is the Armys primary multifaceted medium-lift utility transport and air assault aircraft and is one of the primary aircraft utilized by the Pennsylvania National Guard for a wide variety of missions.

DM-ST-88-09850. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Nov. 16, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well.

010526-A-6788L-006. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook crew, assigned to 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, prepares to transport Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment as part of Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge training audiences with multiple forms of convergence that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

Pilots and crew from C Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, maneuver a UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter with a HMMWV during the Sling-Load Inspector Certification Course at Schofield Barracks' East Range, Feb. 12.

030421-F-5855M-064. Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 615 AMOG

A simulated casualty is hoisted into a HH-60 Blackhawk during the Jack L. Clark Jr., Army Best Medic Competition 25 Jan. at Fort Hood, Tx.

An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter shuts down its engines after flying ashore from one of the ships of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) battle group. The SARATOGA and elements of its battle group are returning to Mayport following their deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Medium long shot. HH-60 Pavehawk Helicopter lands at Beira International Airport, Mozambique after a humanitarian mission. U.S. Personnel are flying humanitarian missions while supporting Operation Atlas Response. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Beira International Airport State: Sofala Country: Mozambique (MOZ)

Four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters piloted and crewed by Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment (two from Army Aviation Support Facility #2, Salina, Kansas and two from Army Aviation Support Facility #1, Topeka) joined the Anderson Creek wildfire fight March 26. The helicopters arrived in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, Saturday morning, and are dropping water from Bambi Buckets™ on active flames and hot spots as directed by incident officials. The fire in south central Kansas has burned more than 400,000 acres.

A ground crew member marshals an HH-53 Super Jolly helicopter out of the ramp. The helicopter is assigned to the 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, ready for flight. Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Pima County, Arizona's border area with Mexico, where he joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel for meetings, tours, flights, inspections

Utah Army National Guard UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 depart from Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, on Sept. 8, 2022 during a joint force exercise. During the exercise, Airmen were challenged to defuel a KC-135R Stratotanker into an Army Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck to practice Agile Combat Employment. Prior to departure, the Blackhawks and Apache received fuel from the HEMTT. This innovative process demonstrates the ability to provide fuel to other vehicles when located in austere conditions in order to complete the mission.

DF-ST-88-03750. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter takes off from Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlanticduring a forward arming and rearming point exercise, Jan. 22, 2024. Soldiers used Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Points authentic training environment to refine tactical proficiency and adaptability.

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook, with 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion, Florida National Guard, transports Soldiers out to the field from Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 9, 2022. The battalion, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is in Camp Grayling conducting their annual training by providing aviation support throughout Northern Strike 22-2. This years exercise brings over 7,400 people from 19 states and 4 coalition countries to northern Michigan.

U.S. Soldiers with 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division pull security as a Finnish army NH-90 helicopter takes off during Vigilant Fox, a joint training exercise including Finnish soldiers and British soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, Rifles Regiment, at Niinisalo, Finland, July 27, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, conduct sling load operations during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise (CAMLFEX) on Dec. 11, 2022, at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Command II from the 352d Special Operations Wing, RAF Mildenhall, UK and a Dutch flown M-28 Skytruck flyover Jurmala Beach in celebration of Līgo Day, June 23, 2023. It is not only about having the right forces and capabilities in place throughout the theater, but also about exercising our ability to quickly receive and integrate those forces with our Allies and partners

Pilots assigned to the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Avn. Brigade, arrive at a landing zone at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany to provide UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter support for the U.S. Army Air Assault Course Jan. 27, 2022. The 7th Army Training Commands Combined Arms Training Center sponsored the ten-day air assault course provided by instructors from the Army National Guards Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The course trains Soldiers on air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling to maximize the use of helicopter assets in training and combat. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Carrillo)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Scott, 2-10 AHB Commander, conducts his last flight as battalion commander on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Scott was pinned his Master Aviator Wings afterwards, after completing 15 years of service and 2,000 flight hours.

A UH-1N Iroquois helicopter from the 20th Special Operations Squadron prepares to disembark troops onto a firing range during a field exercise. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461 take off in a CH-53K King Stallion during its first operational flight at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, April 13, 2022. The flight signified the beginning of HMH-461's modernization from the CH-53E Super Stallion to the CH-53K King Stallion. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A New York Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk based in Latham, N.Y. hovers in place while doing swift load and drop water bucket training at Round Lake N.Y.on Thursday May 5, 2016. The National Guard conducts this training annually to practice flying with that much additional weight under the aircraft. The Soldiers are part of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Aftermath - New Orleans, Louisiana - 26-HK-283-14. Hurricane Katrina

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers supporting the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Teams eXportable Combat Training Capabilities (XCTC) take-off aboard a UH-60 (Blackhawk Helicopter) on July 23, 2022 at Fort Drum, New York. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

Straight on medium long shot as tent bundles sit beside an US Air Force HH-60G "Pave Hawk," assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, after being dropped-off for the people (Not shown) in the town of Machanga, south of Beira, Mozambique. To date, Joint Special Operations, Task Force aircraft participating in Operation Atlas Response, have delivered more than 71 tons of humanitarian relief supplies on 102 flights to more than 20 locations. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Machanga State: Sofala Country: Mozambique (MOZ)

Air assault instructors and students conduct sling-load operations with UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters assigned to the 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Avn. Brigade, during the U.S. Army Air Assault Course at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 27, 2022. The 7th Army Training Commands Combined Arms Training Center sponsored the ten-day air assault course provided by instructors from the Army National Guards Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia. The course trains Soldiers on air assault operations, sling-load operations, and rappelling to maximize the use of helicopter assets in training and combat. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Carrillo)

A New York Army National Guard CH-47 helicopter from B Company, 3rd Battallion, 126th Aviation Regiment, lands at a training range during an exercise at Fort Drum, Jun. 30. During the exercise Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, occupied and defended a position against a hostile force. The 69th Regiment is conducting pre-mobilization training at Fort Drum in preparation of an upcoming deployment to the Horn of Africa.

A UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 performs close-air support near Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 10, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra launches from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

United States Marine Corps AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopter launches on a combat operation in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan

230212-N-MH015-1223 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 12, 2023) Helicopters from the Screamin Indians of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 and the Battlecats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 fly in formation by the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

AH-64 Apache helicopter pilots from 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to lift off from Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Jan. 12. The 40th CAB controls the aviation missions under U.S. Army Central.

An aircrew with the 106th Aviation Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, takes part in Army modernization efforts at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Aug. 4, 2022, by operationally testing the UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter while preparing for an upcoming deployment. As the newest helicopter introduced into the Armys inventory, the UH-60V began fielding to the 106th in 2021 following the units selection as the Armys first unit to be equipped with the new Black Hawk. According to the U.S. Army Operational Test Command, aviators, crewmembers, and support personnel with the 106th were at Fort McCoy operationally testing the UH-60V Blackhawk helicopter July 28 to Aug. 5, 2022. The 106th completed their testing operations from the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport. Victor model testing completes a 24-month process from conception to reality for the Illinois Guard unit, U.S. Army Operational Test Command officials said.

AH-64E Apache helicopters are refueled at Oxford, MS during a Large-Scale, Long-Range Air Assault into the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Johnson, LA. This exercise is intended to test and strengthen the unit's readiness. Close to 80 U.S. Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, KY will stop at several locations throughout the flight path to refuel and resupply before they assault onto the training objectives at Fort Johnson, LA. There are four forward arming and refueling points (FARPs): Millington, TN, Oxford, MS, Monroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

Aftermath - New Orleans, Louisiana - 26-HK-283-13. Hurricane Katrina

220722-N-ML137-1021 KEKAHA, HI (July 22, 2022) Two AH-64 Apaches, assigned to U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, land on Pacific Missile Range Facilitys (PMRF) flight line in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. PMRF is the worlds largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air and space operations simultaneously.

010508-F-8302E-003. Complete Scene Caption: Flight Engineer STAFF Sergeant Ivo Tanciev, USAF, 341st Helicopter Flight, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, hangs out from the UH-1N Iroquois helicopter as he calls movements to the pilots, to guide the water-filled bucket to an obstacle on the Helicopter Hover Competition course during GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2001. During this competition, Pilot's and Co-Pilot's rely their flight engineers to guide the helicopter with a dangling bucket of water through numerous obstacles without spilling the contents. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE, the world's premier space and missile competition, is a four-day event hosted annually at Vandenberg AFB, CA "to recognize the best and demonstrate the commands warfighting skills. GUARDIAN CHALLENGE creates competition-tough crews; improves readiness and combat capabilities through preparation, innovation and sharing; enhances esprit de corps and strengthens teamwork across all mission areas in the command." Subject Operatio

Marine Corps One, a VH-60N helicopter from the Executive Flight Detachment of Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), Quantico, Va., waits to transport the president. Base: Mcdill Air Force Base State: Florida(FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four helicopters, representing Russian search and recovery forces, were advanced to Arkalyk, Kazakhstan a day prior to the Expedition 7 Soyuz landing, Monday, October 27, 2003.

Soldiers of 2nd Bn., 502nd Inf. Regt., 101st Airborne Div., disembark from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from 3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, during a live-fire exercise. Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Participants of Patriot 2008 ride in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over Volk Field, Wis., July 19, 2008, during an incentive flight. Patriot is a joint, multinational exercise involving the National Guard and the reserve and active components of the Air Force and Army as well as Canadian, British and Dutch forces.

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-422-11. Hurricane Katrina

KUBINKA, RUSSIA - May, 15, 2021: attack helicopters Mil Mi-28, STRIZHI Aerobatic Team 30TH Anniversary Event KUBINKA, RUSSIA - May, 15, 2021: attack helicopters Mil Mi-28, STRIZHI Aerobatic Team 30TH Anniversary Event. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 18312569

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, refuels a Japan Self-Defense Force V-22 Osprey during rehearsals for a capabilities demonstration, as part of Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium 2022, Camp Kisarazu, Japan, June 15, 2022. PALS consisted of presentations and demonstrations which were conducted in effort to promote regional security and enhance operational concepts and capabilities. The 2022 symposium brought together senior leaders from 18 participating delegations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships.

AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters assigned to the the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade approach the Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, May 20. Approximately 20 in total arrived after spending roughly three months in the Baltics region while participating in Saber Strike 22. 12 CAB worked alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

A UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence lands during a medical evacuation demonstration as part of U.S. Army Medical Readiness Development Commands Capability Days event, Fort Detrick, Md., April 6, 2023. Medical development industry representatives joined the USAMRDC team here to learn about the continuum of combat casualty care, from moment of injury through aerial medical evacuation, and the capabilities USAMRDC and its subordinate units are currently developing for the U.S. Joint Force. The USAMRDC Capability Days event is the culmination of months of planning between the command and teams with its subordinate units and is an opportunity for the U.S. Armys premier medical development commands - under the USAMRDC umbrella - to showcase the latest technologies under development for Americas Warfighters.

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-425-15. Hurricane Katrina

Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers take off in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the Army Aviation Support Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, April 12, 2023, headed to Cherry County, Nebraska, to help local first responders and emergency managers battle ongoing wildfires. This was one of two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters sent to battle multiple wildfires throughout the state that morning. The second helicopter went to Jefferson County, Nebraska. In total, 32 Nebraska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen - aviation and ground crews - were called to support wildfire response as of 10:00 a.m. April 12, 2023.

An AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, take off for flight operations during exercise UNITAS LXIII at São Pedro da Aldeia, Brazil, Sept. 11, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th MEU, board a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, prior to a simulated raid during Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 18, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

DF-ST-88-08696. Base: Grafenwoehr Country: West Germany (FRG)

U.S. Soldiers with Echo Company, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade sling load simulated heavy equipment to UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, operated by Soldiers with Alpha Company, 2-14th GSAB.

A North Carolina Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter taxies on the flight line at Wilmington Airport, Wilmington, North Carolina. Base: Wilmington State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

American and Uzbek Special Forces conduct training operations as part of Exercise Southern Strike, April 25, 2021. Southern Strike is an annual training exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard to increase combat readiness across all branches of the U.S. Military.

After a successful "rescue" by Special Forces from Operational Detachment Alpha 954, 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, West Virginia Army National Guard, Kenova, West Virginia, of "captive" aircrew members, an MH-47E Chinook helicopter lands to evacuate them from the "terrorist" camp. The MH-47E is crewed by Company "B," 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The event is part of exercise WHITETAIL 2001. Subject Operation/Series: WHITETAIL 2001 State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fire and Emergency Services Vehicles are parked next to an MV-22 Osprey lands during an aviation mishap drill at Tactical Landing Zone Bladen Lakes, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. The drill is conducted in partnership with local emergency services departments giving them a rare opportunity to participate in a critical training exercise, while testing and evaluating the procedures utilized by Marine Corps Air Station New River in the event of an actual mishap.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE FIELD, Hawaii (July 14, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462) take off from a helicopter landing zone during a multi-national airlift as part of the sea-phase of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Australian Air Force photo by Corporal John Solomon)

An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, participates in a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 joint training exercise. CVW-7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

030822-F-7709W-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-29. Hurricane Katrina

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-97-28. Misc Air Station photo--personnel on ramp with two Chinook helos (3). Hurricane Katrina

Members from the South Carolina Army National Guards 1/151 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, work to move 10 Apache helicopters from the ARNG side of the base to the Air National Guards F-16 hangar. McEntire ANGs F-16s are being flown to an off-site location allowing the space needed for the ARNGs helicopters to be stored in preparation of Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to make landfall in the near future. The South Carolina National Guard stands ready to provide hurricane disaster relief operations to civilian authorities in those areas affected by damaging hurricanes. The SCNG has prepositioned aircraft, equipment, and personnel who are preparing for recovery operations. (National Guard

A CH-47 Chinook, 111th General Support Aviation Battalion, Florida Army National Guard, flies over Lake Margrethe during Northern Strike 22-2, at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 11, 2022. Units visiting Northern Strike regularly use Lake Margrethe to conduct littoral operations

A field of hay bales frames an Iowa Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk as it sling loads a trailer during a U.S. Pathfinder course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 8, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers graduated the course, which was taught by a mobile training team at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia. Army Pathfinders are trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit commanders. During the Pathfinder course, students are instructed in aircraft orientation, aero-medical evacuation, close combat assault, ground to air communication procedures, control center operations, all three phases of a sling load operation, helicopter landing zone and pick up zone operations, and drop zone operations dealing with U.S. military fixed and rotary wing aircraft for personnel and equipment.

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter sits on Muir Army Airfield.

110527-N-1251W-110NEW YORK (May 26, 2011) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 takes off in front of a crowd in Freeport, N.Y., after an explosive ordnance disposal and air demonstration during Fleet Week New York 2011. Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984. It is an opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see first-hand, the capabilities of today's maritime services.

Thai Commandos with the Royal Thai Air Force Special Operations Regiment rehearse movements after fast roping off a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to 2-158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, during fast rope insertion and extraction system (FRIES), Lop Buri, Thailand, Feb. 28, 2024, during the annual Cobra Gold 2024 exercise. Cobra Gold is a positive example of multilateral cooperation and stands in stark contrast to other examples in the region, which challenge the international rules-based order through expansive and assertive security actions. Army

Aviation Training Center - Mobile Aircrew - Aftermath and Rescue - 26-HK-278-170. Hurricane Katrina

Trainees with the Recruit Sustainment Program file away from a Chinook with the Mississippi Army National Guards 185th Theater Aviation Brigade after unloading at a Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center drop zone Nov. 16, 2019. The trainees were participating in Spartan Forge 2019, an exercise hosted by the MSARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion to help prepare them for the rigors of basic training.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, operated by Soldiers with Charlie Company, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade conducts an evening flight at the 28th ECAB's mobilization station.

Two CH-47 Chinooks fly over Campbell Army Airfield to drop off two HMMWVs each during an air assault event for the Super Saturday Air Show on Fort Campbell, Ky., Aug. 11. The air show is one of the main attractions during the annual Week of the Eagles, which celebrates the 101st Airborne Division's 70th anniversary and honors its history of valor.

051003-A-3780B-225. Base: Plaquemines Parish State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. As part of the Medal of Honor events taking place throughout Knoxville this week, several Medal of Honor recipients visited local high schools Wednesday, September 7th. They arrived on Sikorsky black hawk helicopters flown by the Army National Guard.Speaking with the students at Bearden High School were Major General Patrick H. Brady and Sergeant First Class Sammy L. Davis, who both served in the Army during the Vietnam War.After sharing their stories, MG Brady and Sgt. 1st Class Davis departed the school via black hawk.

A scene of Equipment Park is shown Aug. 26, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Equipment Park is inside the installations historic Commemorative Area. The Equipment Park is an outdoor display of historic and present-day equipment representative of the types used on the installation. The design of the park allows for display of 70 pieces of equipment, ranging from helicopters and howitzers to trucks and trailers. The Commemorative Area also consists of five World War II-era buildings set aside to help tell Fort McCoys unique story. These facilities are representative of the types found in the cantonment area when it was constructed in 1942.

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