Helicopter Operations

Action shots of military helicopters in various operations, including transport, training exercises, and tactical missions.

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA-267), prepares to land during Summer Fury 22 at Fort Irwin, California, on August 03, 2022. By operating out of forward aviation nodes, HMLA-267 demonstrated expeditionary capabilities in an austere environment. Summer Fury 22 is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action.

030330-M-8539K-025. Base: Al Qadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Mar Div DM

A left side view of a CH-53C Super Jolly helicopter from the 601st Tactical Air Support Squadron, as it lands to offload equipment during Exercise UREX '82. Another CH-53C approaches for its landing on the background. Subject Operation/Series: UREX '82 Base: Gruenstadt Army Compound Country: West Germany (FRG)

CAP DRAA, MOROCCO (April 12, 2012) An MH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced) transports supplies to a training camp at Cap Draa, Morocco. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU), embarked aboard aboard ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deployed participating in Exercise African Lion 2012, a bi-lateral exercise between U.S. and Moroccan forces in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 take off after delivering Marines and Canadian soldiers as part of a noncombatant evacuation operation during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2012 at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 26, 2012. From June 29 to Aug. 3, more than 25,000 military personnel from 22 nations, 200 aircraft and 40 ships and submarines are participating in RIMPAC. The world's largest international maritime exercise, the 23rd in the series that began in 1971, is held biennially in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise fosters training, interoperability and improved relations between countries providing security in sea lanes and oceans around the world.

A U.S. Army Boeing AH-64E Apache, supporting Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), conducts close air support during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, at Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 28, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

030426-F-6655M-001. Base: Camp Loki State: Abril Country: Iraq (IRQ)

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) staff conduct sling load operations and a 6 mile ruck march at a forward operating site in Romania on Oct. 26, 2022. The purpose of the exercise was to increase the knowledge and appreciation for air assault operations and build camaraderie amongst the staff. The United States 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 MAJ Brett Sullenger, 2nd Brigade Combat Team "STRIKE" Public Affairs Officer)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA-267), prepares to land during Summer Fury 22 at Fort Irwin, California, on August 03, 2022. By operating out of forward aviation nodes, HMLA-267 demonstrated expeditionary capabilities in an austere environment. Summer Fury 22 is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action.

040330-F-7823A-004. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

041028-F-2034C-009. Base: Forward Operating Base Mackenzie State: Samarra Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030109-N-5319A-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Manama Country: Bahrain (BHR)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, stand by for a UH-1Y Venom to land during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at K-9 Village, Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, April 2, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

041209-M-5607G-016. Base: Starlight Training Site State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MH-53H Multi-Mission Helicopter

DA-SC-87-04696. Subject Operation/Series: ORIENT SHIELD '85 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, insert via an MV-22 Osprey during exercise Mjolnir Strike on Atlantic Airfield, North Carolina, June 27, 2023. Exercise Mjolnir Strike 3-23 is a fire support-focused training opportunity for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Joint Fires Observers across II MEF to increase proficiency while incorporating multiple fire support capabilities, such as ground-based indirect fires and close air support.

U.S. Army AH-64D Apache” attack helicopters, assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, participate in a training exercise with partner nations to demonstrate the capabilities of multinational armies working together simultaneously in a combined arms live-fire mission during African Lion 22, June 28, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperadurbility among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Commandant Thomas H. Collins and President George W. Bush Visit - 26-HK-304-47. Hurricane Katrina

A UH-60 Black Hawk, assigned to 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, prepares to carry an M119A3 Howitzer during Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 11, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge training audiences with multiple forms of convergence that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

BALABAC STRAIT (Jan. 29, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) during routine flight operations, Jan. 29. Portland, part of the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 11th MEU, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with alliances and partners and serve as a ready response force to ensure maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick Katz)

A Bolivian UH-1 Iroquois helicopter lands during the joint Bolivia/U.S. exercise Fuerzas Unidas. Base: Reyes Country: Bolivia (BOL)

ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 8, 2016) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) remove the chocks and chains from an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, right, assigned to the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74. Ike and its Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

031007-M-2900S-208. Base: Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A. U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter takes on troops during Operation Provide Comfort. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Silopi Country: Turkey(TUR)

011103-M-2343V-016. Base: Mcb, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), lift Cpl. Jacob Dinwiddie, a UH-1Y Venom weapons and tactics instructor, and U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Ryan Grant, a departmental leading chief petty officer with Helicopter Sea Squadron 3, during Steel Knight 23, on Imperial Beach, California, Nov. 29, 2022. The exercise provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Dinwiddie is a native of Indianapolis.

Members of the Idaho Army National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment conducted air medical evacuation and casualty treatment, along with members of Detachment 1, Company Golf, 1st of the 168th General Support Aviation Battalion at the Orchard Combat Training Center, May 17.

A CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter lands at Patrol Base (PB) Boldak, Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 21, 2013. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Walter L. Miller, Jr., commanding general of Regional Command (Southwest), and other staff traveled to PB Boldak to tour facilities and meet Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.

070305-M-7404B-273. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: HMLA-167

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 perform 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.

Troopers from 1-227th Aviation, Task Force Attack, depart a CH-47 Chinook during the unit's winter Spur Ride. The Spur Ride is a tradition which dates back to the beginning of the U.S. Cavalry, where cavalry Troopers prove their tactical and technical skills, leadership, and teamwork over several days to earn the right to wear silver cavalry spurs.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 helicopters with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, prepares to land during a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) operation with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), during a field exercise at Ft. Stewart, Georgia, Nov. 1, 2022. A FARP is a temporary site where aircraft can be refueled and armed, allowing for sustained operations closer to the area of operation. The field exercise consisted of FARP operations, ranges, Base Recovery After Attack exercise and many other elements that prepare and allow 2nd MAW to forward deploy and engage anytime and anywhere, at a moments notice.

030703-F-5586B-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Service members from the Peace Vanguard Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Arizona Army National Guard trained together July 21 through August 29, 2022 at the Idaho National Guards Orchard Combat Training Center, completing day and night AH-64 Apache aerial gunnery operations. While at the OCTC, Peace Vanguard pilots and crews trained on several ranges for air-to-ground and air-to-air qualifications, including the Digital Air Ground Integrated Range. The DAGIR is one of three in the U.S. Army and allows air and ground units to train together while receiving accurate and real-time feedback on their performance.

DN-ST-85-07156. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '83 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A HH-60 Blackhawk, C CO, 2-4 GSAB, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, provides support of the Jack L. Clark Jr., Army Best Medic Competition at Fort Hood, Texas 27 Jan.

Soldiers with Echo Company, 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade perform a hot refuel on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, operated by Soldiers with Bravo Company, 3-227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1ACB at a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) during Exercise Swift Response, Pepelishte, North Macedonia, May 12, 2022. A hot refuel is when an aircraft receives fuel while the engines and rotors are running. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. It aims to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnerships.

MH-60 Pave Hawk, a special operations variant of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

The Idaho National Guards 1st of the 183rd Aviation Regiment conducted Operation Infinite Crisis training on June 16, 2022 outside of Gowen Field at the Orchard Combat Training Center. The training missions entailed air assault, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC, downed aircraft recovery training and command post operations.

The Medical Evacuation Crew from G Company 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion conducts standard preflight checks before assuming medical evacuation coverage. The crew supports the units participating in annual training by flying over Fort Chaffee checking units' locations, training areas, firing ranges, and potentially hazardous areas; the information gathered is then cross-referenced with their area maps. By conducting these daily flights, the crew can stay prepared to aid during natural disasters or instances where individuals are injured in rural, hard-to-reach areas.

DF-ST-86-12552. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Rescue group scans the desert during a combat search and rescue and personnel recovery agile combat employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, special warfare airmen, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by working as a rescue triad consisting of HH-60s, HC-130s, and Pararescue forces in unison to rescue isolated personnel in a hostile environment.

A left side view of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in use during the US/Honduras training Exercise AHUAS TARA II (BIG PINE). Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TARA II (BIG PINE) Country: Honduras (HND)

Targeting a refueling donut of the drogue from a hose line, a MH-53J Pavelow helicopter moves into position for an aerial refueling mission with an MC-130E Combat Talon. The helicopter and crew are from the 16th Special Operations Wing deployed to the Joint Special Operations Aviation Component South at a classified location in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AFSOC

U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron perform helicopter aerial refueling operations at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, special warfare airmen, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by working as a rescue triad consisting of HH-60s, HC-130s, and Pararescue forces in unison to rescue isolated personnel in a hostile environment.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) CH-46E Sea Knight Search And Rescue (SAR) helicopter lands at a refueling site on Expeditionary Airfield Station (EAS) Joe Foss, Kuwait. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT)

An Airman assigned to the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue Wing prepares to fast rope from a hovering HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter while tactical vehicles secure the area during a capabilities demonstration conducted for Army General Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, during a visit to the 106th at Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York on Nov, 5, 2022. The 106th Rescue Wing Airmen are trained to conduct search and rescue missions in combat environments. ( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Major Michael OHagan)

Four Australian Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters come in to land during the joint Australian/U.S. exercise Kangaroo '89. Subject Operation/Series: KANGAROO '89 State: Northern Territory Country: Australia (AUS)

Two CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters prepare to take off after unloading 23 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment Marines during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise in the Combat Center training areas July 9, 2012. Marines with 2/25 are currently training at the Combat Center as part of Large Scale Exercise 1/Javelin Thrust 2012.

030423-A-XXXXX-6533. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

An Mh-60S Knighthawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 flies a daytime familiarization flight during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 21, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (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.

DN-ST-89-01469. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK Country: Norway (NOR)

040610-M-7514K-087. Base: Al Walbde Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Navy Sea Bees

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct sling load operations with a CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 2-501st General Support Aviation Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, on Oct. 10, 2022, at Petrochori Training Area, Greece. The United States 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 Capt. Samuel Taylor.)

Airmen from the 103rd Logistics Readiness Squadron load cargo onto C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Exercise Sentry Storm at Camp Branch, West Virginia, July 22, 2021. Sentry Storm is a joint training environment enabling participants to exercise their skills to prevail over near-peer competitors while applying Agile Combat Employment concepts.

A UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter transporting simulated casualties lands during a mock casualty exercise taking place during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

A U.S. Army Boeing CH-47 Chinook prepares to drop a M777 towed 155 mm howitzer and disembark U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division during exercise Rolling Thunder on Fort Drum, New York, March 27, 2023. This exercise is a live-fire artillery event that tested the 10th Marine Regiments ability to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

A UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter of the 17th Combat Aviation Company, 25th Aviation Brigade, delivers members of the 1ST Battalion, 5th Infantry, and the 1ST Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division during bilateral training exercise Orient Shield. Subject Operation/Series: ORIENT SHIELD Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN)

Soldiers from the Vilseck, Germany based Iron Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment dismount a Georgia Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk from the Marietta based 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment at the Vaziani Training Area, on Aug. 1, 2018 during an air assault exercise at Noble Partner 18. Noble Partner 18 incorporates Soldiers and militaries from 13 countries and provides allied and partner countries ready and postured forces while contributing to a stable and secure environment in the Black Sea region. U.S. Army National Guard

A U.S. Marine Corps Bell AH-1 Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, flies over U.S. Marines during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) defense training event at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 26, 2022. A FARP serves a critical logistics function ensuring rapid access to weapons and fuel.

The HIP participates as Enemy Forces during a survivor extraction exercise during DESERT RESCUE IX. Desert Rescue is the premiere Search And Rescue (SAR) training exercise involving Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine personnel. It is conducted at the ranges of Fallon Naval Air Station, Nevada. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220722-A-LY216-1001 BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) Multinational Special Operations Forces infiltrate a compound using an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter during training for 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.

Soldiers of the 4th Bn., 87th Inf., 25th Inf. Div. (Light), form a hasty defensive line beside a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from Co. A, 53rd Aviation Bn., 25th Inf. Div. (Light), during the joint Australian/U.S. exercise Kangaroo '89. Subject Operation/Series: KANGAROO '89 Base: Katherine Country: Australia (AUS)

Several UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters, from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, hover gracefully over the treeline at Donnelly drop zone during the start of an air assault. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 96 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

November 20, 2005 - Resident soldiers and sailors in Harar, Ethiopia, help pile boxes of food and water, which is being off-loaded from a Marine CH-53E helicopter.

Soldiers from Charlie Company, 101st Division Special Troops Batallion, 101st Airborne Division struggle against the wind to keep their footing while a Chinook overhead sling-loads a humvee and a Joint Networks Node system from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, to another base, Oct. 16.

DA-SC-90-00082. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two AH-1 Cobra helicopters face each other while hovering at low altitude during joint Air Force and US Readiness Command training exercise Brave Shield XIX. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. 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.

DF-ST-85-12002. Subject Operation/Series: FUERZAS UNIDAS Base: Salinas Country: Ecuador (ECU)

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced) kicks up dust and sand while landing during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) exercise in Djibouti, Africa, Sept. 24, 2010. 26th MEU continues to support relief operations in Pakistan and is also serving as the theater reserve force as elements of the MEU conduct training and planned exercises.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing transports Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines to a landing zone during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 27, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), conduct Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction (FRIES) training out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to 2-158 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 18, 2022.

Left front view of an AH-64 Apache helicopter at Chick Do Island. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An HH-53H Pave Low III helicopter from the 20th Special Operations Squadron practices touch and go landings. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Troops move toward a UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter while participating in an air assault exercise during BRIGHT STAR '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Base: Cairo West Air Base State: Al Qahirah Country: Egypt (EGY)

Straight on shot of two US Marine AH-1 "Cobra" helicopters on the ground, being refueled by a KC-130 (not shown). All aircraft are from VMGR-352, El Toro, Marine Corps Air Station, California. The refueling allows the helicopters to return to escorting a food convoy (not shown) and preventing them from being robbed or harassed by Somali bandits. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Belet Huen Country: Somalia (SOM)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 from McChord Air Force Base, Wa. lands at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan 18, 2010. Department of Defense assets have been deployed to assist in the Haiti relief effort following a magnitude 7 earthquake that hit the city on Jan. 12, 2010.

Members of a combat camera crew walk past an AH-1 Cobra helicopter during Operation Sand Eagle '88. Subject Operation/Series: SAND EAGLE '88 Base: Mcdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An AH-64D Apache helicopter from Task Force Guns, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry division comes in for a landing at the flightline here Jan. 11.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes flight during tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP) training in Syndalen, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022. The TRAP mission was part of a bilateral exercise between the Finnish military and the 22nd MEU. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interest.

DN-ST-88-03678. Base: Morris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASAs Protective Services Training Academy at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a helicopter hovers above members of the Emergency Response Team, or ERT, as they participate in specialized training simulations. They are wearing full protective gear and carrying non-lethal firearms for the training exercises in order to keep their skills current.Recently, eight members of the ERT competed in the 31st Annual SWAT Roundup International competition in Orlando, Fla., and received recognition by placing in the top five overall. In keeping with NASAs commitment to safety and security of workforce and assets, the ERT is part of Kennedys security team and is trained to respond in the event of an emergency at the center.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 56th Rescue Squadron, Keflavik NAS, Iceland flies a rescue mission over Iceland. The mission is to find and extract an injured Marine from a hostile area and fly him back to the hospital at Keflavik, NAS. The mission is part of the exercise NORTHERN VIKING '95, an exercise to test the plans of the defense of Iceland should the country ever be attacked. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN VIKING '95 Base: Naval Air Station, Keflavik Country: Iceland (ISL)

040116-F-0381R-002. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH) Scene Major Command Shown: SFOR

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 2, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Tasad Townsend, from Marion, S.C., assigned to amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) directs a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 to ascend during flight quarters, April 2. John P. Murtha is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

March 7, 2011 - A U.S. Army RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle sits on the flight line before takeoff at Hurlburt Field, Florida, during Emerald Warrior 2011.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard and guest aviators arrive to McEntire Joint National Guard Base and perform rehearsal operations in preparation for the South Carolina National Guard Air and Ground Expo, May 04, 2017, Eastover, S.C. The event includes civilian and military performers, aircrafts on static display, and a combined-arms demonstration showcasing some of the tactical capabilities of the South Carolina National Guard and its equipment.

Silhouette of Hellenic Air Force search and rescue helicopters.

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM-162) Reinforced, receives fuel from a CH-53 Super Stallion using air-delivered ground refueling during Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX) I at Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, Dec. 13, 2022. Marines with VMM-162 conducted flight operations heading to a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) during MEUEX I. FARPs are designed to supply fuel and ordnance necessary during helicopter and fixed-wing operations.

Wisconsin National Guard members exit a Blackhawk helicopter during a training event May 17, 2022 at Fort McCoy, Wis. Audacious Warrior is an explosive ordnance disposal exercise with participation from Airmen, Marines, and Soldiers from a range of units and career fields.

A MV-22 Osprey refuels midflight while another waits its turn.

July 28, 2009 - A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter lands to deliver supplies at Patrol Base Jaker, Afghanistan.

military helicopter in mountains at war military helicopter in mountains at war Copyright: xZoonar.com/StanislavxRishnyakx 17880261

Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division prepare an M-102 105mm howitzer for firing as a UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter comes in for a landing during Operation Golden Pheasant. Subject Operation/Series: GOLDEN PHEASANT Base: Tamara Country: Honduras (HND)

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