Helicopter Operations and Training Drills

U.S. military personnel conducting sling load operations and boarding helicopters during training exercises, highlighting teamwork and tactical readiness.

U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron, to board a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk during exercise Jolly Vihar near Pápa Air Base, Hungary, July 15, 2022. The 57th RQS teams conduct day and night personnel recovery operations in combat, as well as provide combatant commanders with options to report, locate, recover and reintegrate isolated personnel. During Jolly Vihar the 57th RQS and 56th RQS trained alongside Hungarian troops to conduct integrated mission training scenarios.

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Division Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct sling load operations during Guardian Response 22 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, May 10, 2022. The helicopter sling load method of carrying cargo and equipment overcomes many of the obstacles that hinder other modes of movement.

U.S. Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, board a UH-60 aircrafts before executing a mission readiness exercise at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Jan. 10, 2023. The exercise was conducted in order to practice realistic training to improve, sustain, and develop standards of procedures safely.

U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron, to board a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk during exercise Jolly Vihar near Pápa Air Base, Hungary, July 15, 2022. The 57th RQS teams conduct day and night personnel recovery operations in combat, as well as provide combatant commanders with options to report, locate, recover and reintegrate isolated personnel. During Jolly Vihar the 57th RQS and 56th RQS trained alongside Hungarian troops to conduct integrated mission training scenarios.

U.S. Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct an external lift during Hide and Seek Exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 27, 2022. Hide and Seek Exercise is a field exercise hosted by 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division that trains participants on signature management, communication, electronic warfare, cyberspace operations and intelligence collection, processing and dissemination in order to enable future operations in a multi-domain contested environment.

Members of HHC 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, Colorado National Guard, practice sling load drills at Northern Strike 19 with Colorado's state partners from King Abdullah II Air Base, Jordan at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., July 22, 2019.Northern Strike 19 is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting service members from more than 20 states, multiple service branches and seven coalition countries during the last two weeks of July 2019 at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, both located in northern Michigan and operated by the Michigan National Guard. The accredited Joint National Training Capability exercise demonstrates the Michigan National Guards ability to provide accessible, readiness-building opportunities for military units from all service branches to achieve and sustain proficiency in conducting mission command, air, sea and ground maneuver integration, together with the synch

POLAND Task Force Saber is currently conducting single-ship Aerial Gunnery in Poland, Tables IV-VI. This is the first time U.S. Army Apache Aerial Gunnery has been conducted on this range. During Aerial Gunnery, Apache crews will engage a number of targets utilizing different weapon systems. The unit incorporated Polish Joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTACs) into their exercise. This training increases the units lethality and readiness with the Polish armed forces.

Alaska Army National Guard Spc. Jessie Fox, an all wheeled vehicle mechanic with E Company, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment from Anchorage, arrives in Toksook Bay, Alaska, via a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, to assist in debris cleanup as part of Operation Merbok Response, Sept. 24, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda O'Neal)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines conduct an airlift of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at a helicopter external lift drill on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 18, 2022. 3/12 regularly conducts airlift training to improve rapid insertion and extraction of equipment, producing lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of operations across a wide range of missions

U.S. Soldiers from the South Carolina National Guards Army Aviation Support Facility at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, prepare to conduct rescue and support operations, during a statewide flood response, Oct. 5, 2015. The South Carolina National Guard has been activated to support state and county emergency management agencies and local first responders as historic flooding impacts counties statewide. Currently, more than 1,100 South Carolina National Guard members have been activated in response to the floods.

Pararescuemen from the 212th Rescue Squadron and members of Baker Company, 3rd Platoon, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), load a casualty into an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter during training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson September 21, 2011. The training focused on quick-care-under-fire and also gave training to Baker Company on how to react when pararescuemen arrive.

U.S. Army Soldiers, 237th Brigade Support Battalion, Cleveland, Ohio, fly over the parade field during a sling load mission at the 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 Wing Support Squadron 172 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct forward arming and refueling point operations at Camp Tokachi, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual 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.

030822-F-7709W-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan Keeny, 45th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tilar Brooks, 45th SFS MWD handler sits in a HH60G Pave Hawk with Debra, 45th SFS MWD on Aug. 23, 2022 at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla. MWD handlers attend several forms of training with their assigned MWD to ensure mission readiness.

Air Force Special Tactics operators from the 125th Special Tactics Squadron conduct fast rope, ladder climbs, and infiltration-exfiltration training on a MH-60 helicopter, assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Nov. 5, 2020 at the Scappoose Industrial Airpark, Scappoose, Ore. This training helps Special Tactics teams maintain readiness and global access skills needed to enter any complex or contested environment.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 12th Combat Aviation Brigade conduct pre-flight checks on an AH-64D Apache longbow helicopter at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 28, 2022. 12th CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work 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.

Soldiers from the 2nd General Support Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Division Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct sling load operations during Guardian Response 22 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, May 10, 2022. The sling load method of aerial delivery has some advantages over other methods of delivery such as the ability to rapidly move heavy, oversized equipment, or emergency supplies directly to the user.

Leadership from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade exit from a U.S. Army CH-47F Chinook helicopter assigned to 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion,12 CAB, at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022. 12 CAB leaders consolidated on Wiesbaden Army Airfield for the Brigade "Winning Matters" Leader Professional Development (LPD) event. Commanders and First Sergeants participated in an LPD followed by the fiscal year 2023 annual training guidance back briefs and long-range training calendar review. This event will help create shared understanding throughout the unit and ultimately foster predictability for both Soldiers and families.

2nd Lt. Brilee Vargason, a Mount Pleasant, Iowa, native and platoon leader assigned to Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, and Staff Sgt. Joshua Pauley, a Madrid, Iowa, native and infantryman assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, IANG, observe as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter sling loads a cargo shipment 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

U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Victoria A. Pierce (left), a flightline mechanic and Sgt. Matthew R. Mawhorr, a crew chief, both with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), check a CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft at Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 10, 2013. The aircraft checks were performed as part of a turnaround inspection.

North Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers ride in a 449th Theater Aviation Brigade Black Hawk helicopter at the Stanley County Regional Airport, New London, North Carolina on June 18, 2020. Soldiers with the 403rd Quartermaster Rigger Support Team and B Company, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, were supported by a Black Hawk helicopter team from the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade to help the units perform static-line, airborne operations.

Soldiers from the United Arab Emirates 11th Mountain Battalion and U.S. Army 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for air movement to a live fire exercise during Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Feb. 19, 2023. United Arab Emirate soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade. UAE Soldiers will train alongside a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

U.S. Army Soldiers, 237th Brigade Support Battalion, Cleveland, Ohio, prepare to lift a load containing IV fluids while conducting 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. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Operator prepares for final checks with CH-47 Chinook crew chiefs in Fort Carson, Colorado, Aug. 23-26, 2022. 10th Special Forces Group conducts a combined exercise with 4/160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) to bring cohesion in communication and sharing information.

The 7th Battalion The Rifles - London and the South's premier Army Reserve Infantry Battalion practice tactical formations during UH-60 Blackhawk familiarization training at Camp Grayling, Michigan, on Aug. 9, 2022. Northern Strike '22 brings 7,400 participants from 19 states and four coalition countries to Northern Michigan to validate the readiness and interoperability of multicomponent, multinational, and interagency partners.

Virginia National Guard flight crews train with Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scuba Rescue Team members on rescue hoist operations Nov. 19, 2020, in Chesterfield, Virginia. Together, the Virginia aviators and Chesterfield first responders form the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, or HART. Their training focused on conducting litter hoists and is part of an ongoing partnership that first began in 2011.

A Royal Dutch Marine with the 32nd Infantry Company runs out from underneath a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion from Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 461 after fast-roping aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 4. The bilateral training allows coalition partners to increase interoperability for seabased operations as a part of Exercise Bold Alligator 2012. This exercise, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine CorpsÄô revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on todayÄôs fight with todayÄôs forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30-Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina.

Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion (Assault Helicopter Battalion), 244th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard perform maintenance on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Jan. 9, 2024. The 244th AHB underwent rigorous pre-mobilization training in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. (Oklahoma National Guard

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is being prepared for refueling during exercise Orient Shield 2022 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Ebino, Japan, Aug. 30, 2022. Orient Shield 2022 is the largest U.S. Army and JGSDF bilateral field training exercise executed in multiple locations throughout Japan to enhance interoperability and test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, load a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, while they conduct an air-insertion during Resolute Dragon 22 on Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 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.

220419-N-OL632-2189 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 19, 2022) Capt. Robert Aguilar, commanding officer of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), left, exits an MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, following his final flight before retirement, April 19, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability as the flagship of the carrier strike group which maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Landing Support Battalion conduct an external lift during an integrated training exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2023. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465 conducted integrated training as a proof of concept for future distributed operations.

U.S. Marines with 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, take off in a Japan Self-Defense Force CH-47JA helicopter in support of Keen Sword 23, on Okinawa, Japan, Nov 11, 2022. U.S. Marines flew to Yonaguni, Japan to participate in Bilateral Ground Tactical Coordination Center operations in support of Keen Sword 23. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

An Alaska Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Troop Command performs a pre-flight inspection on an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk during the 2022 Expeditionary Medical Course at Camp Mad Bull, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, April 21, 2022. The 673d Medical Group partnered with the Army National Guard to support the EMED course through medevac operations.

Soldiers of the New Jersey Army National Guards Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Brigade Combat Team, prepare to mount an incoming UH-60 (Blackhawk) helicopter during the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Fort Drum, New York on July 15, 2022. More than 2,500 Soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

BABADAG TRAINING AREA, Romania-- A MEDEVAC helicopter and crew assigned to C Co, 2-227 GSAB prepare to hoist a simulated casualty during personnel recovery training with the U.K. 140th Expeditionary Air Wing, July 12, 2022.Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

030404-F-2034C-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Members of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) along with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment conduct helo medical hoisting operations for an Ecuadorian Special Forces partner in Manta, Ecuador, May 21, 2022. Ecuadorian military and US forces are conducting routine military exchanges from May 6-27 between the cities of Manta and Latacunga. Bilateral exchanges allow both militaries to strengthen tactical readiness for future operations maintain readiness and support continue commitment in responding to emerging security crises and natural disasters.( U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Matthew Griffith)

Members of a pararescue team leave an HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter to begin a search and rescue mission during Exercise Patriot Coyote. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT COYOTE State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers conduct rappel operations from a UH-60 Black Hawk as part of the Air Assault course Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 8, 2022. Over 200 Soldiers and Airmen participated in a 12-day U.S. Army Air Assault course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling-load operations and rappelling as well as being a test of grit.

U.S. Marines assigned to Maritime Special Purpose Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 (HMH-366), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, during a helocast water insertion training on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard-to-reach areas via bodies of water. This high-risk training prepares the MSPF for the upcoming 26th MEU deployment.

After photographing and videotaping events at the Port-au-Prince Airport, Navy Combat Camera members board a UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter enroute to the USS Mt. Whitney (LCC-20) anchored in the bay of Port-au-Prince during Restore Democracy on 22 Sept 94. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 from the Utah Army National Guard brought in distinguished visitors to visit more than 200 service members across four major commands who participated in a one day exercise held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 8, 2022. The joint force exercise prioritized the concepts of Agile Combat Employment and Multi-Capable Airmen.

An Iowa Army National Guard Soldier holds on to a cable as Soldiers and Airmen prepare to rappel 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.

020131-F-7910D-003. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WHITE Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

U.S. Navy Corpsmen with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force unload a simulated casualty as part of a medical evacuation rehearsal utilizing JSDF UH-1N Twin Huey during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.2 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Aug. 26, 2022. ARTP is an exercise held to strengthen the defense of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

030329-A-1526R-045. Base: Las Lajas State: Chiriqui Country: Panama (PAN)

Soldiers from the 735th Search and Extraction Recon Team carry off a casualty during a MedEvac exercise at Camp Clark, Nevada, Missouri, June 7, 2022. The Missouri National Guard Medevac Team flew in their Black Hawk helicopters to assist in the exercise.

Soldiers from 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) refuel AH-64 apache helicopters at Oxford, MS, during a Large-Scale, Long-Range Air Assault (LLAASLT) 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 FARPs: Millington, TN, Oxford, MS, Monroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

240129-N-LR905-3276LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Jan. 29, 2024) - U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 conduct Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) training in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with Minnesota National Guards 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment as part of Snow Crab Exercise 24-1. SNOWCRABEX is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy EOD and Navy Divers capabilities and equipment in a simulated arctic environment and improve combat effectiveness. Navy EOD and Navy Divers are part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF), enabling the U.S. Navy Fleet by clearing and protecting the battlespace.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 214th Aviation Regiment assist an injured casualty from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Saber Junction 22 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, September 11, 2022. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173d Airborne Brigade to execute unified and operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

Air Force Special Tactics operators from the 125th Special Tactics Squadron conduct fast rope, ladder climbs, and infiltration-exfiltration training on a MH-60 helicopter, assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Nov. 5, 2020 at the Scappoose Industrial Airpark, Scappoose, Ore. This training helps Special Tactics teams maintain readiness and global access skills needed to enter any complex or contested environment.

New Soldiers assigned to the 191st Regional Support Group of the Puerto Rico Army National Guard dismount from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after a flight at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center, Salinas, Puerto Rico, July 12, 2022. The event aims to allow new members and senior leadership to interact in a casual setting while demonstrating to new troops various career paths they can take during their time in service.

Two U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group prepare an HH-60 Pave Hawk for a combat search and rescue exercise in support of Juniper Oak within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 24, 2023. Juniper Oak is a large-scale bilateral multi-domain exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Israeli armed forces contributing to integrated regional security.

040414-A-2822P-016. Base: Fob Speicher State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Following initial treatment by US Air Force Pararescuemen of the 129th Air Rescue Wing, Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California, and Commandos of the Fuerza Aerea de Chile, victims are loaded onto a Chilean UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for trasnport to field medical facilities set up in the Atacama Desert. The mass casualty evacuation, Exercise CHILE TCA 2000, was a joint-nation effort of the California Air National Guard and the Chilean Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: CHILE TCA 2000 Base: Atacama Desert Country: Chile (CHL)

Airmen assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron move cargo to an HH-60 Pave Hawk during an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Torii Station, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. ACE presents layers of operational unpredictability to an adversarys strategic decision making.

U.S. Army Paratroopers and International Paratroopers participate in the International Airborne Leapfest Competition in Exeter, Rhode Island, Aug. 1-10, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-running, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Officer Candidate Deirdre Salvas)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, observe a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, lift a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle off the ground during helicopter support team training at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2022. The HST enables the setup of an expedient landing zone for aircraft, and are able to secure equipment such as JLTVs for pickup. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Joint training exercise with Det 2. 6 Co. 3/238th AVN MEDEVAC, Cox Health and Missouri State Highway Patrol at Hercules Glade Wilderness, Bradleyville, Mo., Oct. 06, 2022. Multiple Missouri departments teamed up to practice life-saving MEDEVAC scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S. Marines assigned to Golf Battery, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, collect supplies during exercise EFES 2022, Izmir, Turkey, May 28, 2022. EFES22 is an international Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between the U.S., Turkey, and allied nations.

Maj. Hans Amen, 341st Medical Group flight surgeon, prepares to rappel out of an UH-N1 Huey during an exercise July 15, 2022 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. During the exercise, the 40th Helicopter Squadron Search and Rescue team provided helicopter support for patient evacuation. They performed hoisting maneuvers with live patients while medical personnel practiced with patient packaging for helicopter transport, including loading and unloading patients from running helicopters.

Members of the 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, offload the first two American HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, that will participate in "Operation Atlas Response" from the front end of a C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft, assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on Mar. 7, 2000. The helicopters are reassembled after their delivery to Hoedspruit Air Force Base, South Africa, and will aid in the distribution of relief supplies and rescue stranded flood victims (Not shown) in neighboring Mozambique. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Hoedspruit Air Force Base Country: South Africa (ZAF)

On Sept. 8, 2022 more than 200 service members across four major commands participated in an agile combat employment exercise at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. 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. The fuel from the HEMTT was then used to fuel UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 from the Utah Army National Guard before departure.

On Sept. 8, 2022 more than 200 service members across four major commands participated in an agile combat employment exercise at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. 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. The fuel from the HEMTT was then used to fuel UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 from the Utah Army National Guard before departure.

Members of the 130th Airlift Wing perform Aeromedical Evacuation drills as part of the week-long joint training exercise Sentry Storm, at McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston, West Virginia, July 21, 2021. Hosted by the West Virginia Air National Guard, Sentry Storm focuses on Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts allowing participants to hone skills needed during real-world operations such as disaster aid and domestic operations. (West Virginia Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force walk towards a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, Virginia, before transport to Naval Air Station Oceana during Bushwhacker 22-07, Nov. 4, 2022. The Chinook and its aircrew made multiple trips a day delivering Airmen and equipment to the various locations of BW 22-07.

U.S. Army squads under FORSCOM (Forces Command) compete for the title of Best Squad during a head-to-head competition at the FORSCOM Best Squad Competition 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 17, 2022. The 32nd AAMDC squad runs perimeter security while waiting on the medical evacuation chopper to safely exit the combat zone. On Day 3 of the competition Soldiers underwent a medical evacuation simulation at the Fort Hood MSTC (Medical Simulation Training Center). The Army is the best trained, best equipped, and most skilled fighting force in the world.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 prepare to fast rope out of a UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 469 during a Fast Rope Masters Course (FRMC) at Landing Zone Sterling, Okinawa, Japan, July 27, 2022. Fast roping allows Marines to enter landing zones that are too dangerous for helicopters to safely land. Fast Rope and Helicopter Rope Suspension Training teaches Marines proper knots and rappelling techniques, and builds confidence for maneuvering from air to ground.

DF-ST-88-03747. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy HH-60H Seahawk helicopter locates the survivor and secures the area for a landing during a survivor extraction exercise in participation with 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)

U.S. Army aircrew members assigned to the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade walk to a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron during joint service hoist training, on July 6, 2022 at an undisclosed location. Joint service training allows for the sharing of best practices for patient and medic extraction and infiltration.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) run from their vehicle after successfully sling loading cargo to a New Jersey National Guard Black Hawk helicopter during joint training at Coyle Drop Zone, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 29, 2016.

An Iowa Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter picks up a historic F-80 fighter jet from the Air National Guard paint facility in Sioux City, Iowa on April 11, 2023. The helicopter from the Iowa NG B/171 Aviation Regiment based in Davenport, is bringing the jet back to Camp Dodge to be placed on static display. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, attach a HIMARS launcher pod container to a CH-53E Super Stallion during a helicopter support team training event at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. Landing Support Platoon, with CLB-22, conducted these external lift operations with a helicopter support team to improve their skills and ability to execute potential contingency missions in support of 2nd Marine Division and II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Soldiers assigned to Apex Company, 63rd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 35th Signal Corps Brigade partnered with Soldiers From the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade to air insert two Terrestrial Transmission Line Of Sight radios (TRILOS) on June 7, 2022. During their training, Apex Company Soldiers conducted platoon validations on Command Post Nodes (CPN), Joint Network Nodes (JNN), and TRILOS to test their expeditionary signal communications and further support XVIII Airborne Corps and all its mission command systems. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Maxine Baen)

Pararescuemen assigned to the 347th Rescue Group, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., rescue a simulated survivor during the U.S. Air Force Weapons School April 28, 2014, at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho. The Air Force Weapons School encompasses 18 squadrons, teaching 24 weapons instructor courses and 30 combat specialties at eight locations.

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief from the 126th Aviation Regiment, Vermont Army National Guard, signals to members to board during the 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guards exercise Eagle Claw, a readiness exercise, June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Vermont Guardsmen conducted essential aeromedical evacuation training in conjunction with the 104FWs readiness exercise to simulate real-world evacuations to prepare both units to face real-world operations and challenges.

020426-F-2326L-009. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT RESOLVE 26 Base: Trebinje Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

060228-A-1211S-168. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Normandy State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

240129-N-LR905-3259LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Jan. 29, 2024) - U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 conduct Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) training in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with Minnesota National Guards 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment as part of Snow Crab Exercise 24-1. SNOWCRABEX is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy EOD and Navy Divers capabilities and equipment in a simulated arctic environment and improve combat effectiveness. Navy EOD and Navy Divers are part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF), enabling the U.S. Navy Fleet by clearing and protecting the battlespace.

011203-F-0365G-024. Base: Sato Cano Country: Honduras (HND)

Members of a combat camera crew videotape members of the 101st Airborne Division Airmobile team as they unload field gear from a CH-47D Chinook 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)

Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment FIRST STRIKE, 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) observe a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion 227th Aviation Regiment BLACKCATS as it moves a High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) during elevator drills on July 25, 2022, at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. . As we have for the last 80 years, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stands ready to deploy anywhere to support and defend the Nation and our Allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE.)

A U.S. Army Soldier from 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, watches the CH-47 Chinook before flying to Oahu from Pohakuloa Training Grounds, Hawaii, Nov. 7, 2022. Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01 is a realistic training rotation that allows us to rehearse strategic movement, and train in unique environments and conditions where they are most likely to be employed in the event of crisis or conflict.

Members of the 42nd Aerial Port Squadron, USAFR, Westover Massachusetts, load a UH-60 Black hawk on to a C-5 Galaxy. The helicopter was used in support of US Army operations in Iceland during exercise NORTHERN VIKING '95. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN VIKING '95 Base: Naval Air Station, Keflavik Country: Iceland (ISL)

Alaska Army National Guard Spc. Tristan John, from Kwigillingok and an infantryman with B Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, travels to Tununak, via a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, to assist in site assessment and debris cleanup as part of Operation Merbok Response, Sept. 22, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. (Alaska National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Kelly Willett)

The 7th Battalion The Rifles - London and the South's premier British Army Reserve Infantry Battalion take photos of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in flight during aircraft familiarization training for Northern Strike '22, at Camp Grayling, Michigan, on Aug. 9, 2022. Northern Strike '22 brings 7,400 participants from 19 states and four coalition countries to Northern Michigan to validate the readiness and interoperability of multicomponent, multinational, and interagency partners.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 21st Theater Sustainment Command, prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a MEDEVAC UH-60 Black Hawk during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022. Teams across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winners of this competition will advance to represent U.S. Army Europe and Africa at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

Members of the 54th helicopter squadron survey the missile field around Minot Air Force base, April 18, 2022. The helicopter squadron plays a vital role in maintaining the safety of our missile fields. (

Marines move inland after disembarking from a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165) CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter during the joint South Korea/U.S. exercise Valiant Blitz '91. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT BLITZ '91 Base: Pohang Country: South Korea

041220-F-2034C-040. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Charles Kirk, a standardization instructor with the 1-169th Aviation, and Staff Sgt. Allan Brookshire, a flight engineer with the 1-169th Aviation, perform preventative maintenance procedures on the CH-47 Chinook at Hammond North Shore Regional Airport, Hammond, LA, Sept. 1, 2023. The flight crew prepares to depart for Alexandria, LA to help suppress wildfires in the Alexandria region.

060430-A-6365W-063. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

From left, 2nd Lt. Rachael Rakocy, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Allison Moser, Warrant Officer Brittany Swartzwelder, 1st Lt. Marley Golato and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Heather Oglesby, helicopter pilots with the Pennsylvania National Guard, walk on Muir Army Airfield.

September 16, 2010 - A Polish special operations forces member fast-ropes from a Lithuanian Mi-8 helicopter in Klaipeda, Lithuania, during Jackal Stone 10.

U.S. Army and Air Force members from the 126th Aviation Regiment, Vermont Army National Guard and 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard, carry a simulated casualty away from a medical UH-60 Black Hawk during exercise Eagle Claw, a readiness exercise, June 11, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Vermont Guardsmen conducted essential aeromedical evacuation training in conjunction with the 104FWs readiness exercise to simulate real-world evacuations to prepare both units to face real-world operations and challenges.

Students at the Center for Naval Aviation Technician Training Detachment conduct maintenance training on a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 24, 2022. CNATT instructors trained with servicemen of the Czech Air Force on aviation mechanics to expand their knowledge on various technical skills.

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