Helicopter Operations Training

Images of military personnel in training exercises involving helicopters, showcasing various aircraft and teamwork during operations.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jordan Simpson (Front, Right) and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lamar Greene (Back, Right), UH-60 Black Hawk pilots in 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division prepare for aerial gunnery at Douthit Gunnery Complex, Fort Riley, Kansas, August 1st 2022. Aerial gunnery tables develop and test the proficiency of individual, crew, and unit gunnery techniques at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to take off for a flight to the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during exercise Steel Knight 23, onMarine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 5, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Forceand fleet maneuver.

U.S. Army Paratroopers participate in an airborne jump from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters into Sicily Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 28, 2022. Many paratroopers participating in the jump are a part of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps (JAG) and come together every year to celebrate Law Day, a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law.

Australian soldiers Lt. Jack McAntee (right) and Sgt. Matthew Dinon (left), 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, observes the mounting procedures into the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for their joint training rehearsal as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 8, 2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military, Indonesia National Armed Forces, has now expanded to a multinational exercise encompassing 14 Nations. This exercise reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and other regional partners reinforcing joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

Fort Drum, N.Y. - 10th Mountain Division Light Fighter School trainers ensure the safety of the helicopter prior to the rappel component of an Air Assault School training course on Fort Drum, New York, April 28, 2022. Its the job of the Light Fighter School training staff to not only teach the course, but also ensure the safety of all trainees during each component and event.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jordan Simpson (Front, Right) and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lamar Greene (Back, Right), UH-60 Black Hawk pilots in 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division prepare for aerial gunnery at Douthit Gunnery Complex, Fort Riley, Kansas, August 1st 2022. Aerial gunnery tables develop and test the proficiency of individual, crew, and unit gunnery techniques at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Air Force Rescue Crew

CCAD prepares for final test of UH60 Blackhawk.

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.

U.S. Soldiers observe as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter sling loads a military vehicle 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.

U.S. Soldiers observe as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter sling loads a military vehicle 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.

Members of the 157th Force Support Squadron take an incentive flight during a week of training at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire Aug. 9, 2022. The joint operation was coordinated with New Hampshire Army National Guard UH-60 Aircrew and the 157th Family and Airmen Readiness Coordinator.

Helicopters, operated by Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, receive fuel before a flight mission in the 28th ECAB's area of operations in the Middle East.

220726-N-XH769-1152 ATLANTIC OCEAN - A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter, attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, prepares for takeoff during flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) July 26, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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 interests.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Army aviators from 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia National Guard, conduct sling load training for non-aviation Soldiers at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Aug. 8, 2022. Liaison Monitoring Team Soldiers from Kosovo Forces Regional Command East underwent the training in order to learn how to safely conduct sling load operations, allowing for the rapid insertion of supplies and equipment even in the most remote of locations.

Two Army Petroleum Supply Specialists with the 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion out of Wiesbaden, Germany fuel an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter at a Forward Arming and Refueling Point that was just set up moments before the aircrafts arrival during Saber Junction 22. 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 land 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.

A helicopter support team member and a radio operator watch as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466) comes in to land in a field during Exercise Gallant Eagle '88. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '88 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers assigned to 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade refuel, rearm, and repair AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and other vehicles at the Forward Arming and Refueling Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Oct. 20, 2022.

070305-M-7404B-234. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: HMLA-167

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Central Command exits a chinook during the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition, at Fort Hood, Texas, August 16, 2022. The Best Squad Competition promotes esprit-de-corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to Army Values and embody the Warrior Ethos.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, gives a signal during fast rope training aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 5, 2022. Fast roping allows for fast inserts in a contested area. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marines with Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Divison, Marine Forces Reserve, exit a CH-47 Chinook during exercise Gunslinger 22 in Riley, Kansas, June 22, 2022. Gunslinger 22 is a joint exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps designed to increase aircraft control and training for potential real-world contingencies.

060507-A-6365W-141. Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., boards a UH-60 Blawkhawk Helicopter in Sharana, Afghanistan, Oct. 11, 2010. Casey traveled to Afghanistan so he could visit deployed Soldiers and meet with ISAF leadership throughout the various regions.

A group of U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers from A Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, prepare a AH-64 Apache for takeoff during a proof of concept exercise at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, April 29, 2022. The exercise was a part of Southern Strike, a special operations-centric exercise that promotes interoperability between special forces, conventional ground forces, and air assets in order to ensure the U.S. military stays relevant and ready to respond to a peer-to-peer, large-scale combat operation.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Basan, from Miami, Florida, left, a crew chief and instructor for Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), refuels a UH-1Y Venom during a joint air-to-ground missile testing near Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California, Oct. 19, 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.

030303-F-1404F-008. Base: Krtsanisi Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO) Scene Major Command Shown: EUCOM

US Military Personnel assigned to the Chemical Biological Intelligence Survey (CBIS) Team, prepare to board a US Army (USA) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. The Team will investigate suspected chemical agents found on a chicken farm 10-kilometers Northeast of Fallujah, Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Victory, Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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, prepares to conduct an external lift as part of 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.

Arizona Army National Guard combat medics with the 996th Area Support Medical Company, transport their simulated patient on a litter to an awaiting UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter crewed by Soldiers from the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, during a medevac exercise, April 23, 2022, at Florence Military Reservation, in Florence, Ariz. The patient, a high-fidelity human simulator, was then flown to HonorHeath Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center and transferred to medical staff who were standing by. This joint military/civilian exercise between the Arizona National Guard and HonorHeath Military Partnership program, provided Soldiers and civilian medical personnel the unique opportunity to interact and train on casualty medevac with a UH-60 Black Hawk. (Arizona Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian A. Barbour)

Soldiers from of Battery C, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, take up defensive positions after exiting a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a downed aircraft training exercise at Camp Taji, Iraq. The Soldiers have completed other classes that 1st Air Cavalry Brigade have held, including aircraft orientation and familiarization, in order to become proficient at responding to a downed aircraft situation, said Lake Arrowhead, Calif., native Capt. Jeorge King, an AH-64D Apache helicopter pilot and commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st ACB, 1st Cavalry Division.

041210-M-9529D-011. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

041117-F-1646R-006. Base: Maniago State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 52nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron waves to be hoisted up into a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk, assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, during a joint service hoist training with U.S. Army Medical Evacuation aircrew members assigned to the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade 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 paratroopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 173 Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) conduct training in preparation for Air Assault operations during Exercise Swift Response.Exercise Swift Response 19 is an annual U.S. Army Europe led multinational airborne exercise being conducted in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania with participating armed forces from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Swift Response provides a vital joint training opportunity that allows command and control of complex operations from dispersed locations while ensuring that participating forces work together seamlessly to bring the full weight of the joint and combined team to bear - wherever and whenever needed - to defend against regional aggression.

SGT. Frederick McMullen, US Army, prepares for the start of his UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter before flying a mission over Turkey in support of the operation. This operation is a security mission to enforce the United Nations no-fly zone north of the 36 degree parallel from Iraqi air and ground incursion. A four nation coalition of US, Turkey, Great Britain and France has been actively protecting and supplying Kurdish refugees since Desert Storm in 1991.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Naval Aircrewman (helicopter) 1st Class Troy Roomes, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic (HSCWSL), acts as Crew Chief during HSC-5's Combat Search and Rescue training at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 22, 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.

U.S. Army Air Crewman And Blackhawk Helicopter at a Base in Afghanistan's Eastern Kunar Province

Royal Thai Armed Forces line up to move equipment off a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division after landing, during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise 23-01 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Oct. 29, 2022. Americas oldest treaty ally in Southeast Asia arrived at PTA for JPMRC, the first combat training center for the Indo-Pacific region.

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion in the dark hours of the early morning on March 31, 2022, to conduct tactical air insertion missions. By using the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to provide movement of ground-based Soldiers, it allowed the Soldiers to seize and secure terrain on a simulated village located within the Orchard Combat Training Center. Soldiers used night vision goggles to maneuver through the darkness. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

Soldiers from 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment grab their gear in preparation for mounting in the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for their joint training rehearsal as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 8, 2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military, Indonesia National Armed Forces, has now expanded to a multinational exercise encompassing 14 Nations. This exercise reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and other regional partners reinforcing joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

061001-A-2098S-004. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3RD ID

030818-M-2375M-513. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE LIBERIA Base: Roberts International Airport Country: Liberia (LBR)

060430-A-6365W-058. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 9th Squadron Blue Platoon run from UH-60 Blackhawk to pull security providing cover for a simulated casualty while being airlifted to saftey August 18, 2022. The Best Squad Competition reinforces fundamental Soldier skills and squad level tactics.

Corporal (CPL) Alvin Hicks, of Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373rd bulk fuels section, refuels an AH-1W Cobra helicopter gunship from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) at a forward aircraft refueling point on Jalibah Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Jalibah Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Soldiers hook up a trailer to an Iowa Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk during a sling load exercise as part of 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.

060109-A-6365W-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

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)

050417-N-6501M-024. Base: Fob Hotel, Najaf Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Connor Donofrio, left, an aircraft ordnance technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, closes the hatch of an AH-1W Super Cobra, piloted by Capt. Garrett Conlon, middle, and Maj. David Goodrich, during a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 04, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming an aircraft outside of a forward operating base. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Right side front view, medium shot of US Army Kiowa OH-58 helicopter as two ground crew members of Pegasus Troop, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) (Back to camera), prepares the helicopter for a training mission on one of Fort Carson's many ranges. Base: Fort Carson State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070126-A-9307C-025. Base: Camp Blessing Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

1st Air Cavalry Brigade conducts battalion-sized air assault training operation with the Italian Paratrooper Brigade "FOLGORE" during Swift Response 2022, Skopje, North Macedonia, May 17, 2022. 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.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) U.S Marines assigned with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7 (MAGTF-7), board a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, MAGTF-7, during helicopter cast training 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 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 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.

Fort Drum, N.Y. - 10th Mountain Division Light Fighter School trainers ensure the safety of the helicopter prior to the rappel component of an Air Assault School training course on Fort Drum, New York, April 28, 2022. Its the job of the Light Fighter School training staff to not only teach the course, but also ensure the safety of all trainees during each component and event.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, egress away from 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.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division conduct Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations on February 21, 2024. FARP provides fuel and ordnance necessary for fixed-wing operations. Army

060425-A-7969G-018. Subject Operation/Series: SWIFT SWORD Base: Sukariya State: Salah Ah Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AB DIVISION

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 24th Special Operations Wing perform hoist training over Long Lake in Spokane, Washington, Oct. 6, 2022. Fairchild provided the UH-1N Huey for special tactics airman to receive their alternate insertion and extraction master certification.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacqulyn Miller, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, walks away from 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.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Schneider, squad leader of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa (SETAF) squad, prepares to tactically move away from the medical evacuation helicopter with Spc. Sebastian Poynter during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad competition, Grafenwohr, Germany, Aug. 11, 2022. Teams from across USAREUR-AF 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 USAREUR-AF at the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, North Carolina later this year.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit climb into a simulated downed aircraft to recover a simulated casualty during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 25, 2022. The TRAP course develops the Marines proficiency in recovery operations, enabling rapid, efficient, and safe recovery of personnel and equipment when necessary while forward deployed in the Indo Pacific region.

Soldiers from 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment assist Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment to conduct an air assault training exercise, May 24, 2022, on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. The exercise provided an opportunity for 1-36 Infantry to validate their air assault capabilities.

060111-A-5745M-083. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Shakaria Village Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST ABN DIV

Sailors assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 perform a Functional Check Flight on an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 14, 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.

NAVAL BASE GUAM, Santa Rita, Guam (Feb. 14, 2023) Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Sailors, operating under Commander, Task Force 75 and Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, conduct a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) evolution during Cope North 2023 at Naval Base Guam, Feb. 14, 2023. The multilateral training event brings togetherapproximately 1,000 U.S. Airmen, Marines, and Sailors alongside 1,000 combined Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and French Air and Space Force service members. Exercises like Cope North enhance interoperability among multiple mission areas, and focus on trilateral airborne integration, large-force employment, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, based in New Jersey, unload a AH-1Z Viper helicopter during Southern Strike 2022 at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, April 22, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint and international combat exercise, which features counter insurgency, close air support, non-combatant evacuations, and maritime special operations.

Marines with Company E, Battalion Landing Team 2/4 run twords a CH-46 helicopter after completing a long range helicopter raid at 29 Palms July 8. The raid initially began aboard the USS Monhomme Richard as part of the 11th Marine Expeditianary Unit's pre-deployment training.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct maintenance on a UH-1Y Venom during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 20, 2022. Routine aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the aircraft is operating within optimal flight conditions.

Armed with an FNMI 5.56mm M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), US Marine Corps (USMC) Private First Class (PFC) Thomas Edmonson provides security for a CH-46 Sea Knight landing for fuel at a Forward Air Refueling Point (FARP), on a road near the Jalibah airstrip, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Jalibah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

CPL. Brian Piece, of Combat Engineer Battalion, directs his Marines off a CH-46 helicopter into the treeline for cover. CPL. Piece is attached to C Company, !st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Subject Operation/Series: Combined Joint Training Field Exercise (CJTFEX) 96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army helicopter crew chiefs of C Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, stand outside an HH-60M MEDEVAC helicopter as it spins up on Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 3. The unit is the first to receive the HH-60M, which is the Armys newest MEDEVAC helicopter.

050622-A-9039F-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Orgun-E State: Paktia Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. LaMitchell Primm, right, and Airman 1st Class Christopher Novotny, both of the 119th Medical Group, run from a 54th Helicopter Squadron Bell UH-1N Iroquois helicopter after placing a litter with a simulated battle casualty onto it at Camp Gilbert C. Grafton, near Devils Lake, N.D., July 20, 2017.

030904-F-7685H-142. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, and Australian soldiers board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, MRF-D, Aug. 7, 2015. The rotational deployment in Darwin enables Marines to more effectively train, exercise and operate with their partners, enhancing regional security and building a capacity to respond more rapidly to natural disasters and crises throughout that region.

Soldiers stand by to board a UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter as it comes in for a landing during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

At Cecil Field each search and rescue team prepares their search and rescue vehicles for transport during the annual Search and Rescue Exercise. Knowing exactly how to load each aircraft with specific equipment and team members can ensure a speedy response in the event of a disaster, when every second is critical.

U.S. Marines with Helicopter Support Team, 1st Landing Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, stand by for the drop off of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 22, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

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 helicopter sling load method of carrying cargo and equipment overcomes many of the obstacles that hinder other modes of movement.

New Orleans, Louisiana, September 7, 2005 - Specialists, both assigned to the Army National Guard, attach cargo hooks supporting large bags of sand to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, disembark an MV-22B Osprey during Exercise Summer Pioneer on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 21, 2022. Summer Pioneer is designed to evaluate the company's ability to conduct a regimental-sized assault breach with combined arms attacks.

Six UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters of the 101st Airborne Division fly above a group of soldiers in the desert, as an air assault takes place during the joint Exercise Bright Star '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Egypt (EGY)

Idaho National Guard 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team's 2nd of the 116th Combined Arms Battalion teamed up with the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 183 Assault Helicopter Battalion to conduct medevac training at the Orchard Combat Training Center on March 30, 2022. The training simulated emergency evacuations of sick or wounded Soldiers from a battlefield. Ground medics preformed medical care on the ground before rushing them to the flight medics aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter who continued medical care while they were flown to the nearby medical facility. This training is a portion of combat training the 2nd of the 116th CAB conducted in preparation to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield later this year.

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.

Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, receive a brief from UH-60 Black Hawk crew chiefs during their post mobilization training on Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan 23, 2024. The unit is gearing up for an upcoming deployment to the Horn of Africa, where they will be ready to rapidly air insert into any area they are needed. The preparation for executing mission objectives is crucial for ensuring mission success.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 refuel a UH-1Y Venom at a forward arming and refueling point during Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu 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.

040324-M-5523R-013. Complete Scene Caption: Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) Marines brace themselves from the wind-blast of a US Marine Corps (USMC) 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) Unit CH-53E cargo helicopter as it moves into position to pickup and transport their two howitzers from a landing zone (LZ) on Camp Mujuk, located near Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Republic of Korea (KOR), during a joint USMC and ROKMC training exercise conducted as part of Amphibious Ready Group Exercise 2004 (ARGEX 04). ARGEX 04 is a joint USMC and US Navy (USN) training exercise designed to acquaint each service about the techniques, tactics, and procedures associated with the deployment of a MEU(SOC) Unit. Base: Camp Mu Juk Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Australian soldiers from 5th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment begin dismounting from the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for their joint training rehearsal as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 8, 2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military, Indonesia National Armed Forces, has now expanded to a multinational exercise encompassing 14 Nations. This exercise reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and other regional partners reinforcing joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, exit an MV-22 Osprey after being air-inserted 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.

060430-A-6365W-078. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

030319-A-XXXXX-6490. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

050503-M-5607G-041. Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from the 20th Air Support Operations Squadron participate in a hoist training operation with the 413th Flight Test Squadron UH-1 Huey Aug. 23 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The New York-based TACP team, in the area for special operations training, teamed up with the Air Forces only rotary wing developmental test squadron for various extraction scenarios and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Material from Vice Admiral Allen - VIP Tours - 26-HK-375-123. Hurricane Katrina

Marines with Marine Heavy Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Air Wing, extract the Marines of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment after conducting a simulated company assault during an Integrated Training Exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 14, 2013. ITX is a training exercise held to prepare Marines prior to their deployment.

Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from the 20th Air Support Operations Squadron stay low as the 413th Flight Test Squadron UH-1 Huey lifts off Aug. 23 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The New York-based TACP team, in the area for special operations training, teamed up with the Air Forces only rotary wing developmental test squadron for various extraction scenarios and exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.) (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

A US Marine Corps UH-1 Huey helicopter lifts off from the ramp at Moi International Airport. The helicopter is ferrying personnel and equipment to and from naval vessels off the coast of Africa. US forces are bringing in personnel, material and equipment to support the operation which is the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from Mogadishu, Somalia. Subject Operation/Series: UNITED SHIELD Base: Mombasa International Airport Country: Kenya (KEN)

030806-F-5586B-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

of 3