Helicopters in Naval Operations

Images of various military helicopters taking off and landing on naval ships, illustrating their roles in contemporary maritime operations and missions.

220519-N-EU544-8330 SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 19, 2022) An MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, prepares to land on the flight deck aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6). Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

An SH-60B Seahawk light airborne multipurpose system (LAMPS) Mark III helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the guided missile cruiser USS NORMANDY (CG-60) while in support of Operation Sharp Guard. The helicopter is assigned to Light Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 42 (HSL-42) Detachment 5 which is based out of Mayport, Florida. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP GUARD Country: Adriatic Sea

220519-N-EU544-8330 SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 19, 2022) An MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, prepares to land on the flight deck aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6). Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

An SH-3 Sea King helicopter approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER. The SH-3 is assigned to Helicopter Squadron 5 (HS-5). Country: Unknown

Two flight deck crewmen stand by to remove the tie-down chains from a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter aboard the dock landing ship USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD-41) during Operation Sharp Edge. The Whidbey Island is part of an amphibious ready group that is in place off the coast of Liberia to provide support for the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, and evacuate civilians caught in that country's civil war. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP EDGE Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

060701-N-4776G-249. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, conducts flight operations aboard the USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) off the coast of the Philippines during Balikatan 22, March 31, 2022. The Miguel Keith, a Lewis B. Puller-class Expeditionary Mobile Base Ship, is a highly flexible platform that provides logistics movement from sea to shore supporting a broad range of military operations. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

220717-N-XH769-1420 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 17, 2022) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Nicholas Van Alstine, top, and Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Mike Song ascend a rescue hoist from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, during a search and rescue exercise with the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) July 17, 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.

020226-N-0872M-510. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS 43-03 Base: Uss Yorktown (CG 48) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Yorktown (CG 48)

DN-ST-89-01355. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A US Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter takes off from the flight deck. The Army helicopter, from E Company, 502nd Aviation Regiment, Aviano, Italy, practices landings and take-offs from the deck of the amphibious assault ship as it operates off the coast of Italy. Base: USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

An SH-60F Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Eight (HS-8), lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) after anti-submarine warfare exercises in the Persian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

Right rear view of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter hovering above the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2) during Operation OCEAN VENTURE '84. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An air-to-air left front view of a Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 32 (HSL-32) SH-2 Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter during operations off the coast of San Diego. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (March 5, 2015) A Spanish marine casts out of a U.S. Navy SH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 during helicopter rope suspension training in Rota, Spain. The training is a joint evolution between Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, Detachment Rota, and Spanish marines.

220808-N-VJ326-1131 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 8, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 8, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

CELEBUS SEA (May 13, 2015) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Battle Cats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, are deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The Westland Wasp Mk.1, Series 2 & 2A (AH-12A) with registration number 246 (1967-1981), Hr.Msbijkehelikopter of Hr.Ms. Tromp (1975-1999) on the flight deck.

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 4, 2022) Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Cristian Ortiz, assigned to the "Chargers" Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 onboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), jumps from an MH60S Seahawk during a search and rescue exercise at Puerto Cortes Naval Base in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 4, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

DN-SC-87-11039. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A flight medic from Joint Task Force-Bravo's 1-228th Aviation Regiment "rescues" a member of Joint Task Force-Bravo Feb. 25, 2014, from the waters of Lake Yojoa, Honduras, during an overwater hoist training exercise. During the exercise, flight medics practiced rescuing members from the water using a hoist lowered from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

110603-N-TU221-525 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 3, 2011) A search and rescue swimmer is deployed from an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine squadron (HS) 15 during an air power demonstration over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Left side front view medium shot up from a low angle as US Navy members of Seal Team 3 practice fast roping from SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from HS-6 stationed at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, California. This mission, at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, is in direct support of Exercise Desert Rescue VIII. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) drop members of the 7th Special Forces and Ecuadorian Special Forces into the water during HELOCAST training in Manta Ecuador, May 18, 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)

220616-N-EU544-0249 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 16, 2022) An MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, receives fuel on the flight deck aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6). Jackson, part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

DN-ST-89-02376. Country: Unknown

A UH-1N Iroquois helicopter departs from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11). The NEW ORLEANS is serving as a platform for mine-clearing operations in the gulf following Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Persian Gulf

111117-N-SK590-189SAN DIEGO (Nov. 17, 2011) A Marine assigned to the Marine Corps Training Division at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific jumps from a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, assigned to the Knightriders” of Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron (HMMT) 164 during a training exercise. The exercise was the conclusion of the Infantry Company Small Boat Raid Course.

110224-N-RC734-120PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 24, 2011) A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 transfers ammunition to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), not pictured, from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during an ammunition onload. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is underway on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region.

An air to air left side view of an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Field approaching the refueling hose and drag chute of an aircraft over the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Northern California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A rescue swimmer is lowered from a Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 17 (HS-17) SH-3H Sea King helicopter during a demonstration held as part of a dependents day cruise aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). The helicopter's AQS-13B dipping sonar hangs beside the swimmer. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-05-10435. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Russian Ka-27 Helix helicopter prepares to take off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) following a visit to the ship by helicopter crew members from the guided missile destroyer Admiral Vinogradov (BPK-554). Both the Vinogradov and RANGER are part of a multinational naval force participating in exercises in the region. Country: Northern Arabian Sea

Infantrymen are trained in rappelling from a UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter at the Army Air Assault School. Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220416-N-OL632-1070 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 16, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, delivers ammunition to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during an ammunition onload with the dry cargo ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), April 16, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability through the carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

DN-SC-88-05478. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A CH-53D from HMH-363 participating in a grain lift operation from Bardera to Garbaharee Somalia. CH-53D and E aircraft from HMM-363 and HMM-466 airlifted 120 metric tons of grain. Country: Somalia (SOM)

A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to USS New Orleans (LPD 18) signals to Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during fast rope training aboard 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.

During an underway replenishment with the USS Arctic (AOE 8) (not shown) a CH-46 "Sea Knight" transports supplies to the flight deck of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). ROOSEVELT and it's embarked air wing are participating in air strikes over the former Yugoslavia in support of the NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: NATO Country: Adriatic Sea

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing performs a helicopter air-to-air refueling with an Armée de l'Air et de lEspace (French Air and Space Force) EC725 Caracal on May 3, 2022. Both aircraft supported exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities.Training with our joint and combined Allies increases our lethality and enhances interoperability.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Feb. 27, 2013) MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 participate in a replenishment-at-sea for the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

An HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter plugs into the air refueling hose from an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft over the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Northern California. Both planes are from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Field. The C-130 can transfer up 1,000 pounds of fuel per minute to the H-60 and is necessary for the long-range, over water missions that the 129th Rescue Wing performs. The 129th is one of only three Rescue units in the ANG, and the only one on the west coast. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A US Marine Corps (USMC) MH-60S with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), delivers a cargo net full of humanitarian aid supplies onto the flight deck of the Amphibious Assault Ship USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6). The aid is being distributed to victims of the tsunami on the western side of Sumatra. Base: USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

A Westland Wasp Mk.1, Series 2 & 2A (AH-12A) submarine control helicopter (1966-1981) to transfer burdens to the submarine harr.ms. Overijssel (1957-1982).

A hookup man slips a second pole pendant onto the cargo hook of a Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 (HC-8) UH-46D Sea Knight helicopter hovering over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Storm. The helicopter is picking up a load of empty ammunition crates from the KENNEDY. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

SEALS Conduct Fast-Rope Insertion Demonstration

DN-SN-85-02081. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Caribbean Sea

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sep. 6, 2016) Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Rosben Constant directs a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, from the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) after a refueling. Curtis Wilbur is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) in the Philippine Sea supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

An MH-60S Nighthawk, attached to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, departs USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck during an ammunition onload, Sept. 25, 2022. Ford is underway in Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

DN-ST-88-02098. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

970610-N-5121B-010. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Uss Tarawa (LHA 1) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Tarawa

A Marine Utility/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HML/A-269) AH-1W Sea Cobra helicopter comes in to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA 4) during Operation DESERT SHIELD. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Northern Arabian Sea

Flight deck crewmen aboard the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH 9) move toward a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter with wheel chocks, as it touches down during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Base: USS Guam (LPH 9) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 8 (HS-8) SH-3H Sea King helicopter lowers an AQS-13 dipping sonar over the ocean during a training mission. The Sea King is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-87-05498. Country: Unknown

240118-N-PQ495-1320 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 18, 2024) A Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operator repels from an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, during a fast-rope evolution on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict.

060730-N-6074Y-011. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Katrina Sector - 26-HK-306-5. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, extract after fast roping during a day and night fast roping exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 15, 2022. 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. Air Force Airmen from the 31st Rescue Squadron hoist up a simulated survivor during a training exercise over the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 8, 2022. This exercise was to increase readiness and response time for rescue operations in the future.

SH-60B Seahawk US Navy

A TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopter lands on the deck of the training aircraft carrier USS LEXINGTON (AVT-16) during helicopter flight training. Country: Unknown

061218-N-8907D-002. Base: Arabian Sea

An MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 deploys an Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) in Pyramid Cove during a mine countermeasure (MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 26, 2022. The MCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces to integrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

DN-ST-87-06362. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 5 (HC-5) CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters transport cargo during a vertical replenishment between the guided missile cruiser USS VINCENNES (CG-49), background, and the combat stores ship USS SAN JOSE (AFS-7). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

DN-ST-87-03739. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WEDDING Base: North Atlantic Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SC-86-00873. Base: USS Fahrion (FFG 22)

DF-ST-88-08389. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Three sailors man the rails at the edge of the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) as the ship departs for a Mediterranean deployment. The ship's UH-1N Iroquois helicopter is behind them. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In a rescue training exercise, known as Mode VIII, off Florida's central east coast, a participant is lifted out of the water with a harness from an HH-60G helicopter. In support of, and with logistical support from, NASA, USSTRATCOM is hosting a major exercise involving Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, search and rescue (SAR) forces, including the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, which support space shuttle astronaut bailout contingency operations, known as Mode VIII. This exercise tests SAR capabilities to locate, recover and provide medical treatment for astronauts following a space shuttle launch phase open-ocean bailout. Participants include members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center.

DN-SC-04-10488. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORTH ARABIAN SEA (May 22, 2013) An SH-60F Sea Hawk assigned to the Nightdippers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 5 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

DN-ST-88-02551. Country: Unknown

A HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter is refueled by a 39th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II during a Turkey Shoot competition off the coast of Florida on June 16, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

Photograph of HH-52A Helicopter Returning to USCGC Diligence After Searching for Cuban Refugees in Florida Straits.

As the CH-47 helicopter from Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard, lowers A-10 recovery team members at the 13,500 foot level, an unexpected thick cloud bank engulfed Gold Dust Peak and the surrounding areas forcing the operation to halt for over two hours. Base: Gold Dust Peak State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Army MH-47E Chinook operated by Company "B", 2nd Battlion 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, uses its winch to pull 128th Air Refueling Wing aircrew member up from Lake Michigan during a water rescue exercise. (SUBSTANDAARD). Subject Operation/Series: Whitetail 2001 Base: Lake Michigan State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron lowers a combat rubber raiding craft into the Pacific Ocean, September 13, 2022. The CRRC, also known as a tethered duck in this scenario, is dropped into the water and inflated by pararescuemen once they exit the aircraft.

A U.S. Marine with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), jumps from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361 during a helocasting masters course conducted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 7, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard to reach areas via bodies of water.

040217-F-9995T-154. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

An air-to-air front view of an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter towing a minesweeping platform. Country: Unknown

A US Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopter on a training mission. (Exact date shot unknown). Country: Adriatic Sea

A U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85, hoists a U.S. Air Force pararescueman, assigned to the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, above water during a training at White Beach Naval Facility, Japan, May 4, 2022. The team practiced dropping combat rubber raiding craft from a U.S. Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter, jumping in after it and assembling the CRRC upon landing in the water.

A Sikorsky HSS-1N (SH-34J, UH-34J) submarine control helicopter (1960-1972) on the flight deck of a ship.

A UH-1N Iroquois helicopter from the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) is readied for launch from the deck of the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4) off the coast of Norway during Teamwork '92. Teamwork is a multinational NATO exercise involving 45,000 troops, 170 ships and 300 aircraft from 11 nations in maritime and air operations in the North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea and amphibious and land-based operations along the Norwegian coastline. Country: Norwegian Sea

Woundage transport by and disinfection (NBCD exercise) of a Westland Lynx MK.27 (SH-14B) helicopter (1979-).

981119-M-3233T-001. Subject Operation/Series: BELLEAU WOOD Base: Uss Dubuque (LPD 8)

DN-SN-86-00029. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

120223-N-GC412-549PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 23, 2012) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 demonstrates how search and rescue Sailors operate to families during a tiger cruise aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is returning to homeport in Bremerton, Wash., after completing a seven-month deployment.

Medical Assisstance - 26-HK-165-1. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, conduct flight operations near the Christ the Redeemer statue at Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 12, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that brings together forces from 19 countries to include Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

DN-ST-88-00641. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A search and rescue swimmer is hoisted aboard a Helicopter Light Anti-Submarine Squadron 30 (HSL-30) SH-2F Sea Sprite helicopter during a coordinated anti-submarine warfare services and training exercise. Country: Unknown

A flight deck crewman signals to the pilot of a Fleet Logistics Support (COD) Squadron 40 (VRC-40) C-2A Greyhound aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) during exercise Team Work '88. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK '88 Country: North Atlantic Ocean

970619-F-0929W-501. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Base: Glamoc Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

050103-N-5837R-019. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

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