Military Helicopter Operations

Dynamic scenes of helicopters in action, showcasing sling load operations and various military training exercises, highlighting the aerial capabilities of armed forces.

October 28, 2004 - An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter takes off from Forward Operating Base MacKenzie in Iraq after being armed and refueled.

October 28, 2004 - An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter takes off from Forward Operating Base MacKenzie in Iraq after being armed and refueled.

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, releases a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle during Helicopter Support Team training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 22, 2022. U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and VMM 362 conduct HST training to enhance their skills as landing support Marines and pilots. This is the first time a JLTV was used during HST training.

Soldiers and units from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conduct sling load operations with CH-47s from Task Force Apocalypse, 3-501, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Romania on Oct. 27, 2022. The training built proficiency for PZ and sling load operations with numerous types of equipment in support of future collective training events and contingency operations. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photos by MAJ Brett Sullenger, 2nd Brigade Combat Team "STRIKE" Public Affairs Officer)

030324-M-9124R-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

040915-F-3208M-245. Base: Usns Rappahannock Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An MH-60S Knighthawk assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, takes off on Northwest Field during a joint field training exercise at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 29, 2022. The purpose of this exercise was to test the HSC community ability to operate from an Expeditionary Advance Base. The main focus was to look at maintenance practices and how to facilitate them away from a established air field and planning operations with limited communications. Throughout the four day exercise, HSC 25 flew 30 hours and 10 sorties conducting a wide variety of missions to include weapons employment, helocasting of personnel and systems, and combat search and rescue missions.

Soldiers assigned to the 13th Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps conduct sling load operations on May 15, 2020 near Skopje, North Macedonia. 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 2-22, 2022.

German soldiers boarding a German CH-53GS helicopter during Exercise Bora 2011 in preparation for Afghanistan deployment.

Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews with aircraft, equipped with aerial water buckets, from the Chief Warrant Officer 5 David R. Carter Army Aviation Support Facility based at Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado, depart the Spring Fire helibase, in Fort Garland, Colo., to support fire suppression efforts July 3, 2018. The team arrived and began operations July 2.The CONG has supported the Spring Fire since July 1, 2018, providing capabilities to include: security personnel for traffic control points and roving patrols; two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews and aircraft each equipped with aerial water buckets; geological information system operators; as well as, refueling crews with Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical refueling trucks and firefighters with HEMTT firefighting vehicles.The CONG has been providing an aviation search and rescue standby capability in support of the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center since July 1. The High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Tr

030217-M-7031A-009. Base: Marine Corps Base, Ternate State: Cavite Province Country: Philippines (PHL)

Gunnery Sgt. Marcus S. McCollum, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462), adjusts a JP8 diesel fuel line outside a CH-53E Super Stallion in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2013. HMH-462 used CH-53Es to support British forces and their aircraft during a mission.

051230-A-5745M-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Shakaria Village Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST ABN DIV

An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter

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

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 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.

030312-F-8966D-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Service members with Joint Task Force - Bethel prepare to board a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, in Newtok, Alaska, after assisting with storm debris removal as part of Operation Merbok Response, Sept. 23, 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)

030703-F-5586B-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 16, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom lands at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 16. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

060605-F-5964B-099. Base: Tall Afar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

An AH-64D Apache Longbow Block III attack helicopter gets ready for take off at Camp Speicher

Lance Corporal (LCPL) Matt Riddle, from the Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 373rd fuels section, guides an AH-1W Super Cobra after it refueled 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)

A U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk from the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron lands during a mass casualty scenario near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 24, 2010. The scenario was planned as part of Tech. Sgt. Anthony Wood's qualification to become an element lead.

A joint team of U.S. Air Force and Marine search and rescue members boards a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to depart on search and rescue missions March 14, 2011. Yokota is receiving personnel, aircraft and supplies to support search and rescue efforts as requested by the government of Japan.

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.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct sling load operations with a CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 2-501st General Support Aviation Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, on Oct. 10, 2022, at Petrochori Training Area, Greece. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photos by Capt. Samuel Taylor.)

US Marine Corps CH-46s line an expeditionary airfield along with short-term support equipment and supplies. Base: Expeditionary Air Field Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

040615-F-4884R-002. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

990706-M-5696S-001. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN Base: Camp Monteith State: Kosovo Country: Yugoslavia (YUG) Scene Major Command Shown: 26th Marine Expedtionary Unit

040926-F-0201C-038. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, inspect a helicopter to make sure it is mission ready during Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 16, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven training exercise conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks, and battle drills.

UH-60 Black Hawks land for the pickup of U.S. soldiers assigned to A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field, Artillery Regiment, Task Force 4-25, outside of Loy Murghoz, Khowst province, Afghanistan, June 8, 2012. A Battery had been conducting a presence patrol to search for weapons and contraband.

Kosovo Force Regional Command- East Task Force Aviation Soldiers, comprised of Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard, train personnel from KFOR RC-Es Maneuver Battalion, comprised of Soldiers from Delta Company, 2-162 Infantry Battalion, Oregon Army National Guard, on sling load operations on Camp Nothing Hill, Kosovo on May 11, 2020. Sling load operations enhance KFOR RC-Es ability to rapidly transport items such as equipment and sustainment supplies. KFOR RC-E maintains operational readiness and interoperability between its elements through joint training.

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) arrives at the Millington-Memphis Airport to conduct refueling and resupply on January 13, 2024, during a Large-Scale Long-Range Air Assault into the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Johnson, LA. This exercise is intended to test and strengthen the unit's readiness. Close to 80 U.S. Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, KY will stop at several locations throughout the flight path to refuel and resupply before they assault onto the training objectives at Fort Johnson, LA. There are four forward arming and refueling points (FARPs): Millington, TN, Oxford, MS, Monroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

030407-F-2573S-017. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

030825-M-7837W-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Blaire Airfield, Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

United States Marine gunner aboard a UH-1Y Venom helicopter just prior to launching on a combat operation in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Operation Support Democracy. A UH-60 Blackhawk crewman directs his pilot onto a landing spot aboard USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) as they practice takeoffs and landings in preparation for the invasion of Haiti. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT DEMOCRACY Country: Unknown

Soldiers of the Wisconsin National Guard's B. Company, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, conduct an air assault May 29, 2019, at Udairi Range near Camp Beuhring, Kuwait. The infantrymen are completing final training events in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan. Aviation support was provided by the Kentucky National Guard's B. Company, 2nd (Assault Helicopter) Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment. Air assault is the movement of ground forces by vertical lift aircraft to infiltrate, seize and hold key terrain, often behind enemy lines. The assault helicopter battalion is deployed to the Middle East to provide U.S. Army aviation capabilities to Task Force Spartan, which exists to increase military readiness and capability, in order to maintain regional stability and expand regional partnerships.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brandt Tschida, a landing support specialist with 1st Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, guides a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), to cargo for an external lift during exercise Steel Knight 23 at Sand Hill on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 1, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Tschida is a Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, native.

Soldiers from the Jordanian Armed Forces flyover in a Bell AH-1 Cobra as part of Exercise Eager Lion in Jordan, Sept. 7, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations.

CH-47 ChinookAfghanistan

US Marines and Republic of Korea Navy Marines, 2nd Division, board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a tactical retrograde exercise for Operation BEAR HUNT '84. Subject Operation/Series: BEAR HUNT '84 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A right front view of an AH-1T Sea Cobra helicopter from the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HML/A-269) parked on the flight line. It is equipped with the TOW missile system. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Silhouette of a military helicopter taking off, SH-60B Seahawk, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), US Navy

DF-ST-91-11167. Subject Operation/Series: CHILI FLAG '90 State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, prepares to land an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter at Siskiyou County, California, Sept. 7, 2022. A team of Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are participating in a medivac mission in support of the Cal Fire operations on the Mill and Mountain Fire at Weed, California.

Captain Shannon Doyle an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot for the 75th Fighter Squadron at Pope AFB, North Carolina, and Aviations Warfare Operator Second Class (AW2) Jarad Gilbertson, part of the Helicopter Anti Submarine Squadron at NAS North Station San Diego, California, are extracted out of danger by Navy personnel (carring M-4 Assult Rifles) in a HH-60H Seahawk helicopter. This was during a Combined Search And Rescue (CSAR) scenario for DESERT RESCUE IX exercise. 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) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC/NAS

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)

A Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164) CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter lands in the desert during exercise Gallant Eagle '86. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '86 Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220721-N-KH176-1120 KAHUKU TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 21, 2022) Multinational explosive ordnance disposal teams descend to their training site in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for a multinational training exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

220713-N-N0842-1291 SAN DIEGO (July 13, 2022) Royal Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Miln, exercise coordinator for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 Southern California (SOCAL), left, directs MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters attached to the "Vanguards" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, and "Blackjacks" of HM 14 during a practice run for a RIMPAC SOCAL photo exercise. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Imagery Specialist Corporal Craig Barrett)

020515-F-6655M-009. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2002 Base: Samesan Royal Thai Marine Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A flight medic walks across a landing zone after disembarking from a 45th Medical Company UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A Navy cameraman moves into position to videotape a wounded Marine being carried off an Army UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter at Fleet Hospital 5 during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Marine Corps and Royal Air Force helicopters fly in formation after departing Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Oct. 27, 2014. The Marine Corps ended operations in Helmand province and transferred the base to the Afghan National Army.

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), approaches to offload U.S. Marines onto a rooftop, during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at K-9 Village, Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, April 2, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

011121-M-4912C-002. Base: USS Peleliu (LHA 5)

Crew members wearing gas masks, replace a rotor blade on an HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter during a reserve rescue exercise. Base: Phelps Collins Ang Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

021021-F-1131H-026. Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to drop its cargo during a cargo lift during exercise Steel Knight 23, on Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 4, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

DF-ST-89-04293. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC 88 Base: Bellows Air Station, Oahu State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Paratroopers assigned to 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, wait to hook their sling up to a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a sling load training exercise on Fort Bragg, N.C., April 17, 2014.Sling Load Operations serves as a viable alternative way to transport cargo to remote areas over land, water, rough terrain and high altitudes.

030810-F-6701P-004. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE)

The crew of a HH-60H Seahawk Helicopter, Helicopter-Anti-Submarine (HAS), Squadron 6, Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego, California, practice unprepared landing procedures in a remote area. Members of the HAS, Squadron 6 deployed to a forward operation location in support of Operating ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A TF Denali UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter lands at Rubicon, a forward aerial refuelling point.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Anthony T. Graham, a platoon sergeant with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, braces while an MV-22 Osprey takes off during an air assault during exercise Koolendong 22 in Yampi Sound, WA, Australia, July 21, 2022. Exercise Koolendong 22 enhances MRF-D and the Australian Defence Forces ability to conduct combined and joint operations, demonstrating the shared commitment to being ready to respond to a crisis or contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.

030217-M-7031A-002. Base: Marine Corps Base, Ternate State: Cavite Province Country: Philippines (PHL)

Two OH-58 Kiowa Warrior Helicopters at Bagram Air Field

Paratroopers with C Co. 1-143d IN REGT

000224-M-0267C-018. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2000 Base: Marine Corps Base, Ternate State: Cavite Province Country: Philippines (PHL)

Soldiers with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia National Guard and 1st Battalion (Assault Helicopter Battalion), 244th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard conduct hot load training with 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

An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk from the 1-52d General Support Aviation Battalion transports U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists from the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron during a joint forces demonstration for Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D approaches an airstrip at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

Army Rangers of 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, prepare to enter an MH-47 helicopter to execute fast rope training at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. June 2, 2014. (US. Army

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a movement during a helicopter raid exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 13, 2024. The exercise simulated taking control of an enemy airfield and supporting further denial operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

Germany, Berlin, ILA 2012, runway, marshaller, military helicopter,

DD-ST-84-08803. Base: Point Salines Country: Grenada (GRD)

PETTY Officer 2nd Class Jeremy Moore with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 5 (HS5), Jacksonville, Florida, prepares for the HH-60H Seahawk to land during a survivor retraction exercise in participation of 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. The radio is a AN/PRC-112, it is one of the only transceivers that provides voice and covert transponder identification as well as navigational aid information. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040427-M-9362G-007. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

U.S. Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa prepare for extraction using an U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 10, 2022. Teams from 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.

Forward air controllers carrying full field packs walk toward a waiting UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter from the 101st Aviation Battalion, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. The men will be moved to a forward position to coordinate the air strikes during exercise Bright Star '80. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '80 Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

A U.S. Army Apache flies low over the target range during training at Udairi Range, Kuwait, April 4, 2023. During the training, Air Force Tactical Air Control Parties and Marine JTACs coordinated dry fire onto targets with Army AH-64 Apaches. This joint training between the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, and U.S. Army, improves coordination between air and ground assets, bringing fire onto targets faster and with higher accuracy during high stress situations.

302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron Airmen transport a simulated injured patient to a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to practice transferring care to the aeromedical team onboard during Exercise OVERTORQUE at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, Jan. 26, 2023. The exercise tested the abilities of Airmen to operate in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment.

U.S. Marines evacuate the area as an MV-22B Osprey comes into land at Hat Yao, Kingdom of Thailand Feb. 18 during Exercise Cobra Gold 2014. Cobra Gold, in its 33rd iteration, is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective response to regional crises by exercising a robust multinational force from nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Marines are with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

DF-ST-91-11169. Subject Operation/Series: CHILI FLAG '90 State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010313-A-5868H-041. Base: Camp Bondsteel State: Kosovo Country: Serbia (SER)

Siskiyou County CA, A full crew from the 129th RQW and Two PJs from the 131st Rescue squadron are preparing to land a HH-60 PAVE Hawk. This is part of an equipment check and skills maintenance during a medivac mission in Weed CA. This medic mission supports the Cal Fire operations on the Mill and Mountian Fire.

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

UH-60 Black hawks 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.

010801-F-9631D-028. Complete Scene Caption: At Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Technical Sergeant Cindy Laemmerhirt, USAF, (left), 4th Combat Camera, March Air Reserve Base, California, speaks the C-141 Starlifter loadmaster from the 615th Airlift Squadron about vidoetaping some sequences when the aircraft is uploaded as part of Exercise PATRIOT HOOK 2001. A USMC CH-53D Sea Stallion prepares to start up in the background. The PATRIOT HOOK Exercise 2001, a joint force exercise involving four separate airfields in Southern California - March Air Reserve Base, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Los Alamitos Army Air Field, and San Clemente Naval Landing Field. At the four airfields units practice air deployment of fighting forces and equipment during a wartime scenario. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT HOOK Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

061130-N-0490C-005. Base: Arabian Sea

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakota Dennis, a special missions aviator assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, walks from an HH-60 Pave Hawk during a combat search and rescue exercise at an undisclosed location, July 5, 2022. Air Force Central Commands ERQSs are organized, trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations within the Central Command theater of operations. Special warfare operators assigned throughout the combined joint operational area conduct operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Aftermath - Aerial - 26-HK-296-193. Hurricane Katrina

030330-M-8539K-021. Base: Al Qadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Mar Div DM

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