Special Forces in Action

Dynamic images depicting special forces operators in tactical gear, engaged in training or simulated combat environments with advanced weaponry.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

U.S. Army Paratroopers jump out of a C-17 Globemaster III from the 176th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska over Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, June 15, 2022. RF-A provides realistic combat training by integrating joint, coalition and multilateral forces into simulated forward operating bases. (U.S. Air Force phot by Sheila deVera)

Staff Sgt. Tyler Brewer watches out the window of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a flight over the Arctic tundra along Alaskas North Slope. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, along with two Chinooks and about 25 support personnel staged from the Deadhorse Airport Aug. 17-26 while flying missions to increase the reach of 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion beyond Interior Alaska and to focus on long-range organic logistics to support flight companies. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Master Sgt. Jeremy Sutter, 305th Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, mans an M240D machine gun during baseline combat search and rescue training over Arizona, Sept. 1, 2022. This training tested the 305th RQSs ability to rapidly locate and recover isolated personnel from contested environments.

030324-N-1512S-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

Bravo Co of the 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Joint task force-Bravo based out of Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras conducted a training flight May 10, 2022 in support of Lt. Keenan Kost's progression as a CH-47F Chinook pilot while supporting the TRADEWINDS22 exercise. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures; enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones; and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade tie down a humvee on a C-17 Globemaster III as part of the Mission Oriented Trainer program at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. During this joint training, Airmen and Soldiers worked together to get hands-on experience loading and tying down vehicles on a C-17 Globemaster III.

Staff Sgt. Micheal Marchese with 3rd Battalion Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division participate in the 2022 Jumpmaster Competition on May 17th, 2022, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The competition consists of an intense physical fitness session, a board - testing their knowledge, aircraft inspection, jumpmaster personnel inspection (JMPI), and drop zone safety officer duties.

U.S. Air Force aircrew members assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron inspect the outside of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th EARS before flight operations at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 6, 2022. The 340th EARS deployed with the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling airpower, deterrence, and stability.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Kontz from the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Shults from the 444th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron scan the area aboard an Mi-17 helicopter as it prepares for landing during a mission near Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, Jan 17, 2011.

Mississippi National Guard Staff Sgt. Tres Dobbins, CH-47 Chinook crewman, Company B of the 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Meridian, Mississippi, supports aerial transportation of participants during PATRIOT 24, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 20, 2024. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Zamudio makes sure the squad is aboard the UH-60 Black Hawk during training on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

Polish land forces perform a static line airdrop from a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as part of Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 (ADR 22-4) training, above the Bledowska drop zone, Poland, Sept. 13, 2022. Participation in training events like ADR 22-4 enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries.

Staff Sgt. Zach Webster, 459th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, prepares a hoist during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan May 21, 2022.The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

Maryland National Guard's Sgt. DaShaun Hood, a CH-47 "Chinook" crew chief with B Co, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation, monitors in-flight operations during a route familiarization exercise at the Armys Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, Wednesday, July 13, 2016. The aviators join more than 5,000 Soldiers from other state Army National Guard units, active Army and Army Reserve troops as part of the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team task force. The Soldiers will hone their skills and practice integrating combat operations ranging from infantry troops engaging in close combat with the enemy to artillery and air strikes, July 9-30, 2016. U.S. Army National Guard

Crew chiefs from Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division conduct aerial door gunnery from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters March 6, 2020, at Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic in Atlantic, North Carolina. Soldiers trained under both day and night conditions and fired around 70,000 rounds.

Members from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Airborne Brigade, look out a paratroop door inside a C-130J Super Hercules near Fuji Training Center, Japan, prior to a static-line jump Jan. 25, 2022, as part of Airborne 22. Airborne 22 demonstrates the JGSDF's capability to employ large-scale airborne insertion anywhere. This event optimizes mission effectiveness through interoperability and the sharing of information, enabling commanders to utilize the full potential of their combined force. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Castillo)

Texas ANG 181st Operations Squadron Load Master, Technical Sergeant Ryan Fenimore waits to open aircraft door for static line exit of Army Paratroopers during Falcon Leap Exercise Sep. 13, 2022 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Falcon Leap 2022 is a part of the remembrance ceremonies for Operation Market Gardens anniversary and is currently NATOs largest technical airborne exercise.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 8, 2022) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Cheryl Sonderman, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, gives a thumbs-up as air crew personnel assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 prepare for the takeoff of an MH-60S helicopter from NSA Souda Bay. HSC-28 is at NSA Souda Bay participating in NIRIIS 2022 as part of a deployment to Naval Air Station Sigonella in support of Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 1171st Medical Company, Michigan National Guard, and the 477th Medical Company, U.S. Army Reserves, Duluth, Minnesota place Spc. Melissa Bellgreen 1171st Medical Company, Michigan National Guard on the helicopter during hot and cold load training, at Grayling Army Airfield, Grayling Mich., during exercise Northern Strike 22-2 Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge over 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, Task Force Long Knife, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), based out of Pendleton, Oregon, conducted aerial gunnery training in their CH-47 Chinook helicopters, during their mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas, Oct. 26, 2015. The CAB was training for their upcoming deployment to Kuwait.

This week the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division Participated in the Rotor 23' joint exercise along with the Polish 25th Air Calvary Brigade. The training was designed to strengthen air movement interoperability between the two countries. During the exercise, our CH-47 Chinooks flew alongside Polish Mi-17 and Mi-8 Helicopters from 25 Brygada Kawalerii Powietrznej. As we continue to train alongside our NATO partners and allies, we grow stronger together (Photo By: Grzegorz Czaplicki)

Iron Dragon 22-1 | Combat Logistics Regiment 37 conducts regimental exercise

U.S. Navy Lt. Steven Azzam, a medical officer with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, conducts a casualty evacuation drill during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 24, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

STAFF Sergeant Dave Lacey, a gunner with the 41st Rescue Squadron, fires his weapon, a 7.62mm minigun, out of an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter at ground targets. The 41st Rescue Squadron is taking part in the DESERT RESCUE IX exercise at Fallon Naval Air Station (NAS), Nevada. Desert Rescue is a Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) exercise bringing together elements from all branches of the service in a series of real world rescue and combat scenarios. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. flies over the flightline with U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 at Northwest Field, Guam, Aug. 7, 2022. The purpose of Browns visit was to tour the base as he discussed innovation, modernization and Airmen initiatives with personnel from a variety of career fields. The mission of Andersen AFB is to project Airpower, expand combat capability and strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines with VMM-265 (Reinforced) secure a Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC) 3 Training Can into a CH-53E Super Stallion during a training exercise in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 18, 2024. The loading system was designed by GySgt. Rodrigo HernandezPolindara, VMM-265, to offer a more efficient method of transporting HIMARS.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joshua Kirkendall, an aerial observer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, helps passengers with their seat belts aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Feb. 13, 2024. HMH-462 transported passengers from Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, to the Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, and provided assault support for routine operations in the Third Fleet area of operations. Landing on an aircraft carrier was a rare opportunity for the Marines of HMH-462, as CH-53E Super Stallions deploy at sea aboard amphibious assault ships. Marine Corps

220720-N-EV253-1369 SAN DIEGO - (July 20, 2022) U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) One jump from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 as part of a mine exploitation exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

An Airman from the 55th Rescue Generation Squadron, performs pre-flight checks on an HH-60G Pavehawk at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. Airmen from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base traveled to Boise, Idaho in order to perform Terminal Employment exercises.

An Airman from the 55th Rescue Generation Squadron, performs pre-flight checks on an HH-60G Pavehawk at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. Airmen from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base traveled to Boise, Idaho in order to perform Terminal Employment exercises.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hassey, 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems journeyman takes up a defensive position aboard an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft during airfield security operations training led by the 332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, April 5, 2022. The training focused on small team perimeter security, personnel placement for aircraft defense, and basic defense postures.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) East Africa Response Force (EARF), conduct helicopter landing zone training with U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2022. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances.

Staff Sgt. Gerald Winchester from the U.S. Army Europe's 12th Combat Aviation Brigade monitors a Montenegrin citizen during an air medical evacuation while working under a Task Force led by 361st Civil Affairs Brigade. The soldiers are here as part of a U.S. task force to provide humanitarian assistance at request of the government of Montenegro coordinating with the National Emergency Operations Center and the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense to provide relief and to save lives, homes and infrastructure in response to heavy snowfall.

Service members participate in an agile combat employment joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station, adding to the war fighting efforts.

US Army Soldiers assigned to the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard, secure and fasten gear inside a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during Pre-accident Plan Rehearsal for Northern Strike 22 at Grayling Army Airfield, Grayling, Mich., Aug. 6, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge the training audience with multiple forms of convergence that advances interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducts weapons maintenance on M2 machine guns at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 8, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

A member of the Zapovjedništvo specijalnih snaga (Croatian Special Operations Forces Command) executes a static line jump from a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing near Udbina, Croatia, July 20, 2022. The static line jump was part of a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET), which included members of the U.S. Air Forces 352d SOW, the U.S. Armys 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the ZSS. JCETs allow U.S. service members to train at the operational and tactical echelon as a combined, joint force with SOF setting the conditions for larger operations.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zavian Wilburn, a response team leader assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, starts a mine-resistant ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2022. Wilburn is a Reserve Citizen Airmen assigned to the 307th Security Forces Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Active-duty members and Reservists within the 378th ESFS patrol with the 1-182nd Infantry Regiments Task Force Americals Massachusetts National Guardsmen completing the trifecta of PSABs Total Force protection.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zavian Wilburn, a response team leader assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, starts a mine-resistant ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2022. Wilburn is a Reserve Citizen Airmen assigned to the 307th Security Forces Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Active-duty members and Reservists within the 378th ESFS patrol with the 1-182nd Infantry Regiments Task Force Americals Massachusetts National Guardsmen completing the trifecta of PSABs Total Force protection.

A 41st Airlift Squadron loadmaster stands on the ramp of a C-130J Super Hercules during the Gnarly Explodeo readiness exercise at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 1, 2024. The goal of this Air Mobility Command-directed exercise is to ensure the bases readiness for immediate deployment, emphasizing the speed and precision with which 19th AW forces can be projected to where they are needed most. Air Force

U.S. reconnaissance Marines with Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct freefall jumps above Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, June 25, 2022. The ARP conducts freefall training to maintain readiness for situations requiring an airborne insertion. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) prepare for a Marine expeditionary unit exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 13, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) conduct preflight checks on an MV-22B Osprey before a long-range night assault exercise as part of Assault Support Tactics 4 (AST-4), during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 25, 2022. AST-4 provides the prospective WTIs the opportunity to plan, brief, and execute a night, long range battalion air assault to multiple objectives simultaneously in a medium threat environment while conducting five of six functions of Marine Aviation.

The Interior Alaska Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps visits 168th Wing as part of summer camp and learns about the 168th Wing, pilot, boom operator, aircraft maintenance, security forces, and civil engineering missions. The Interior JROTC cadets are students at West Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC, Lathrop High School Army JROTC, Eielson Air Force Base High School Air Force JROTC, and North Pole High School Air Force JROTC.

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A UH-60 Blackhawk pilot from the North Carolina Army National Guard assigned to Task Force Guardian conducts preflight checks at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Nov. 4, 2012. Task Force Guardian is assisting with the movement of the National Urban Search and Rescue task force teams from JB MDL to storm damaged areas in New York and New Jersey.

SAN DIEGO (May 11, 2022) West Coast-based Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Deploy for Purpose Sailors inspect their MT-2X parachute rigs aboard a CMV-22B Osprey, assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, during military freefall training. Deploy for Purpose is part of NSW's optimized combat-ready force in reserve focused on innovation. This new force design gives operators the time and space to experiment and develop new concepts to meet specific operational needs while increasing agility to respond to crises around the globe.

Soldiers with the German Armys 6th Battery, 345th Artillery Battalion, prepare to fly in a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk with 3rd Aviation Combat Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, during close-air support training at Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia, Feb. 21, 2024. German joint tactical air control and joint fire observers practiced coordinating aircraft, infiltrating and exfiltrating an area of operations with American military assets. Joint branch training with NATO allies ensures personnel utilize similar procedures and can operate together. Marine Corps

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.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment arrive at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy, May 23, 2022 from a deployment to Latvia to demonstrate the United States commitment to our NATO Allies and to bolster defensive capabilities. During the deployment, the paratroopers conducted multiple training exercises with NATO allies, including Saber Strike. They increased overall combat effectiveness and cohesion between the 173rd Airborne Brigade and other NATO forces.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, sits in an Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) during a shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore training evolution at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 8, 2022. This training evolution marked the first platoon-level ACV exercise with embarked troops, demonstrating capability and competency during waterborne operations.

110625-N-DB458-195GULF OF ADEN (June 25, 2011) Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) indicate to their team leader that they are on air as they are transported to their drop point in an H-53 Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 during a routine sky diving evolution. The 13th MEU is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and is underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A member of the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron static line parachutes out of a CH-47 Chinook at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Wash., Feb. 5, 2024. This training, Operation Sulaco, encompassed static line parachuting and small team tactics. (Washington Air National Guard

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jake Hankins, a team leader for 184th Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group, 717th Ordnance Company, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, inspects an unexploded ordnance device recovered by Syrian Democratic Forces EOD personnel in the ar-Raqqah region, Syria, Jan. 26, 2023. EOD personnel assist Syrian Democratic Forces in recovering unexploded ordnance devices to perform additional analysis to determine the origins and to keep it from endangering the local populace.

Spc. Javon Drake, a field artillery specialist, assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, links an M777 Howitzer to a CH-47 Chinook aircraft June 22, 2022 on Fort Stewart, Ga. The purpose of the training was to simulate aerial transportation of the M777 Howitzer as a means of mission-readiness in the event of adverse situations.

070105-A-6656Q-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

061122-N-8148A-153. Base: Arabian Sea

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conduct airborne operations aboard a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

Gen. CQ Brown Jr., Pacific Air Forces commander, assists a C-130J aircrew, from the 374th Airlift Wing, as they push airdrop bundles from the rear of the aircraft in support of Operation Christmas Drop, Dec. 11, 2018. Browns visit to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, allowed him to familiarize himself with 36th Wings mission and role in promoting peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Bradley, 1-135th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Missouri National Guard, crew chief, prepares for flight aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk on Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. on June 22, 2022. The 1-135th mobilizes and deploys on order to a theater of operations and conducts unified land operations in joint and coalition environments supporting a Regional Combatant Commander or provides defense support to civil authorities within the United States as directed.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Devlin, assist Airmen from the 179th Airlift Wing Maintenance Group, Mansfield, Ohio, running early morning diagnostics on the C-130H Hercules with an Air Data Test Set, Oct. 8, 2020. The ADTS simulates flight, testing calibration and simulation of systems that normally operate in flight while still grounded.

220913-N-VJ326-1075 PHILIPPINE SEA (Sep. 13, 2022) -- U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participate in a small arms qualification shoot aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 13, 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.

California Air National Gurad Pararescueman Technical Sergeant Jeff Borg (left), TSGT John Saftner and SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Bill Wunderlin a Loadmaster aboard a MC-130 Hercules aircraft from the 129 Air National Guard Unit, Moffett Federal Airfield, California load a RAM-Z Rescue package aboard the aircraft. The RAM-Z has a rubber Zodiac inflatable boat with outboard motor and a complete medical kit that is parachuted into the water. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Private First Class James Laughlin and Spc. Logan Taylor, both paratroopers assigned to Charlie Company, 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, work to aquire sattelite connection at the 2-11 command post on Husky Drop Zone in Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 29, 2023, during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

Members of 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment retrograde nine UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, Jan. 29, 2024, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo, in accordance with United Nations Resolution (UNSC) 1244.

Distinguished visitors from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Headquarters Marine Corps, I MEF, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3), F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), and Lockheed-Martin prepare for their visit aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 6. The distinguished visitors were aboard Tripoli for a tour and to observe the U.S. Marine Corps Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing carrier platforms, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required.

U.S. Army Spc. Bryant Sanchez, a Winter Haven, FL, native and crew chief for Bravo Company, 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, based out of Ronkonkoma, NY, clears the area around a UH-60M Black Hawk at a dusty landing zone in the vicinity of Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 16, 2022. Crew chiefs also perform the day-to-day maintenance required to keep aircraft safe to fly. 3-142nd AHB, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, currently supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Da'esh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

011024-F-0308N-149. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2001 Country: Southwest Asia Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Hurricane from the 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment conducted subject matter expert exchanges with the Royal Saudi Land Forces Soldiers on the medical evacuation phase of tactical combat casualty care on board a U.S. Army HH-60M MedEvac Black Hawk helicopter assigned to Task Force Longhorn, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 25, 2022. Tactical combat casualty care and medical evacuation training are essential skills for the U.S. Army and our allies in order to maintain joint mission readiness and interoperability.

US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Richard Loomis (left) and US air Force STAFF Sergeant Dan Kacir (R), both photographers for the 129th Comminications Flight sit on the open ramp of an MC-130 Combat Shadow Tanker during a photo shoot over San Francisco, California. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

124th Fighter Wing crew chiefs prepare to launch A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard prepare to take off from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, June 7, 2022 during the Agile Rage 22 exercise. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) From right, U.S. Army Capt. Zane Amrein, from Winnemucca, Nevada, assigned to 8th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Brian Kringle, from Sacramento, California, assigned to Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5, and U.S. Navy Lt. Cory Rogge, from Wilmington, North Carolina, assigned to FST 5, treat a simulated patient while flying in a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, in support of a joint-service medical training exercise and amphibious raid during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, Aug. 1. 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

Members of the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), Oklahoma Air National Guard, are reflected in the visor of a Soldier monitoring terrain while flying in an Arkansas National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter attached to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, over Razorback Range near Ft. Smith, Arkansas May 17, 2022. The company supported 146th ASOS fast rope insertion and extraction system training, which is designed to quickly deploy personnel from a helicopter via rope.

U.S. Army Capt. Scott Hall, from Bradenton, Fla., serving with Combined Joint Task Force-1, Regional Command-East, Bagram, Afghanistan, looks out the door of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter while flying over the Apakhan region, Logar province, Afghanistan, Oct. 18.

Soldiers from the 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), establish a forward arming and refueling point F.A.R.P) 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 (FARP): Millington, TN, Oxford, MS, Monroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron and 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron work together to download supplies from a C-17 Globemaster III for Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. OAS III tested Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central)s ability to execute rapid troop and equipment movement to and from dispersed locations around the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

220714-N-VQ947-1115 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 14, 2022) Marines assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 1 prepare to launch a combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) from the well deck of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) for a raise-tow-beach (RTB) mine exploitation exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) in Southern California. 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexander Caterinicchio, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron precision strike operator, waits inside a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska prior to jumping at Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, June 15, 2022 during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2. RF-A provides realistic combat training by integrating joint, coalition and multilateral forces into simulated forward operating bases.

A U.S. Navy SEAL with Special Warfare Group conducts maritime security operations during exercise Balikatan 22 off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, April 7, 2022. 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. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S. Philippine security cooperation.

Sgt. James Dennis, a soldier in the Florida National Guard's (FLNG) 1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion, prepares a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for take-off toward Sanibel Island, Fla., on Saturday, October 1, 2020. As Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction, some of Florida's Southwest islands were left without a proper route to the mainland, enabling specialties of FLNG aviators to deliver much-need supplies.

Captain Thomas Bodine, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (AIRLANT) flies during a gun exercise with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 26, 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 Soldiers assigned to the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, board a CH-47 for an Airborne operation at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Sept. 10, 2022. The unit conducted non-tactical airborne operations at the Army Aviation Facility in order to maintain mission readiness and proficiency among their paratroopers with the assistance of two CH-47s out of Virginia.The Army Aviation Facility was created through a MILCON effort valued at 11.7 million dollars and made possible by the joint effort of ASA Fort Dix and the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Aircraft Group 49. The 2100 square foot building is host to an Army Ramp Management Area which provides a wide range of capabilities for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft such as the C-130, CH-47S, and UH-60S.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division stand in a pass and review ceremony, on Sept. 29, 2022, on Pike Field, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, marking the end of All American Week. AAW22 celebrated the Divisions culture and legacy as Americas Guard of Honor through a series of sporting and ceremonial events promoting comradery.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

A paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division goes over safety procedures on a CH-47 Chinook during the annual St. Michael's Jump on Salerno Drop Zone on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. The jump was conducted in honor of the 82nd Airborne Division patron saint.

Airmen from the 176th and 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons prepare to load an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter on to a 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III in preparation to transport the helicopter to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richadson, Alaska. The Pave Hawk experienced a malfunction after completing a medevac mission in Western Alaska. The aircraft landed safely at the Alaska Army National Guard hangar in Bethel after the mission but was unable to complete the trip back to JBER. The ability to seamlessly transition from rescue operations to global mobility provides the 176th Wing with a strategic edge, showcasing the Wings commitment to agile combat employment and effectiveness when handling complex situations, both within the state and across the globe. (Alaska National Guard

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Airborne Brigade soldier prepares to execute a static line jump near Narashino training field, Japan, during a bilateral jump training with the 36th Airlift Squadron, April 19, 2022. The goal of this event is to improve interoperability between the USAF and JGSDF by defense and information exchanges to deepen mutual understanding of each unit, and to further cement the U.S. and Japanese alliance.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Mihai Vlad, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, reviews pre-flight notes at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 15, 2022. The 816th EAS deployed with the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) to deliver airpower through cargo and personnel support for U.S. and partner nation forces within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and other AORs as needed.

U.S. and Netherlands Army Soldiers from JRTS (Joint Readiness Training Center) Ft. Polk, LA, board a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston, SC for a personnel drop during a large formation exercise on 15 December, 2010. Airmen from Airlift squadrons on Joint Base Charleston, SC and Soldiers from JRTC, Operations Group Ft. Polk, LA conduct airborne operations including aerial refueling and personnel drops to simulate the seizure of a remote airfield and demonstrate the global projection of U.S. airpower..

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, Commanding General of the 11th Airborne Division, assists Arctic Angels with gear during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center 24-02 at Fort Greely, Alaska Feb. 15, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 demonstrates the effective synergy between resilient and well-trained Soldiers, modernized and ruggedized Arctic equipment, and unique TTPs to build an unmatched combat lethality in Arctic environments. Army

The Joint Base MDL conducted a Postal Warrior Training Mission on 10 August 2022 which was conducted by the 78th Training Division. This training event was on Fort Dix Site IR3C. Multiple Army Reserve Units from the states of New York, Georgia and California were on-site for this training. The U.S. ASA Fort Dix Commander COL Mitchell Wisniewski, Joint Base Commander COL Wes Adams (AF) and the Army Reserve CSM, CSM Andrew Lombardo were in attendance. They all had observed the training from the ground and also in-flight during the soldiers training. The flights were provided by the 773rd Marine Light Attack Helicopter on a UH1 Cobra Helicopter. Postal Warrior is a task-focused exercise for Postal Units to support Postal Operations in a combat area when needed. During this training Units are being prepared for delivering mail during possible small arms or sniper fire from enemy while carrying out their mission. (Images provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Dan Amburg /

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Girard, 535th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, briefs two members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) during a training exercise around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. This is the first bilateral exercise between the squadrons, increasing interoperability and familiarizing both forces on the capabilities of the Kawasaki C-2 and C-17 Globemaster III.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, ride in the back of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a training exercise at Fort Drum, Jun. 30. The 69th Regiment is conducting pre-mobilization training at Fort Drum in preparation of an upcoming deployment to the Horn of Africa.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jaxon Brown, an aerial gunner with the 4th Special Operations Squadron, participates in a training sortie on an AC-130J Ghostrider, April 27, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The 4 SOS regularly performs training sorties on the AC-130J in order to ensure readiness to perform special operations missions any time, any place.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hawke a standardization instructor with the 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion in Lincoln, Nebraska helps guide the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in position to pick up sandbags March 23, 2019, near Loup River. It’s Huskers helping Huskers,” Hawke said.

Australian Army soldiers with Bravo Co., 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, ride in an MV-22 Osprey with the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, during an air assault event as part of exercise Koolendong 22 at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, July 11, 2022. Exercise Koolendong 22 is a combined and joint force exercise focused on expeditionary advanced base operations conducted by U.S. Marines, U.S. Soldiers, U.S. Airmen, and Australian Defence Force personnel.

Maj. John Traxler, 320th Special Tactics Squadron commander, boards an MC-130P Combat Shadow bound for Sendai Airport from Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 19 as part of Operation Tomodachi. The 320th STS is supporting U.S. military efforts to provide assistance to Japan following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Metheny, Loadmaster for the Medical Evacuation Crew from G Company 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, oversees Fort Chaffee from the air in a routine orientation flight. Metheny and his crew support Arkansas National Guard units participating in annual training by checking units' locations, training areas, firing ranges, and for potentially hazardous areas; the information gathered is then cross-referenced with their area maps. By conducting these daily flights, the crew can stay prepared to aid during natural disasters or instances where individuals are injured in rural, hard-to-reach areas.

The Idaho National Guard welcomed Maj. Gen. Marti J. Bissell, Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, to see first-hand Idaho's training ranges at the Orchard Combat Training Center and tour the Idaho Army National Guard's 204th Regional Training Institute on April 20-21, 2022. The OCTC's 143,000-acre training area provides vast terrain for ground maneuver training. Idaho's 204th RTI is the National Guards premier school for ground maneuver warfare, maintenance education across all Army platforms, and leadership development - designed to instruct and certify students from all three components of the U.S. Army in basic job requirements, as well as leadership and technical expertise and critical career turning points.

U.S. Army Spc. Bryant Sanchez, a Winter Haven, FL, native and crew chief for Bravo Company, 3-142 Assault Helicopter Battalion, based out of Ronkonkoma, NY. clears the area around a UH-60M Black Hawk before engine start-up at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 16, 2022. Sanchez assisted the aircrafts pilots in landing areas with heavy clouds of dust and debris during their training mission. Crew chiefs also perform the day-to-day maintenance required to keep aircraft safe to fly. 3-142nd AHB, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, currently supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Da'esh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

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