Helicopter Operations and Training

Diverse helicopter operations and training sessions, featuring various helicopter models during military exercises and testing scenarios.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, currently assigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, approaches a helicopter support team with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

An aircrew with the 106th Aviation Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, takes part in Army modernization efforts at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Aug. 4, 2022, by operationally testing the UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter while preparing for an upcoming deployment. As the newest helicopter introduced into the Armys inventory, the UH-60V began fielding to the 106th in 2021 following the units selection as the Armys first unit to be equipped with the new Black Hawk. According to the U.S. Army Operational Test Command, aviators, crewmembers, and support personnel with the 106th were at Fort McCoy operationally testing the UH-60V Blackhawk helicopter July 28 to Aug. 5, 2022. The 106th completed their testing operations from the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport. “Victor” model testing completes a 24-month process from conception to reality for the Illinois Guard unit, U.S. Army Operational Test Command officials said.

An Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew operates a Black Hawk on July 26, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis., during a training mission. Several Black Hawk crews and helicopters operated from the airport during July to support a myriad of training events at Fort McCoy, including for the 78th Training Division's Warrior Exercise 78-22-02.

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-167 (HMLA-167) from Marine Corps Air Station New River, comes in to land during Exercise Diavoli Vale, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb 26, 2024. The 621st Contingency Response Group conducted Exercise Diavoli Vale to show its interoperability with other forces as well as its self-sufficient capabilities which allow it to open, operate and/or close any airfield around the globe. Marine Corps

041217-F-2034C-006. Base: Al Shahabi Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302 Marine Corps Station New River, North Carolina arrives at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 25, 2022. The CH-53E can carry a 26,000-pound light armored vehicle or 16 tons of cargo up to 100 miles. The helicopter is compact enough to deploy on amphibious assault ships and has the armament, speed and agility to qualify as much more than a heavy lifter. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zachary Foster)

The rappel master with the the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, checks on the lines before Soldiers hook up and rappel down during rappel training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., on August 3, 2022. The rappel master works with pilots and crew of the UH-60 Black hawk to better support and coordinate the Soldiers rappelling to the ground

221022-N-LK647-1108 ATLANTIC OCEANAn MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9), prepares to land on the flight deck of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) while Normandy is underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Oct. 22, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, currently assigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, approaches a helicopter support team with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A Polish Mil Mi-24 attack helicopter flies to engage targets during a Defender Europe 22 multinational live fire training, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 17, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multi-national training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

A pair of US Marine Corps Bell UH-1 Huey helicopters transit Naval Air Field El Centro during day to day training operations

Een (US Army) Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard participate in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron and 41st RQS execute a combat search and rescue demonstration over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 9, 2022. Air Rescue Association members, who were once part of the rescue community, attended the demonstration along with a ceremony to celebrate the HH-60W Jolly Green II meeting the criteria for initial operational capability and being postured for declaration.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 8, 2022) Aircraft, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, prepare to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Rescue Military Helicopter and a Medic Hanging Outside in Switzerland.

U.S. Marine AH-1Z Viper helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, flies during a close air support exercise over Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, May 12, 2022. HMLA-775, along with the other squadrons on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, provide aviation support that enables I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton tenant commands and visiting units to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness.

A U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with the New Jersey National Guard's 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion prepares to land on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 16, 2022 in support of the 99th Regional Support Command's 2022 Effects Coordination Board.

A Bell AH-1Z Viper flies above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 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.

Aircrafts - Sand Baggers - 26-HK-57-89. Military helicopter with sand bag in flight --050929. Hurricane Katrina

Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge - MSO St. Louis Operations - 26-HK-390-56. Hurricane Katrina

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron takes off at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 26, 2022. The Rescue Squadron conducts search and rescue missions, and provides rescue support in Alaskas arctic conditions.

221205-N-BR419-1023 PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 5, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, participates in a live-fire exercise with the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Dec. 5. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Airborne Law Enforcer

Airborne Law Enforcer

A front view of a UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter in-flight during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

030321-M-9124R-018. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060206-A-6311S-196. Subject Operation/Series: SAFE PASSAGE Base: Southern Mamadia Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Two UH-60 Black Hawks underway on a mission over northern Iraq

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Sept, 1, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott T. Sturkol, Public Affairs Office, Fort McCoy, Wis.)

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

Soldiers assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade recover equipment from the Port of Tacoma, Wash., and perform preventative maintenance checks and services prior to movement back to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., on October 5, 2022.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion, attached to 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), carries a Six Container Water Storage Module during an exercise on Hasto Buso Island, Finland, Aug. 12, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, 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.

New Caledonia, Grande Terre Island, Noumea. Army Day Festival, French Air Force PUMA helicopter.

An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 1-207th Aviation Regiment, departs Malemute Drop Zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. The AKARNG aviators conducted air assault training with the University of Alaska Army ROTC detachment during its end-of-semester field training exercise. The AKARNGs General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to hone its operational interoperability and maintain readiness for a wide range of state and federal missions.

U.S Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, and other distinguished visitors arrive at Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range via a UH-60 Black Hawk flown by the 108th Aviation Regiment, Kansas National Guard, June 22, 2022. Loh is accompanied by the adjutant general and Kansas Air National Guard leaders assigned to the KSNG Joint Forces Headquarters in Topeka to view close air support operations during Exercise Gunslinger. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy)

220412-N-XN177-1094 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 12, 2022) - An AH-1Z Viper helicopter attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169 prepares to land on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 12, 2022. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

221116-N-EV253-1155 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 16, 2022) - An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to the Merlins of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 maneuvers into a hover while practicing hoisting drills during a dynamic proof of concept course at Naval Outlying Landing Field in Imperial Beach, Calif., Nov. 16. The course, which was overseen by HSC-3s Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM), was led by representatives from Air Rescue Systems (ARS), and was designed to teach Navy pilots and aircrewmen the physics behind helicopter hoisting, and new techniques in order to conduct safe and efficient dynamic hoisting evolutions. Other participants of the course included: Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific, Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic, Lemoore Station SAR and Whidbey Island Station SAR. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins of HSC-3 ensure that SAR units are fully-qualified to perfor

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducts drills during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 2, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Photo: Corporal Mitchell Paquette, 12 Wing Imaging Services

An Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew operates a Black Hawk on July 26, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis., during a training mission. Several Black Hawk crews and helicopters operated from the airport during July to support a myriad of training events at Fort McCoy, including for the 78th Training Division's Warrior Exercise.

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

A UH-60 helicopter delivers an all-terrain vehicle to a modular urban training site in support of a 911th Technical Rescue Engineer Company (TREC) exercise at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, April 28, 2022. The purpose of the training is to validate platoons on supporting collective rescue tasks, enhance mission readiness postures and prepare the 911th TREC for mission essential task validation during Exercise Capital Shield 2022.

U.S. Coast Guard helicopter aircrew is pulled onto a Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 15, 2022. The HH-60J Jayhawk is a medium-range recovery helicopter used to perform search and rescue, law enforcement, military readiness and marine environmental protection missions.

040627-M-8096M-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Oruzgan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

220910-N-XN177-1311 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 10, 2022) - An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Strike Maritime Squadron (HSM) 51 flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 10, 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.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion participates in a helo-cast training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, July 18. 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.

U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters fly an air assault training mission during exercise Bright Star '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Egypt (EGY)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion attached to Task Force 61/2 rappels from a CV-22 Osprey during helicopter rope suspension techniques training with U.S. airmen from 7th Special Operations Squadron near Mildenhall, England, United Kingdom, June 16, 2022. Task Force 61/2 is executing the Commandant of the Marine Corps Concept for Stand-in Forces (SIF) to generate small, highly versatile units that integrate Marine Corps and Navy forces. Task Force 61/2 is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

Strong blurred, military helicopter in the air

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) show their might during a live demonstration in front of the local community on Fort Drum, Ny. Aug 31, 2022. 10th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted aerial manuevers with UH-60M Black Hawks and AH-64D Apache helicopters.

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party (TACP) specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, descend after jumping from a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to B Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Alaska Army National Guard, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The jump took place on Geronimo Drop Zone to build airborne and mission-readiness skills in an arctic environment.

An Oklahoma National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk flies overhead after dropping more than 600 gallons of water on the 702 Fire in Blaine County, Oklahoma, July 16, 2022. The Oklahoma National Guard is assisting the Oklahoma Forestry Services and local fire departments battle the blaze from above with a UH-60 Black Hawk and LUH-72 Lakota. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Anthony Jones)

110514-N-GW695-080ARABIAN GULF (May 14, 2011) A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163, transfers supplies from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). The guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) is in the background. Green Bay is underway supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 20, 2022) An AS332 Super Puma transports cargo onto the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9). Operating as part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Abraham Lincoln is conducting training to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The NH90 helicopter introduced in 2014 to the Belgian Army.

Wisconsin National Guardsmen are hoisted by the 104th Aviation Unit out of Madison, Wisconsin during a Wisconsin Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package exercise May 14, 2022 at the Fox Valley Technical College, Public Safety Training Center, Appleton, Wisconsin. The exercise included setting up a field medical site, providing search and rescue for casualties, and hoisting casualties via UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to the field medical site to be treated.

A Tunisian Armed Forces helicopter crew, operating an UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, extracts a simulated VIP from an enemy compound via fast rope while U.S. Army soldiers and Marines support from the ground during a combined arms live-fire exercise at the Ben Ghilouf Training Area in Tunisia, June 25, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey from the 8th Special Operations Squadron, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, flies over Okaloosa Island, Florida, during an aerial review in honor of the Doolittle Raiders April 18, 2022. The review featured 30 vintage and current U.S. Air Force aircraft and included a B-25 Mitchell bomber, a B-52 Stratofortress, an F-22 Raptor, and an F-35 Lightning II among others.

220612-N-KU796-1154 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 12, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, from the Indians of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, flies alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a strait transit exercise. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Jan. 3, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well.

220913-N-IW125-1293 KEY WEST, Fla. (Sep 13, 2022) U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsmen 3rd Class Zachary Vandeventer, from Mitchell, Ind., bottom, and Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter 2nd Class Stephen Robichaud, from Annapolis, Md., conduct hoist training in a MH-60S Sea Hawk in Key West, Fla. Sep. 13, 2022. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations.

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Jan. 3, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well.

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

Aircrews with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operate UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters Oct. 18, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well.

KUBINKA, RUSSIA - May, 15, 2021: attack helicopters Mil Mi-28, STRIZHI Aerobatic Team 30TH Anniversary Event KUBINKA, RUSSIA - May, 15, 2021: attack helicopters Mil Mi-28, STRIZHI Aerobatic Team 30TH Anniversary Event. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 18312235

Soldiers with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, prepare to land UH-72 Lakota helicopter during the Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 14, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven exercise conducted in South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks and battle drills, including performing a hot-cold litter carry.

An MH-60S Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Wildcards executes recovery operations during Underway Recovery Test 11, Feb. 25, 2024. In preparation for NASAs Artemis II crewed mission, which will send four astronauts in Orion beyond the Moon, NASA and the Department of Defense will conduct a series of tests to demonstrate and evaluate the processes, procedures and hardware used in recovery operations for crewed lunar missions. Amphibious transport docks, like USS San Diego, have unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner to support NASA, including embarking helicopters, launching and recovering small boats, three-dimensional air search radar and advanced medical facilities. Navy

220419-N-EV253-1630 SAN DIEGO (April 19, 2022) - A U.S. Marine, assigned to 1st Marine Division, is hoisted to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 via rescue basket during a personnel recovery event off the coast of Camp Pendleton, California April 19, 2022. During the evolution, which was overseen by HSC-3, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM), HSC-23 participated in a dynamic proof-of-concept event in which two MH-60S helicopters conducted search and rescue operations to recover large troop compliments with established tactics, techniques and procedures. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins” of HSC-3 ensures that SAR units are fully-qualified to perform lifesaving operations with the responsibility for promoting policy and standardization in SAR training, equipment, manuals and procedures for all rescue capable units and associated medical personnel within their area of responsibi

030331-M-5150A-020. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Two students at the Navy Rescue Swimmer School are winched aboard an SH-3H Sea King helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 16 (HC-16) during open-water exercises on the day before graduation. Those students who successfully complete the four-week course will become certified search and rescue swimmers. Base: Pensacola Bay State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A Huey helicopter from the Aircraft Operations branch at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida circles its landing area during a training exercise with a group of Emergency Response Team officers from the center's Protective Services branch. The flight was the beginning of a training mission to simulate a situation the team and pilots could confront at the center.

Staff Sgt. Zach Webster, 459th Airlift Squadron special missions aviator, prepares to be hoisted into a UH-1N Iroquois during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21. The demonstration was one of many events during the weekend that showcased U.S. military capabilities.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2021: Avia parade in Moscow. Mi-26 and Mi-8AMTK helicopters fly in the sky on parade of Victory in World War II in Moscow, Russia MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2021: Avia parade in Moscow. Mi-26 and Mi-8AMTK helicopters fly in the sky on parade of Victory in World War II in Moscow, Russia Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 17096911

An Israeli Air Force KC-130H Karnaf refuels a CH-53 Yasur helicopter.

Low angle view of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in flight.

221117-N-EV253-1747 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 17, 2022) - A US Naval Aircewmen (Helicopter) practices dynamic hoisting techniques from an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to the Merlins of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 during a dynamic proof of concept course. During the course, which was overseen by HSC-3s Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM), aviators worked alongside representatives from Air Rescue Systems (ARS) who taught Navy pilots and aircrewmen the physics behind helicopter hoisting and new techniques in order to conduct safe and efficient dynamic hoisting evolutions. Other participants of the course included: Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific, Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic, Lemoore Station SAR and Whidbey Island Station SAR. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins of HSC-3 ensure that SAR units are fully-qualified to perform lifesaving operations with the responsi

A New Jersey National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk from the 1-150 Assault Helicopter Battalion flies with a concrete block in front of the waxing gibbous moon during sling load training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 1, 2017.

Air to air top front view of a Air Mobility Command's Special Operations MH-53J Pave Low helicopter. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

230212-N-MH015-1269 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 12, 2023) Helicopters from the Screamin Indians of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 and the Battlecats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 fly in formation by the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrew assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron performs a simulated civilian search and rescue at Camp Navajo in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jan. 24, 2022. The purpose of this training was to give 55th RQS aircrews experience with cold weather, high elevation rescues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kaitlyn Ergish)

AH1 Cobra patrols the amphibious landing airspace while beach assault continues below (not shown), during rehearsals for Kernel Blitz '99. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '99 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220715-N-XN177-1091 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepares to land aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 15, 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.

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 takes off from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 6, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that 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.

Two Israeli Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and two U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawks assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, conduct a combat search and rescue exercise in Northern Israel, Jan. 24, 2023. Juniper Oak is a large-scale bilateral multi-domain exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Israeli armed forces contributing to integrated regional security.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III with the C-17 West Coast Demo Team conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The C-17 Demo Team, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was established in 2019 and participates in air shows across the United States to showcase the capabilities of the C-17 and represent the Air Force through community outreach. 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.

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Senior Airman Alexander Traini, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialist with the 106th Rescue Wing conducts a personnel recovery training mission at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on December 4th, 2016.During the training mission, nn HH-60 Pavehawk with the 101st Rescue Squadron and Pararescue Jumpers with the 103rd Rescue Squadron searched for Triani, who portrated a downed F-16 Pilot.(US Air National Guard / Staff Sergeant Christopher S. Muncy / released)

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk carries a Belize Defence Force BN-2B Defender aircraft via a slingload and cargo hook near the coast of Belize May 3, 2007. The helicopter pulled the 5,000 pound aircraft out of the marshes and is transporting back to the BDF air station in Belize City.

DF-ST-88-03791. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Base: Goloson Air Base Country: Honduras (HND)

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU, Romania-- Two UH60M Black Hawks with Bravo Company, 3-227 Assault Helicopter Battalion prepare to land during air movement and air assault training with Soldiers from the Romanian 9th Mechanized Brigade. Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

An AH-1Z Viper helicopter and a UH-1Y Venom helicopter, both assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Air Wing, fly above Rattlesnake Range, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, during Marine Forces Reserve Tactical Air Control Party Fire Exercise 23-1 Oct. 27, 2022. The helicopters were directed to provide close air support to joint terminal attack controllers on the ground as part of the exercise. The purpose of TACP FIREX 23-1 is to maintain joint fires proficiency and readiness to support the total force.

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

of 2