Helicopter Rescue Operations

Images of various helicopters performing rescue and training operations. The scenes depict military personnel rappelling and hovering above diverse terrains and ocean backgrounds.

220429-N-DO281-1054 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 29, 2022) An MH-60R helicopter, assigned to the Griffins of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79, hovers above the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), April 29. Paul Ignatius is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

MUSCATATUCK, Ind. (May 7, 2022) Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Aviation perform a simulated rescue as part of exercise Guardian Response (GR) 22 at Camp Atterbury, Ind., May 7. GR22 is a U.S. Army Forces Command-directed external evaluation and culminating training event for U.S. Northern Commands Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Enterprise consequence management entities. The exercise is focused on the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission sets.

220429-N-DO281-1054 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 29, 2022) An MH-60R helicopter, assigned to the Griffins of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79, hovers above the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), April 29. Paul Ignatius is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) repel from a UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 during a Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) Master Course at Landing Zone Sterling, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 14, 2022. Fast rope and helicopter rope suspension training teach Marines proper knots, rappelling techniques and build confidence for maneuvering from air to ground.

030224-M-5753Q-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

060511-N-0119G-002. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conduct helicopter aerial refueling (HAAR) during a combat search and rescue (CSAR) agile combat employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 1, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by extending the reach of HH-60G helicopters in an austere, contested area.

A HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and Soldiers with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment (Air Ambulance), hoist a simulated casualty during Vigilant Guard 2016 at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., July 29, 2016. Vigilant Guard is a national level emergency response exercise, sponsored by the National Guard and NORTHCOM, which provides National Guard units an opportunity to improve cooperation and relationships with regional civilian, military, and federal partners in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events.

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the 571st medical company, Fort Carson, Colorado, performs a fly by near Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. Members of the 571st medical company are a part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

DN-SC-87-10763. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DM-ST-86-08395. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 14, 2022) An SH-60 helicopter attached to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Asahi-class destroyer JS Shiranui (DD 120) prepares to land aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) while operating in the Philippine Sea during exercise Malabar 2022, Nov. 14. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleets principal surface force. Malabar 2022 is a Japan-led, surface, air, and subsurface multi-lateral field training exercise with the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy and U.S. Navy. Malabar 2022 enhances interoperability between Australian, Indian, Japanese and U.S. maritime forces, strengthens the critical partnerships and demonstrates U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

051230-A-5745M-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Shakaria Village Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST ABN DIV

220719-N-CH260-1141 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 19, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, transports cargo as Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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.

061022-N-5248R-033. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), conduct Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction (FRIES) training out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to 2-158 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 18, 2022.

Kosovo Force (KFOR) Regional Command-East (RC-E) Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Bonillas with the Medical Evacuation Detachment assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, with the Arizona National Guard, conduct hoist training at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo on Jan. 6, 2023.

Airmen from the 920th Rescue Wing perform a water rescue demonstration using an HH-60G Pave Hawk Nov. 5, 2011, during the Cocoa Beach Air Show 2011 in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

101229-N-7981E-037 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 29, 2010) An HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15, left, and an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 fly over the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a vertical replenishment at sea. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on a deployment to the U.S. 7th and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.

DN-ST-88-07354. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220520-N-DO281-1321 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 20, 2022) A Royal Navy Merlin MK2 helicopter hovers above the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) during a vertical replenishment, May 20, 2022. Paul Ignatius 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 interest.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division begin All American Week with the Division Run, Sept. 26, 2022, on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. All American Week consists of many sporting events, the Old Timers Breakfast, a memorial ceremony, 10-miler, family fun run, 34-foot tower, Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and concludes with the Divisions pass and review to celebrate Americas Guard of Honors culture and legacy.

Military helicopter crew carrying out medevac

A Combat Control School student, silhouetted against the sun, is rappelling from a hovering UH-1 Iroquois helicopter. The students will become Red Berets upon their graduation. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221026-N-VQ841-2014 GUATEMALA (Oct. 26, 2022) An MH-60S Seahawk, assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, carries cargo to the coast of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, after the hospital ship USNS Comfort's (T-AH 20) arrival, Oct. 26, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

The Missouri National Guard MedEvac Team lift a casualty in their Black Hawk helicopters during a MedEvac training exercise at Camp Clark, Nevada, Missouri, June 7, 2022. The 139th Medical Group Homeland Response Force and the 735th Search and Extraction Recon Team participated in the combined training exercise.

An Iowa Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk sling loads a trailer during a U.S. Pathfinder course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 8, 2022. Nearly 30 Soldiers graduated the course, which was taught by a mobile training team at the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia. Army Pathfinders are trained to provide navigational aid and advisory services to military aircraft in areas designated by supported unit commanders. During the Pathfinder course, students are instructed in aircraft orientation, aero-medical evacuation, close combat assault, ground to air communication procedures, control center operations, all three phases of a sling load operation, helicopter landing zone and pick up zone operations, and drop zone operations dealing with U.S. military fixed and rotary wing aircraft for personnel and equipment.

DN-ST-87-01019. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WEDDING 86 Base: North Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

220127-N-TL932-2051 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 27, 2022) A SA 330 Puma, assigned to Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), delivers supplies to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a vertical replenishment-at-sea, Jan. 27, 2022. Carl Vinson Carrier 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Sapien)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 30, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps CH-53Es participate in an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 30. 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.

A Hellfire laser-guided anti-armor missile is test fired from an SH-60F Seahawk helicopter on an elevated static test platform at the Naval Air Warfare Center during test and evaluations to qualify the weapon for use on the SH-60.(Exact date unknown). Base: Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter airlifts a 105mm howitzer from the amphibious assault ship USS TARAWA (LHA-1) to a gun position ashore during Operation Valiant Usher 1-81-A. The 31st Marine Amphibious Unit (31st MAU) is also participating in the operation. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT USHER 1-81-A Country: Western Australia

Germany, Berlin, ILA 2012, air display, air force, military helicopter,

U.S. Army Sgt. Ralph Foy descends from a UH-60L Black Hawk MEDEVAC helicopter during training with New Jersey Task Force One on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 12, 2018. New Jersey Task Force One's primary mission is to provide advanced technical search and rescue capabilities to victims trapped or entombed in structurally collapsed buildings.

050624-N-7783B-014. Country: Gulf Of Thailand

010409-N-5152P-001. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Gulf Of Thailand

An HH-53 helicopter hovers low over the water as a pararescueman of the 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Eglin AFB, FL, jumps in to assist a "survivor". The sea rescue is being staged for a movie production. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

A Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter airlifts an M-561 "Gamma Goat" cargo truck from the 1ST Marine Brigade located at Kaneohe, to the Big Island. The 1ST Bn., 12th Mar., 3rd Mar. Div., Fleet Marine Force is undergoing combat readiness evaluation at the Pakalula Training Area. State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 25, 2022) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the "Raptors" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, lifts off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups conduct dual carrier operations to advance Joint Force interoperability while demonstrating our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force routinely seeks opportunities to operate in support of peace and stability for all nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Singley)

Coastguard helicopter hoists a crewman up to safety from a ship's liferaft during a practise rescue.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 21, 2013) An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, maneuvers in position during a training mission. HM-15 is assigned to Combined Task Force 52, promoting mine countermeasure activities in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

220811-N-XN177-2160 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 11, 2022) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jordan Yoder, from Dallas, left, and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Johnanthony Campbell, from Cincinnati, attach a load of supplies to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 during a vertical replenishment with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), Aug. 11, 2022. Amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) 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.

Low angle view of CH-53D Sea Stallion lifting a tank

DN-ST-86-10460. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-87-06367. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

020226-N-0872M-509. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS 43-03 Base: Uss Yorktown (CG 48) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Yorktown (CG 48)

A CV-22 Osprey from the 8th Special Operations Squadron refuels from a MC-130J Commando II, 15th Special Operations Squadron, over the Emerald Coast during Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023, commemorating 100 years of aerial refueling. Air Force Special Operations Commands modified C-130s, from the HC-130P/N Combat King to the MC-130J Commando II, have been an integral component to refueling special operations aircraft since 1990, a vital capability that extends the range, flexibility, and lethality of the Air Force.

A U.S. Army UH-60 flies over a grass assault strip during Special Operations Air-Land Integration training near Daugavpils, Latvia, June 28, 2023. Operational readiness is paramount to partnerships, crisis response, deterrence, and support to Allies and partners.

Naval Aircrewman (helicopter) 2nd Class Tyler Christoffer, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, performs hoist operations with a training Dummy aboard an MH-60S Knighthawk at Naval Air Station Fallon. 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, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Blackhawk 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.

UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilots assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment carry a M119A3 Howitzer assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during Elevator Drills as part of Sling Load Operations on July 18, 2022, at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. The Screaming Eagles of today are ready to support our allies in order to preserve the long-lasting stability in Europe that our predecessors fought and died for.

DN-ST-89-02753. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

030211-M-3166S-032. Base: Angeles City State: Pampanga Country: Philippines (PHL)

The Westland Lynx MK.25 (UH-14A) helicopter 264 (1977-) picks up a drowning.

220810-N-JR318-1089 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 10, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11, transfer supplies to the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a resplenishment-at-sea with the Fast Combat Support Ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), Aug. 10, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (January 23, 2024) Marines assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, secure a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, from VMFA 121 on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), while sailing in the Philippine Sea, January 23. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is 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.

110714-N-WA189-414SAN DIEGO (July 14, 2011) A West Coast-based SEAL jumps out of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the High Rollers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 during maritime operation training.

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

U.S. Army Spc. PJ Grantonic, flight medic with Charlie Company, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, rides a hoist up to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a medevac training event in the 28th ECAB's area of operations in the Middle East.

221127-N-RQ159-1045 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 27, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, takes off from the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 27. HSC 12, originally established as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 2 on March 7, 1952, is the oldest active operational Navy helicopter squadron. 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.

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook, assigned to the 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion CH-47 Chinooks, takes off from a landing zone during an air assault as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 30, 2023. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to their warfighting, and JPMRC-AK 23-02 is key to testing the divisions leaders and soldiers.

220805-N-FO865-4584PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug 5, 2022) - A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465, prepares to land on the flight deck aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), August 5. The ability to operate seamlessly and simultaneously on the sea, ashore, and in the air, represents the unique value of amphibious capability provided by the ARG/MEU team. John P. Murtha, part of amphibious squadron (CPR) SEVEN, along with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently underway conducting integrated training in U.S. 3rd Fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team engage in various mission durian Operation Nakoa Fleek in Schofield Barracks, HI. Operation NAKOA FLEEK is a two-week multi-echelon exercise designed to validate the Brigades Capability Set Integration (CSI), train and certify lethal companies, troops, and batteries, and exercise the Warriors sustainment capacity in a dynamic and complex battlefield against a thinking and reacting enemy.

Alaska Army Guard Spc. Matthew Tucker, a flight medic assigned to Golf Company, Detachment 2, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, is lowered via hoist from an Alaska Army National Guard HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. Army Guard aircrews conducted aerial insertion, medical evacuation and hoist operations with Special Tactics Airmen assigned to 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1. The Alaska Army National Guards General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to increase its operational interoperability and to be ready for a wide range of federal and state missions.

220830-N-PC065-1168 BALTIC SEA (Aug. 30, 2022) - A U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 flies over U.S. and Swedish Navy ships sail in formation for a photo exercise in the Baltic Sea, Aug. 30, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

A Texas Parks and Wildlife helicopter hovers over disaster city as a hoist team extracts personnel during the 2022 Search and Rescue Exercise. College Station, Texas, June 15, 2022. Texas State Guard Photo by Warrant Officer Gregory Illich

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2022) An AH-1Z Viper, attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, conducts flight operations with Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Aug. 7, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

220926-N-EV253-2028 SAN DIEGO (Sep. 26, 2022) - US Naval Aircrewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Weapons School, Pacific, hoist a practice dummy to an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter during a dynamic proof of concept exercise in Glorietta Bay off the coast of Coronado, Calif., Sep. 26, 2022. During the evolution, which was overseen by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM) component of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, the practicality of using two rescue swimmers versus the traditional one was tested, as well as alternative litter deployment and recovery methods in an effort to decrease the time required to affect a rescue, and give future flight crews increased flexibility in a variety of different personnel recovery scenarios. As the designated SARMM, the Merlins of HSC-3 ensure that SAR units are fully-qualified to perform lifesaving operations with the responsibility for promoting policy and standardization in SAR training, equipment

DF-ST-86-07609. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Green Beret assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), casts into the Gulf of Mexico from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter near Key West, Florida, May 3, 2022. Helocast, or free-drop from a helicopter, is a means of inserting combat swimmers/divers and maritime mobility craft into a waterborne environment.

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

Aircrafts assigned to the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division fly over the Twilight Tattoo Ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Nov. 29, 2022. The Twilight Tattoo, held annually during Marne Week, marks the constitution and the organization of 3rd ID through performance and music, sharing the storied division's history for all past and present members of the Marne community.

030511-M-8683D-119. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Base: Chuk Su Met Country: Thailand (THA)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH-9) during flight operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-87-12544. Country: Unknown

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.

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Aircraft from the 106th Rescue Wing depart F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in preparation of Hurricane Sandy. The aircraft are repositioned out of the storm track and are prepare to return for recovery response operations. The 106th Rescue Wings mission is to provide worldwide Personnel Recovery, Combat Search and Rescue Capability, Expeditionary Combat Support, and Civil Search and Rescue support to Federal and State authorities. The unit provides Personnel Recovery to the state of New York and deployed operations that we are tasked to support.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 3, 2022) Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Chase Cannon, from Detroit, concludes his role as the aircraft handling officer for an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, taking off from the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). 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.

A U.S. Army Blackhawk Helicopter from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, participates in pre-race festivities at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 29, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Bove)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), takes flight during a mass casualty exercise in Syndalen, Finland, Aug. 13, 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.

A Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS TRIPOLI (LPH-10). The TRIPOLI is operating off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia, during the multinational relief effort Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A U.S. Marine with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, jumps from a U.S. Army MH-47 Chinook helicopter with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment during helocast training as part of Steel Knight 23 off the coast of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 2, 2022. Helocasting is a maritime insertion method for small units during amphibious operations. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

A UH-60 Black Hawk flies off after dropping U.S. Army cavalry scouts with the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during an air-infiltration operation part of the multinational-training exercise, Vigilant Fox, held at Niinisalo, Finland, July 27, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT, and Finish and British army units trained in Finland to further strengthen the relations and interoperability between the nations.

Aircrafts - Sand Baggers - 26-HK-57-39. Helicopter transporting sand bag from waterfront.jpe. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conduct fast rope insertion drills, 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 Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, 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.

220715-N-JO829-1109PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) Sailors assigned to French Navy frigate FS Prairial (F731) fast rope from a French Alouette III helicopter on to the flight deck aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) for a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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 Special Forces Soldiers conduct fast rope insertion training aboard a Black Hawk (UH-60) helicopter operated by pilots with the 8-229 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Expeditionary Air Combat Brigade, during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 18, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulation deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

A pilot with the Maritime Pre-Positioning Force flies an EC-255 Super Puma with the Maritime Pre-Positioning Force during a replenishment at sea in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 15, 2022. This RAS delivered food, supplies, parts, and mail to Sailors and Marines underway across multiple naval ships. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

DN-SC-85-01926. Country: Unknown

Exercise of a person being rescued by helicopter, Sea King helicopter of the Marines

A Russian Ka-27PS Helix-D helicopter, in flight, after taking off from the destroyer USS HAYLER (DD-997) during Phase 1 of the exercise Baltic Operation '94. The HAYLER is serving as flagship for BALTOPS 94. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS 94 Country: Baltic Sea

Servicemembers from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), successfully jumped with a canine during Emerald Warrior at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 1, 2011. This was the first time a canine jumped with a team, allowing members to utilize him in real world situations. Emerald Warrior 2011 is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

Aviation Training Center - Mobile, Alabama - 26-HK-339-26. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Marine with the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, jumps from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a helocast water insertion training on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard-to-reach areas via bodies of water. This high-risk training prepares the MSPF for the upcoming 26th MEU deployment.

Left side medium shot of a USAF HH-60 Pave Hawk Combat Rescue Helicopter as a pararesuemen from the 102nd rescue Squadron fastrope into Lake George, New York, during "waterworks" training. Base: Lake George State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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