Helicopter Training Operations

Images depicting soldiers training with helicopters, emphasizing tactical movements and military exercises during various operations.

May 13, 2013 - Pilots of the 1st Infantry Division's 6th Cavalry Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, participate in a SEREEX (Survival Evade Resist Escape Exercise), at Fort Riley, Kansas. The training teaches pilots to extract themselves from damaged aircraft in the event an aircraft goes down.

A UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 prepares to land at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 10, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

010526-A-6788L-008. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

The crew chief of a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM-161) CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter talks with the Marine refueling his helicopter in the Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16) area at the Jubail Naval Airport during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Jubail Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamilton, deputy chief of staff, G-4, boards a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, May 18, 2022.

An aircrew with the Minnesota National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on Oct. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. 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. Five Minnesota National Guard Black Hawks were at the airport Oct. 27.

Several OH-58 Kiowa helicopters are parked with other helicopters near the flight line during Operation Sand Eagle '88. Subject Operation/Series: SAND EAGLE '88 Base: Venice Air Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine with All-Domain Effects Team, 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, call fire support to a Bell AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 (HMLA - 773), Marine Aircraft Control Group 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, during Exercise Gunslinger 2022 (Gunslinger 22') in Salina, Kansas, June 16, 2022. Gunslinger 22' is a joint U.S. Armed Forces exercise, demonstrating mobilization capability to forward deployed locations while employing and integrating a multitude of operational capabilities.

050404-F-9429S-011. Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Army medics assigned to the Gila Battalion, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, perform an air medical evacuation rehearsal during the Gila Focus validation exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 2 ,2022. The "Spartan Brigade," 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, is the Army's most modern land fighting force and is preparing to defeat any threat in large-scale combat operations.

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Gabriella Demers, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, directs 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.

U.S. Army Soldiers prepare to board UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters April 7, 2022 at Camp Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base. Camp Rudder hosts the final phase phase of the United States Army Ranger Course, and the Black Hawk helicopters are provided by the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Photograph of American troops running towards a chopper during the Vietnam War. Dated 1970

Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter of the Russian Air Force flying over treetops in Russia.

221116-N-VI040-1270 MOUNT FUJI, Japan (Nov. 16, 2022) MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to the "Warlords" ofHelicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 conduct flight operations near Mount Fuji, Japan during a flight exercise Nov. 16, 2022. Forward deployed onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, the Warlords provide combat-ready, armed anti-surface and anti-submarine helicopter detachments to ships deploying in the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf regions.

An AH-1 Cobra helicopter prepares to touch down at the airfield during Operation Sand Eagle '88. Subject Operation/Series: SAND EAGLE '88 Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters, used to ferry the members of the Norwegian Mechanized Battalion, take off during a joint United States and Norwegian rapid troop deployment training exercise. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

An air-to-air right side view of an AH-64A Apache helicopter. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. RIMPAC military forces fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Denver (LPD 9), July 22, during a SINKEX to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. SINKEX vessels are put through a certified cleaning process, including removing all environmentally harmful material including trash, floatable material, mercury, fluorocarbon and petroleum. 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 ensuri

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, disembark an MV-22 Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 during a Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to showcase the aircraft, equipment and capabilities of the armed forces to the local community. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.

030511-M-8683D-122. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Base: Chuk Su Met Country: Thailand (THA)

A convoy of 16, CH46-Helicopters arrives at MCAS Miramar bringing home the Marines of HMM-161 after ther six-month deployment as part of the 13th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit). Subject Operation/Series: HMM-161 home coming Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Search and Rescue helicopters are seen grounded by low visibility at the Arkalyk Airport in Kazakhstan on Saturday, March 16, 2013. The Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft landed with Expedition 34 Commander Kevin Ford of NASA, Russian Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy and Russian Flight Engineer Evgeny Tarelkin near the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan on Saturday, March 16, 2013. Ford, Novitskiy, and Tarelkin returned from 142 days onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 33 and 34 crews.

Maj. Kenneth Danos Jr., FLATIRON Detachment incoming commander, 1st Battalion, 223d Aviation Regiment, is hoisted down from the UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter to begin the change of command ceremony at Carins Airfield, Fort Rucker, Alabama, April 4, 2022.

United States Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion heavy lift transport helicopter taxis along flight line at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Members of the 101st Airborne Division Airmobile team unload field gear from a CH-47D Chinook helicopter during Operation Sand Eagle '88. Subject Operation/Series: SAND EAGLE '88 Base: Mcdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030804-M-7837W-026. Base: Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Navy SEALs exit an MH-60S Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 during Exercise Trident 23-2 at Blackstone Army Airfield, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2022. Exercise Trident served as an opportunity for Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 to integrate with special operations forces and strengthen interoperability. VMGR-252 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Ka-52K of the Russian Navy.

DF-ST-86-10433. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 85-3 Base: Wheeler Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Army (USA) Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment (2/27) Charlie Company, 25th Infantry Division (ID) Light, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (HI), board a US Marine Corps (USMC) CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-263 (HMM-263) at Polaris Point Guam Naval Station for transport to Tinian Island. This is part of an Airborne Insert onto an island during Exercise TANDEM THRUST 2003. Base: Polaris Point Guam Naval Station State: Guam (GU) Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

An Army CH-47F Chinook, operated by aircrew from B Company, 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion, passes over Clunie Lake during helocast training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 29, 2022. Army combat engineers from Breacher Company, 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conducted the helocast operations to build confidence and familiarize themselves with future training they will encounter.

011128-F-1789V-102. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

040614-F-3488S-006. Complete Scene Caption: US Marine Corps (USMC) Marines from Marine Security Element (MSE), India Company (I CO), 3rd Battalion (BN), 3rd Marines, Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (HI), debark a US Army (USA) CH-47D Chinook, Bravo Company (B CO), 4th Battalion, 123rd Theater Aviation (4-123rd Aviation Regiment), Fort Wainwright Army Post, Alaska (AK), during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training as part of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 04. The training is taking place at the combat town training area on Fort Wainwright Army Post, AK. NORTHERN EDGE is Alaska's annual joint training exercise designed to enhance interoperability among the services by sharpening and honing joint service techniques and procedures. It helps provide a ready force, capable of protecting America's interests at home and abroad. More than 9,000 Airmen, US Navy (USN) Sailors, USA Soldiers, USMC Marines, and US Coast Guard (USCG) Guardsmen from active duty, Reserve, and

U.S. Soldiers with 30th Medical Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command participate in Best Squad Competition at Local Training Area Oberdachstetten, Ansbach, Germany, Army

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4 and Maritime Raid Force, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, evacuate a simulated casualty during Ground Interoperability Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 27, 2022. The focus of the Maritime Raid Force Interoperability Exercise is to integrate all elements of the MRF into a comprehensive and cohesive raid force, capable of conducting and supporting MEU operations while forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific region.

A left underside view of a CH-46D Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 (HC-3), Detachment 103, as it moves into position to pick up a cargo hook. The helicopter is assigned to the Kilauea class ammunition ship USS KISKA (AE-35). Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cooper Molling, a powerline mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, salutes a departing MV-22B Osprey at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-162 prepared personnel and aircraft in support of a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMM-162 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A CH-47 Chinook assigned to B Company 1/189th General Support Aviation Battalion, Nevada National Guard, sits on a staging area as the crew waits for the sun to set before conducting a night aerial gunnery live-fire at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, June 24, 2022

A U.S. Marine with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464 performs a preflight inspection on a CH-53E Super Stallion at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 20, 2022. HMH-464 and other squadrons assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) trained to integrate with and support Marine ground units during Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 3-22. SLTE is a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Utah Army National Guard soldier from the 19th Special Forces is hoisted up to an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter during a combat search and rescue integration exercise over the Utah Test and Training Range in Sandy, Utah, on May 3, 2007. The exercise helps expand the expertise and integration with Utah's 211th Aviation Group AH-64 Apache Joint Rotary Wing, 4th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon Striker assets, and Special Operations Forces in conducting extensive joint combat search and rescue operations.

U.S Marines and Sailors with Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, load simulated casualties onto a U.S. Marine Corps Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) defense training event at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 26, 2022. A FARP serves a critical logistics function ensuring rapid access to weapons and fuel.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Hancock, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, wipes down a cockpit window at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Nov. 7, 2022. This was the last flight for HMLA-269, which is deactivating in accordance with Force Design 2030. HMLA-269 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, enters an AH-1Z Viper from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, for his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 25, 2022. The flight marked a significant occasion for Rudder, who is retiring after 38 years of service from the world's most elite fighting force. Since 2020, Rudder has commanded two-thirds of the Marine Corps operating forces committed to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Rudder is a native of Canton, Connecticut.

View of nose sections and cockpits of line of United States Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopters, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

U.S. Air Force Forward Area Refueling Point specialists refuel a U.S. Army UH-60 from an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing during Special Operations Air-Land Integration training near Daugavpils, Latvia, June 28, 2023. We are improving our mobility to the Eastern Flank by diversifying our logistics nodes; bolstering prepositioned stocks; encouraging investment in maintenance capabilities and shortening the window between the deployment and integration of the right capabilities.

U.S. Marines with Force Company, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare to helocast as part of Littoral Exercise I (LEX I) in Key West, Fla., Jan. 24, 2022. During LEX I, Marines and Sailors aboard the Wichita and on various bases throughout the East Coast will be conducting new types of training to prepare for future scenarios in littoral environments. They will be experimenting with new tactics and training with multi-domain reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance teams in accordance with Force Design 2030.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge - The City - 26-HK-383-60. Hurricane Katrina

Department of the Air Force civic leaders watch a demonstration given by the 176th Wing, an Air National Guard unit, during the DAF civic leader tour at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 22, 2022. The 176th Wing is heavily involved in civilian rescues from dangerous situations in remote Alaska locations, and the demonstration illustrates what the 176ths parascue squads do to accomplish their mission.

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, finishes his final flight in his Army career on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. CW5 Rolando Sanchez, 10th CAB Command Chief Warrant Officer, also conducted his last flight with the brigade.

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461 taxi in a CH-53K King Stallion after its first operational flight at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, April 13, 2022. The flight signified the beginning of HMH-461's modernization from the CH-53E Super Stallion to the CH-53K King Stallion. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, move simulated casualties to a CH-53E Super Stallion for extraction during a helicopter raid exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 13, 2024. The exercise simulated taking control of an enemy airfield and supporting further denial operations. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

An HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter from the 66th Rescue Squadron taxis at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 8, 2023. Red Flag 23-1 created a realistic environment for warfighters to train.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron (HMLA) 775, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, prepare to board a UH-1Y Venom while a AH-1Z Viper takes off during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 4-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 29, 2022. 4th Marine Aircraft Wing squadrons, including HMLA-775, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, worked side-by-side to execute an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations scenario during ITX 4-22. MAG-41 tripled the combat radius of the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom via multiple refueling methods, including the first use of the Tactical Aviation Ground Refueling System during an exercise by the Reserve Component. This vastly reduced the refueling time required and prevented MAG-41 personnel and aircraft from being targeted by the enemy. This scenario was carr

A U.S. Army UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter is parked on the flight line during an international disaster relief effort following the eruption of a volcano. Base: Palanquero Air Force Base Country: Colombia (COL)

Soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conduct sling load operations with a CH-47 Chinook from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Feb 21. Sling load operations streamline logistics by quickly moving heavy equipment across the battlefield.

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey with 7th Special Operations Squadron prepares to takeoff during helicopter rope suspension techniques training with U.S. Marines and sailors from 2d Reconnaissance Battalion attached to Task Force 61/2 and sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 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.

U.S. Marines participating in Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) 2-13, exit a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gun Range, Calif., April 15, 2013. WTI is intended to train Marines on the combined arms capabilities of both air and ground elements.

Dan Gedacht (U.S. Embassy Baghdad) arrives for work in Tal Afar, Ninewa Province, Iraq, 2010.

040324-M-5523R-025. Complete Scene Caption: Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) Marines brace themselves from the wind-blast of a US Marine Corps (USMC) 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) Unit CH-53E cargo helicopter as it moves into position to pickup and transport their two howitzers from a landing zone (LZ) on Camp Mujuk, located near Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Republic of Korea (KOR), during a joint USMC and ROKMC training exercise conducted as part of Amphibious Ready Group Exercise 2004 (ARGEX 04). ARGEX 04 is a joint USMC and US Navy (USN) training exercise designed to acquaint each service about the techniques, tactics, and procedures associated with the deployment of a MEU(SOC) Unit. Base: Camp Mu Juk Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. troops board UH-60 BlackHawk helicopters for a desert assault exercise Bright Star '82. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Country: Egypt (EGY)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466) descends to a landing zone on a parade deck behind a row of barracks at the combat center during Exercise Gallant Eagle '88. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '88 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook offloads pallets during a U.S. Southern Command Situational Assessment Team capability exercise at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 9, 2024. The S-SAT is a quick-reaction deployable team comprised of experts that provide the commander of the U.S. Southern Command an immediate assessment of conditions and unique requirements needed during a Humanitarian Assistance or Disaster Response event in the Central America AOR.

U.S. Army Soldiers, 237th Brigade Support Battalion, Cleveland, Ohio, prepare cable during a sling load mission at the Camp Grayling Parade Field, Grayling, Mich., Aug 14, 2022 during exercise Northern Strike 22-2. Northern Strike is designed to challenge approximately 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

110312-M-5425B-002 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa (March 12, 2011) CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265, depart for Naval Air Facility Atsugi on mainland Japan to provide assistance after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami struck Japan. The helicopters will fly more than 1,000 miles over open water with emergency equipment.

A recently arrived CH-3 Jolly Green Giant helicopter is in the process of being assembled by members of the maintenance crew of the 33rd Aerospace and Recovery Service. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Kosovo Force Regional Command- East Task Force Aviation Soldiers, comprised of Soldiers from Alpha Company, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard, train personnel from KFOR RC-Es Maneuver Battalion, comprised of Soldiers from Delta Company, 2-162 Infantry Battalion, Oregon Army National Guard, on sling load operations on Camp Nothing Hill, Kosovo on May 8, 2020. Sling load operations enhance KFOR RC-Es ability to rapidly transport items such as equipment and sustainment supplies. KFOR RC-E maintains operational readiness and interoperability between its elements through joint training.

Soldiers assigned to 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade refuel, rearm, and repair AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and other vehicles at the Forward Arming and Refueling Point on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Oct. 20, 2022.

Members of the 164th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Tennessee Air National Guard, and a Marine from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, load packaged water from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on to a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter at an air terminal near St. Croixs airport, Sept. 11.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, September 5, 2005 -- Residents rescued by local and FEMA Urban Search and Rescue workers in neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Katrina are transported on a military helicopter which will transport them to a staging area where they will be brought to shelters. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU, Romania-- Soldiers with the Romanian 9th Mechanized Brigade exit a UH60M Black Hawk on the landing zone during air assault training with the 3-227 Assault Helicopter Battalion. Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 observe CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters during Korean Marine Exercise Program (KMEP) on the 1st Republic of Korea Marine Corps Division Base in Pohang, Republic of Korea, July 20, 2022. KMEP is a bilateral training exercise that increases interoperability and strengthens the combined capabilities of Republic of Korea Marines and U.S. Marines.

Troopers assigned to 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade observe an AGM-114 Hellfire missile impact from their AH-64E Apache helicopter at Yakima Training Center, Wash. on Jan. 24, 2023.U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade

A French CASA CN-235 prepares for takeoff from Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 16, 2022. Marara 22 is a multinational training exercise which enhances combined interoperability between the U.S. military and Frances Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters in French Polynesia.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During a simulated emergency landing of a shuttle crew at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, emergency rescue personnel carry an "injured astronaut" to a waiting helicopter. Known as a Mode VI exercise, the operation uses volunteer workers from the Center to pose as astronauts. The purpose of the simulation is to exercise emergency preparedness personnel, equipment and facilities in rescuing astronauts from a downed orbiter and providing immediate medical attention.

Royal Air Force CH-47 Mk6 carrying sling loads.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepares to refuel a Japan Self-Defense Force V-22 Osprey during rehearsals for a capabilities demonstration as part of Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium 2022, Camp Kisarazu, Japan, June 15, 2022. PALS consisted of presentations and demonstrations which were conducted in effort to promote regional security and enhance operational concepts and capabilities. The 2022 symposium brought together senior leaders from 18 participating delegations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships.

020907-F-0362B-005. Base: Tbilisi Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Ka-52 attack helicopters of the Russian Air Force taking off, Kubinka, Russia.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to board aircraft after a helicopter raid exercise on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. The exercise trained Marines to secure an objective from a simulated oppositional force. 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.

Two U.S. Air Force CV-22B Ospreys with the 352d Special Operations Wing and a Finnish NH90 helicopter with the Utti Jaeger Regiment Helicopter Battalion prepare to take off during a bilateral exercise at Utti Air Base, Finland, March 30, 2023. Together, U.S. forces and our partner and ally nations hone skills, fine-tune interoperability, nurture key relationships and acclimate to inherent challenges posed by the Arctics extreme cold weather conditions by training in the High North.

111214-N-BT887-350 ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 14, 2011) Sailors perform maintenance on an MH-60S Knighthawk from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Two Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters land and soldier offload the aircraft during a Swift Response 22 joint forcible entry exercise at the Krivolak Military Training Center in Negotino, North Macedonia, May 12, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 22 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. The purpose of the exercise is to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa, and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnership.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, load a MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, while they conduct an air-insertion during Resolute Dragon 22 on Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Baqubah, Iraq - A UH-60 Blackhawk Medivac helicopter refuels at Camp Warhorse after a mission

050622-A-9665L-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Danger State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 4TH IRAQI ARMY DIVISION

030224-M-5753Q-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT)

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.

The 1-228 Aviation Regiment Sugar Bears assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo conduct a multi-ship CH-47 Chinook launch Sept. 15, 2022, as part of a training exercise at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. This exercise builds readiness and postures JTF-Bravo to provide the best support to our Central American partners whenever and wherever help is needed.

Senior DOD Civilians and military leaders with the Adaptive Planning and Execution Enterprise (APEX) load on to a CH-47, Chinook, at Fort Carson, Colorado, Sept. 20, 2022. The APEX group was given a tour of the Mountain Post to get a better understanding of how the 4th Infantry Division deploys, fights and wins our nation's wars.

Competitors participate in the range-run event during the 2022 National Guard Bureau Region 2 Best Warrior Competition, held May 17-20, 2022, at Camp Dawson, Kingwood, West Virginia. The Best Warrior Competition is a physically and mentally challenging three-day competition that tests competitors on a wide range of technical and tactical skills relevant to todays combat operating environment. Region 2 consists of competitors from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional winners from across the nation will advance to compete at the national-level this summer.

Soldiers from Headquarters, and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) board a Chinook to be transported to the training area, kicking off Operation Lethal Eagle II, April 22, 2022, on Fort Campbell. Lethal Eagle is a division-wide training exercise designed to produce lethal squads and platoons grounded in fundamentals ready for contingency operations on battlefields. (U.S. Army photos: Spc. Laura Hardin)

220611-N-PI330-1010 LIEPAJA, Latvia (June 11, 2022) Sailors attached to Mobile Underwater Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU 2) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 (EODMU 12) board an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter to visit the Daring-class destroyer HMS Defender (D 36), June 11, 2022 in Liepaja, Latvia. MUDSU 2 and EODMU 12 are 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 member of the 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit uses hand signals to communicate with the pilot of an MH-53J Pave Low III helicopter while conducting a pre-flight check during the joint service Exercise Ocean Venture '92. The helicopter is assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '92 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task UNITAS LXIII, prepares to take off at São Pedro da Aldeia, Brazil, Sept. 11, 2022. UNITAS is the world's 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. Benton is a native of Vero Beach, FL.

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (Sept. 20, 2020) U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy corpsman with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a U.S. Army UH-60 helicopter during a casualty evacuation drill at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Sept. 20, 2020. Marines with 1/12 conducted the training as part of Spartan Fury, a training exercise that aims to strengthen the artillery units expeditionary readiness and tactical proficiency.

Firefighters hanging a 5000-liter water tank under a CH-53 helicopter of the German armed forces, during an exercise, Laupheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Right side view of a UH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6) aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Base: USS America (CV 66) State: Suez Canal Country: Egypt (EGY)

Soldiers assigned to 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade observe the impact from an AGM-114 Hellfire missile from their AH-64E Apache helicopter at Yakima Training Center, Wash. on Jan. 24, 2023.U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade

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