Helicopters in Military Operations

Images featuring military helicopters in action, demonstrating their roles in air support, transport, and rescue missions.

US Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra Makes an Attack Run

DF-ST-87-01095. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220528-N-PC065-2096 AEGEAN SEA (May 28, 2022) - A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Rein.), lands on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) to transport ammunition in support of exercise EFES 2022, May 28, 2022. EFES22 is an international combined joint live-fire exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between U.S., Turkey, and allied nations. Arlington is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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 U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk, assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, with U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 52nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conduct a joint service hoist training with U.S. Army Medical Evacuation aircrew members assigned to the 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade on July 6, 2022 at an undisclosed location. Joint service training allows for the sharing of best practices for patient and medic extraction and infiltration.

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter May 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.

Helicopters from Task Force 34, 1st Battalion 244 Assault Helicopter Battalion on fly on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, March 11. 1-244 AHB consist of companies from the Louisiana and Florida National Guards. They are currently deployed to Iraq in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 1-244 AHB conducts air assault and air movement operations in support of the Multi-National Corps - Iraq as an integrated member of Task Force 34 to allow the Iraq national government to assume responsibility of the security and government of Iraq.

Soldiers assigned to the British 16th Air Assault Brigade Combat Team take off in a 1st Air Cavalry Brigade UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in preparation for an air assault training mission during Swift Response, Krivolak Military Training Center, North Macedonia, May 8, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. It aims 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 partnerships.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing transports Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division to a landing zone during Resolute Dragon 22 at Shikaribetsu 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.

US Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra Makes an Attack Run

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to execute a cargo lift during exercise Steel Knight 23 at Sand Hill on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 1, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

030403-F-2034C-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Soldiers with 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, conduct sling-load operations Sept. 15, 2022, airlifting supplies up Payson Canyon in support of a five-day exercise hosted by Utah County Sheriff Search and Rescue. The assistance provided reaffirms the Utah National Guard's commitment to local agency partnerships, which in this case helped facilitate a unique training opportunity for emergency responders.

050718-N-9866B-031. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Herat, Afghanistan - 07 June 2014: Aerial view of an A129 'MANGUSTA' helicopter of the Italian Army with anti-tank functions during training in Afghanistan.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 18, 2022) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the Raptors of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, flies overhead during flight operations aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) 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.

221205-N-XN177-1082 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2022) - An AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369 flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Dec. 5, 2022. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

220909-N-XH769-1102 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sep. 9, 2022) A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 takes off from the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Sep. 9, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 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.

U.S. Marines and soldiers from the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron fast-rope out of a CH-53E Super Stallion during exercise Gunslinger 22 in Riley, Kansas, June 21, 2022. Exercise Gunslinger 22 is a joint exercise with the Kansas Air National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps designed to increase aircraft control and training for potential real-world contingencies.

A U.S. Navy MH-60S conducts flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in the Atlantic Ocean, June 27, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 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 U.S. Marine AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter prepares to land for Fleet Week New York 2022 at Lincoln Park, New Jersey, May 26, 2022. Fleet Week New York has been held nearly every year since 1984 to celebrate the nations maritime services and highlight their innovative capabilities, while providing an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tristate area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.

221020-N-XN177-1211 EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 20, 2022) - A CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 20, 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. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with the New Jersey National Guard's 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion lifts off from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 16, 2022 in support of the 99th Regional Support Command's 2022 Effects Coordination Board.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Army aviators from 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia National Guard, conduct sling load training for non-aviation Soldiers at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Aug. 8, 2022. Liaison Monitoring Team Soldiers from Kosovo Forces Regional Command East underwent the training in order to learn how to safely conduct sling load operations, allowing for the rapid insertion of supplies and equipment even in the most remote of locations.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, delivers supplies during Exercise EFES 2022 (EFES 22), near Izmir, Turkey, May 28, 2022. EFES22 is an international Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between the U.S., Turkey, and allied nations.

030823-F-7709W-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 is prepared for takeoff from the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH 9) during operations off the coast of Lebanon. Base: USS Guam (LPH 9) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

220730-N-VJ326-1267 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 30, 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.

030301-F-2907C-614. Base: Mesa State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from HMH-463 Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, lands on the island of Peleliu as part of Exercise KOA THUNDER 2001. Marines from Aviation Support Element, Kaneohe Bay Hawaii, 1ST Marine Air Wing (MAW), Okinawa Japan, and 3rd Marines 7th Battalion 29 Palms, California, participated in KOA THUNDER on the island of Guam from July 9 to July 14. The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate the Marine Corps ability to deploy in the South Pacific from places other than Okinawa, Japan. Subject Operation/Series: KOA THUNDER 2001 Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Marine Divison

United States Marine Corps UH-1Y lifts off during a combat operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

040409-F-6911G-003. Complete Scene Caption: A US Air Force (USAF) HH-60G Pave Hawk, 66th Rescue Squadron (RS), Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada (NV), makes an approach at days end during a live fire training exercise held at Ft. Bliss, Texas (TX). The exercise is part of the 57th Wing Weapons School, Nellis AFB, NV, intensive five-month training program. The exercise concentrates on the HH-60 Weapons School Division students performing flying tasks while combining integrated training with the 66th RS as part of the course curriculum. The mission of the USAF Weapons School (USAFWS) is to teach graduate-level instructor courses that provides the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers of the combat air forces. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

7th Special Forces Group (A) Soldiers carry out a fast rope insertion exercise as a part of Eglin Strike at Camp Rudder, Florida on July 26, 2022.

Czech Air Force Mi-171 transport helicopter with soldiers.

U.S. Army Spouses apart of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade participate in the brigade spouse flight on Fort Drum, NY May 12, 2022. Spouses had the oppurtunity to fly in UH-60M Black Hawk and CH-47F Chinook helicopters.

220801-N-XN177-1230 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 1, 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.

Two U.S. Army UH-60 BlackHawk helicopters landing at Archer Base, Camp Butmir.

041001-F-2034C-056. Base: Samarra State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

UH-60 Black Hawks taxi out for a mission over northern Iraq

PEARL HARBOR (July 14, 2022) A UH-60 belonging to the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade lands near the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) camp to transport the wounded as part of Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 14. 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. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Suga Tatsuya)

United States Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion heavy lift transport helicopter launches on a mission from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

The crew aboard a US Air Force (USAF) HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron (RQS) provides documentation and security coverage during a downed pilot rescue demonstration conducted at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Air Field, Nevada (NV), during a quarterly Capstone aerial firepower demonstration. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0401362 or search 020208F1789V050). Base: Indian Springs Auxiliary Field State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Iowa Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter picks up a historic F-80 fighter jet from the Air National Guard paint facility in Sioux City, Iowa on April 11, 2023. The helicopter from the Iowa NG B/171 Aviation Regiment based in Davenport, is bringing the jet back to Camp Dodge to be placed on static display. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

DF-ST-85-03620. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Base: Cairo West Air Base State: Al Qahirah Country: Egypt (EGY)

110321-N-FX485-057PACIFIC OCEAN (March 21, 2011) An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 prepares to take off from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to transport food and emergency relief supplies. Ronald Reagan is operating off the coast of Japan to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi.

A Mi-24 "Hind" helicopter simulates an attack while being scoped by a Dutch Stinger Missile Platoon (Not shown) on McGregor Range, New Mexico during Roving Sands '99, June 21, 1999. Roving Sands is a one-of-a-kind event that is the world's largest Joint Tactical Air Operations exercise. It melds the Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Elements; Air Defense Artillery; and Aircraft; of the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Multinational Forces, into a Joint Integrated Air Defense System (IADs). Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '99 Base: Mcgregor Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine AH-1Z Viper pilots with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 conduct a familiarization flight of ranges near Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 6, 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.

U.S. special operations service members participate in Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) training at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, April 22, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict. It emphasizes air dominance, maritime operations, maritime air support, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, personnel recovery, aero medical evacuation, and combat medical support.

040204-F-8572B-001. Base: Bellows Air Force Station, Oahu State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 25th ASOS

Air Assault candidates rappel out of a UH-60, February 22, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the UH-60, candidates must complete the 12-mile ruck in under 3 hours the following morning. Army

AT SEA, KOREA STRAIT (March 29, 2023) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Samuel Meyer, commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, co-pilots an AH-1Z Venom helicopter during take-off from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), March 29, 2023. The 13th MEU is embarked with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of the Makin Island and the amphibious transport docks USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of 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. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts an air-insertion during Resolute Dragon 22 on Shikaribetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 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.

An Mh-60S Knighthawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 flies a daytime familiarization flight at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 28, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; VFA-103; VFA-86; VFA-136; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121; HSC-5; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with United Nation's (UN) designations takes off from Camp Able Sentry II for a mission. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Camp Able Sentry State: Skopje Country: Macedonia (MKD)

U.S. Marine Infantrymen with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provide ground security 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.

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.

Indonesian Soldiers conduct live hoist training during Exercise Super Garuda Shield 22 at Baturaja, Indonesia on Aug. 1, 2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military and Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

A UH-60 Blackhawk finishes refueling and prepares to taxi away to continue its mission, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

German Special Forces attached to two H145M helicopters.

030815-M-7837W-077. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ali Al Salem Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk belonging to 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment takes off following a response to a simulated mass-casualty event, April 2, 2016, at the Alaska State Fairgrounds during exercise Alaska Shield 2016. Area first responders exercised mass-casualty response during a simulated crash of a passenger train into a schoolbus.

220423-N-LZ839-1063NORFOLK, VA. (April 23, 2022) - An MH-60s helicopter assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), April 21, 2022. Bataan is underway in the 2nd fleet area of operations. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

DF-ST-88-03751. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A front view of an HH-53H Pave Low III helicopter parked on the apron during Exercise Kindle Liberty 83. Subject Operation/Series: KINDLE LIBERTY 83 Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

PACIFIC OCEAN (August 7, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, flies by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an air power demonstration for embarked guests. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast ropes during a day and night fast roping exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the South China Sea, Sept. 15, 2022. 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MarineAircraft Wing conduct landing drills with a CH-53E Super Stallion at Kamifurano Maneuver Area,Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designedto strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integratedcommand and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains. (U.S.Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Justin J. Marty)

041214-F-1740G-014. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

050711-F-7564C-013. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT 2005 Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010927-F-1131H-004. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey with 7th Special Operations Squadron prepares to takeoff during helicopter rope suspension techniques training 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.

020507-F-1014W-013. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT RESOLVE 26 Base: Camp Butmir State: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter departs Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

041023-F-2034C-031. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Mckenzie Country: Iraq (IRQ)

970630-N-2568S-005. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) rappel from an MV-22B Osprey assigned toMarine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 during a Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques(HRST) Master Course at Landing Zone Sterling, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. Rappelling allowsMarines to enter landing zones that are too dangerous for helicopters to safely land. Fast rope andhelicopter rope suspension training teach Marines proper knots, rappelling techniques, and buildconfidence for maneuvering from air to ground.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremy Stoddard, Bravo Company 1-10 Attack Battalion mission survivability officer, unpacks an Army AH-64E Apache at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14, 2022. The Apache conducts armed reconnaissance, close combat, mobile strike and vertical maneuver missions when required, regardless of daylight or darkness, obscured battlefield or adverse weather conditions.

220509-N-ZA692-0822 BAHRAIN (May 9, 2022) An MH-60s Knighthawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, demonstrates a low-level flight during a search and rescue exercise with members of the Bahrain Defence Force, May 9, during Exercise Neon Defender. Neon Defender is an annual bilateral training event between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Bahrain. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, installation defense and medical response.

DA-ST-85-02269. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Grenville Country: Grenada (GRD)

Two IFOR marked US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry, are in flight in preparation to land at Comanche Base, located near Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The 6th Cavalry is in Bosnia-Herzegovina participating in Operation Joint Endeavor, which is a peacekeeping effort by a multinational Implementation Force (IFOR), comprised of NATO and non-NATO military forces, deployed to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Comanche Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53H Super Stallion assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron one (MAWTS-1) takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 13, 2022. A WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

221022-N-LK647-1122 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 12th Combat Aviation Brigade conduct pre-flight checks on an AH-64D Apache longbow helicopter at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 28, 2022. 12th CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

US Marine Corps AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopter launching from Al Asad Air Base, Iraq

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Two airmen carry medical supplies to an HH-60 prior to take off here, March 20. The 33rd Rescue Squadron successfully transported supplies to displaced peoples in Kessenuma City, in support of Operation Tomodachi. Kessenuma experienced massive destruction from the earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, March 11.

Two UH-1 Hueys from the 54th Helicopter Squadron land at the helicopter hangar at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Oct. 3, 2022. The 54th Helicopter Squadron partners with the 91st Missile Wing to ensure the security of the missile sites. (Airman 1st Class Alexander Nottingham)

An UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, from Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd General Support Aviation Brigade, flies a mission over Seoul, South Korea, March 26, 2007, during exercise Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration / Foal Eagle 2007. The annual joint command post and field training exercise demonstrates U.S. resolve to support South Korea against external aggression while improving combat readiness and joint/combined interoperability.

220106-N-PV401-1149 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 6, 2022) An MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to the Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 6, 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.

030121-F-7203T-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

220419-N-NK931-571 PACIFIC OCEAN (April. 19, 2022) - An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, lifts off from Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) during routine underway operations in the Eastern Pacific. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

Crewmembers aboard a CH-47F, of B/2-135 GSAB, take pictures of the rest of the flight on their way to Boulder Apt. in order to assist in fighting the fires outside of Nederland, CO.On 10 July 16, the 2-135 GSAB was activated to State Active Duty to provide aviation support to the Cold Springs fire just outside Nederland CO.

A left front view of a 20th Special Operations Squadron MH-53H PAVELOW helicopter extracting 1723rd Combat Control members with ladder ropes. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AH-64D with Longbow radar of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Army Blackhawk Australian Army Blackhawk chopper flies over the Pacific Ocean. Copyright: xZoonar.com/BrettxMulcahyx 1217762

920th Rescue Wing HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and 175th Wing A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft conduct Forward Arming and Refuelling Point training at a simulated contingency location during Exercise Sunshine Rescue Jan. 25, 2023. FARP provides the fuel necessary for helicopter and fixed-wing operations to continue their mission while reducing the vulnerability of forward deployed forces.

220827-N-CY569-1157 IONIAN SEA (Aug. 27, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11, performs a vertical replenishment from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), Aug. 27, 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.

040705-M-1158H-040. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the Pennsylvania National Guards 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade flies over Philadelphia during a recent Dense Urban Terrain exercise. The exercise, which ran from July 25 to 29, was conducted by Task Force 46, a 600-personnel chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) response element, comprised of National Guard units from states across the country.

U.S. Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (1AD CAB) fly a UH-60 Black Hawk to a live fire range at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Oct. 18, 2022. The 1AD CAB is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

A MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, transports Marines during Keen Sword 23 at Amami Ōshima, Japan, Nov. 17, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and the JGSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

A HH-60 Blackhawk, C CO, 2-4 GSAB, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, provides support of the Jack L. Clark Jr., Army Best Medic Competition at Fort Hood, Texas 27 Jan.

A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH 9), during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Behind the Sea Knight is a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

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