Military Helicopter Operations

Images depict military personnel boarding and rappelling from helicopters, showcasing training exercises in various environments. The mood is focused and operational.

Navy SEALs drop fast rope from a UH60 Blackhawk with 1-228th Aviation Regiment for FRIES training during CENTAM Guardian 23 in San Jose, Guatemala on March 21, 2023. CG23 is an annual Army-led combined, joint, interagency, multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity, capabilities and interoperability with Central American partner nations.

Members of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) along with their Ecuadorian Special Forces partners load onto a MH-60 Blackhawk to conduct high altitude, low opening (HALO) jump in Manta, Ecuador, May 19, 2022. Ecuadorian military and US forces are conducting routine military exchanges from May 6-27 between the cities of Manta and Latacunga. Bilateral exchanges allow both militaries to strengthen tactical readiness for future operations maintain readiness and support continue commitment in responding to emerging security crises and natural disasters.( U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Matthew Griffith)

A rappel master aboard a 53rd Aviation Battalion UH-1H Iroquois helicopter checks the area below as two members of 4th Bn., 22nd Inf., 25th Inf. Div. (Light), wait to begin their rappel. The training is being conducted as part of the combined Thai/U.S. exercise Cobra Gold '90. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '90 Base: Chon Buri Country: Thailand (THA)

Two Army Petroleum Supply Specialists with the 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion out of Wiesbaden, Germany fuel an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter at a Forward Arming and Refueling Point that was just set up moments before the aircrafts arrival during Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173d Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

Airlift leadership and a joint team of U.S. Air Force and Marine search and rescume members prepare to board an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 33rd Rescue Squadron March 13, 2011, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Yokota is receiving personnel, aircraft and supplies to support search and rescue efforts as requested by the government of Japan.

Soldiers assigned to 510th Human Resource Company, 10th Division Sustainment Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, walk toward an aircraft, June 15, 2022, during 510th HRs medical evacuation training on Fort Drum, New York.

050217-A-9157N-036. Base: Colon Country: Panama (PAN)

Navy SEALs drop fast rope from a UH60 Blackhawk with 1-228th Aviation Regiment for FRIES training during CENTAM Guardian 23 in San Jose, Guatemala on March 21, 2023. CG23 is an annual Army-led combined, joint, interagency, multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity, capabilities and interoperability with Central American partner nations.

040816-F-8769K-033. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060228-A-1211S-135. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Normandy State: Diyala Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: A

A 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pave Hawk lands on the flightline during a no-notice exercise April 12, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. No-notice exercises keep members of Kadena AB ready for any situation and capable of deploying combat ready assets at a moments notice in the defense throughout the Pacific Theater.

Service members unload a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Oct. 30, 2014, during Operation United Assistance. The U.S. Africa Command-led operation provides command and control, logistics, training and engineering support to the U.S. governments efforts to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in West African nations.

A Petroleum Supply Specialist assigned to Alpha Company, 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade performs a hot refuel on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, operated by Soldiers with Bravo Company, 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion, 1ACB at a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) during Combined Resolve 17, Hohenfels Training Area, May 26, 2022. Combined Resolve 17 is a United States Army Europe and Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed training event at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center to exercise combined arms operations in a multinational environment. The exercise features approximately 4,800 Soldiers from Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, and the United States.

Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 349th Air Mobility Wing, Soldiers from the California Army Guard's 49th Military Police Brigade, and Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing load an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter onto a C-5M Super Galaxy during Exercise Nexus Rising at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California, June 5, 2022. Nexus Rising is three-day joint combat readiness exercise that challenges Airmen and Soldiers to effectively deploy and operate in a contested, degraded environment.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Aircrews from the U.S., Croatia and Switzerland discuss their upcoming flight in front of a U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, April 12, 2022. Flying helicopters from each of the three nations, the three aviation teams participated in the multi-ship flight across Kosovo Forces Regional Command - East in order to enhance capabilities and interoperability when working in a multinational environment.

U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen train with a New Jersey National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter with Detachment 1, C Company, 1-171st MEDEVAC during a Medical Simulation Training Center class on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 9, 2022. The Medical Simulation Training Center provides state of the art training to aid students in gaining proficiency in treating all areas of trauma and basic medical scenarios.

U.S. Marines and soldiers provide security after fast-roping out of a CH-53E Super Stallion during exercise Gunslinger 22 in Riley, Kansas, June 21, 2022. Marines and soldiers from the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron operated alongside one another in a fast-rope exercise. 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.

Black Hawk US Army

040826-F-7527S-517. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, attach the hook during sling load operations at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, June 13, 2013. Helicopter sling load operations are the key to moving supplies and equipment to remote locations.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines board a CH-53E Super Stallion during Stand-in Force Exercise on Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. SiF-EX is a Division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region.

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, and Philippine Marines with Force Reconnaissance Group, exit a CH-53E Super Stallion during Balikatan 22 to conduct a raid on Corregidor Island, Cavite, Philippines, April 7, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. BK22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers from the 351st Aviation Support Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, conduct sling load operations, June 12, 2019, at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina. As part of the operation, a CH47 Chinook from the 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command, lifted and transported a M1113 Humvee. The purpose of the training is for Soldiers to get additional experience in sling-load operations and to be able to move equipment and vehicles from one point to another when roads are blocked or not available.

The 459th Air Refueling Wing held its wing-wide South Pacific Air Force Multi-mission exercise at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii July 22-30, 2022. Wing Airmen tested their skills, capabilities and ability to adapt in a contested and challenging environment. Nearly every squadron in the wing participated in this exercise to include wing staff agencies and the medical squadrons.

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Division India Company, practice and perfect a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personal (TRAP) during Exercise KOA THUNDER 2001. KOA THUNDER is an exercise involving elements of 1ST Marine Air Wing (MAW), and 3rd Marine Division, where Marines conduct an Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE). The Aviation Support Element (ASE) from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, will be tested on command and control of several different missions, to include a TRAP, airfield seizures, and a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO). Subject Operation/Series: KOA THUNDER 2001 Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Battalion 7th Marines

U.S. Army Special Forces perform helo casting from a MH47 Chinook helicopter during Emerald Warrior, March 1, 2011, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Emerald Warrior is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multi-service exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines embark a CH-53E Super Stallion during Stand-in Force Exercise on Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. SiF-EX is a Division-level exercise involving all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment. This exercise serves as a rehearsal for rapidly projecting combat power in defense of allies and partners in the region.

DF-ST-88-10380. Base: Judicalpa Country: Honduras (HND)

Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion (Assault Helicopter Battalion), 244th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard perform maintenance on a UH-60 Black Hawk at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Jan. 9, 2024. The 244th AHB underwent rigorous pre-mobilization training in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. (Oklahoma National Guard

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, refuel an AH-1W Super Cobra during a forward arming and refueling point exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 04, 2022. A FARP is a point of operation used for fueling and rearming an aircraft outside of a forward operating base. 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. Army Soldiers of the 145 Support Maintenance Company, New York Army National Guard perform hand and arm signals during a sling load training mission in Ronkonkoma N.Y.Soldiers of the 145 Support Maintenance Company gain proficiency in sling load operations which allow quick deployment of emergency supplies to areas which are difficult to reach in the event of a natural disaster. November 24, 2020.

PEARL HARBOR (July 13, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nolan Ebert, assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force, prepares for the arrival of distinguished visitors at a helicopter landing zone (HLZ) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Ford Island, Hawaii. 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.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to load two AH-64D Longbow helicopters onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft after unloading two AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Clay Kaserne, Germany, Sept. 1, 2023. The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter upgrade is part of the 12th CAB modernization efforts, ongoing training, and new equipment fielding.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.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Army Best Squad Competition rehearse loading procedures on a UH-60 Black Hawk on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. The Army Best Squad Competition tests Soldiers on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-readiness events that test their physical and mental endurance, technical and tactical abilities, and basic warrior skills under stress and extreme fatigue.

A U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for extraction after completing a precision raid at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 10, 2024. The 15th MEU is currently embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group conducting integrated training and routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Soldiers with the 341st Medical Multifunction Battalion from Seagoville, Texas, load a patient onto a UH-72 Lakota helicopter during a medical evacuation training during the Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 14, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven exercise conducted in South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks and battle drills, including performing a hot-cold litter carry.

Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 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 today's battlefields. (U.S. Army photos: Spc. John Simpson)

Maj. Matthew McGuinness pops a flare to signal an HH-60G Pave Hawk where to land during Exercise Cope Angel 12 on Dec. 5, 2011, in Okinawa, Japan. The 33rd and 31st Rescue Squadrons paired up with partners from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force during Cope Angel to train on water and land rescue and triage tactics. McGuiness is the 31st Rescue Squadron director of operations.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with 1st Marine Air Wing, provides resupply and transports simulated casualties during Jungle Warfare Exercise 23 in the Central Training Area on Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 16, 2023. JWX 23 is a large-scale field training exercise focused on leveraging the integrated capabilities of joint and allied partners to strengthen all-domain awareness, maneuver, and fires across a distributed maritime environment.

Soldiers assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota Army National Guard, inspect a helicopter to make sure it is mission ready during Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 16, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven training exercise conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks, and battle drills.

020131-F-7910D-006. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WHITE Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

040610-F-7084M-011. Base: Tulsa State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC/ANG

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force observe a MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, land 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 MEF and the JGSDF. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and the JGSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Beau Rollie, 6-6 Air Cavalry Squadron commander, conducts his final flight as the 6-6 Squadron Commander on Fort Drum, NY Jun. 22, 2022. Lt. Col. Rollie was recieved by Cavalry Soldiers after he landed.

U.S. Army Spc. Anthony Cogossi, wheeled vehicle mechanic with Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, poses for a photo in front of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at an airfield in the 28th ECAB's area of operations in the Middle East.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Angel Hernandez, team leader (left), and Lance Cpl. Brandon Wright, static, (right), with 1st Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, prepare for a cargo lift during exercise Steel Knight 23, on Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 4, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Hernandez is a native of Phoenix and Wright is native to Homosassa, Florida.

Canadian Army troops climb aboard a Canadian CH-135 helicopter for an airlift out of the battle zone during the combined United States/Canadian NATO exercise RENDEZVOUS '83. Subject Operation/Series: RENDEZVOUS '83 Base: Camp Wainwright State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

030303-F-1404F-011. Base: Krtsanisi Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO) Scene Major Command Shown: EUCOM

U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Gambler and Italian soldiers with Airmobile Task Group Griffon respond to a downed aircraft scenario during an aerial reaction force exercise. The exercise ensured the coalition partners cohesiveness in responding to downed aircraft emergencies in hostile environments.

Army National Guard officer candidates, enrolled in the Washington Army National Guards 205th Regimental Training Institute Officer Candidate School Phase III, execute a platoon raid and air extraction at the Leschi Town Collective Training Facility on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., July 24, 2022. A raid is a limited-objective, deliberate operation entailing swift penetration of hostile terrain. Squad and platoon missions help candidates to develop their leadership skills, and quickly make critical decisions based on an understanding of Army tactical doctrine.

050712-F-7564C-008. Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

From Left: Spc. Christopher Hickey, a Bayonne, N.J., native, Spc. Xavier De Leon, a Los Angeles native, and Army Sgt. Alexander Correa, a Boston native, prepare to hook up sling loads to a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter at Forward Operating Base Altimur in Logar province, Afghanistan, Sep. 9. Supplies are sling loaded onto helicopters, so more remote FOBs and Combat Outposts can receive needed items when other delivery means are impractical. Hickey serves as a supply representative for Troop C, 3rd Battalion, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. De Leon, a fire support specialist and Correa, an infantryman, both with Company B, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., are currently attached to 3-71 Cav. Reg.

New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-114th Infantry exit a UH-1Y Huey helicopter flown by Marine Aircraft Group 49 during a joint training exercise on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 10, 2017. The Marine Corps Reserve provided airlift and close air support to Alpha Company soldiers of 1-114. The 1-114, which is part of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is participating in a series of training events that will culminate this summer at an eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise on Fort Pickett, Va. The Army National Guards eXportable Combat Training Capability program is an instrumented Brigade field training exercise designed to certify Platoon proficiency in coordination with First Army.

KFOR multinational partners from Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland and the U.S. came together at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo, to participate in MedEvac training July 13, 2022. Led by U.S. Army Soldiers from RC-Easts Task Force Pegasus, the training provided familiarization on MedEvac tactics, techniques and procedures, enhancing all participating nations readiness while building interoperability among multinational partners. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Matthew Damon)

220707-N-TR141-1914 SAN DIEGO (July 7, 2022) German Navy Sailors assigned to German Seebataillon Mine Clearance Diving Unit (SeeBtl. MiTaKp), located in Eckernförde, Schleswig Holstein, Germany, prepare for a helicopter rope suspension technique (HRST)/cast training event from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC-21) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Southern California. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare to embark a CH-53E Super Stallion before conducting an air assault during Assault Support Tactics 1 (AST-1) as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Laguna Army Airfield, Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 17, 2022. AST-1 is a daytime, force-on-force event which affords prospective WTIs the opportunity to plan, brief, and execute a company-reinforced air assault while integrating the six functions of Marine Aviation.

A U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 463, performs a slingload of an Army H-60 helicopter at U.S. Army Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 27, 2022. HMH-463 provided aircraft support to the Army's 25th Infantry Division's Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART), this training provided both the Marines of HMH-463 and 25th ID DART the oppertunity to learn from one another and develop their skills in real world applications. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dalton J. Payne)

060114-A-5745M-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST ABN DIV

U.S. Air Force aircrew members from the 16th Airlift Squadron and U.S. Marines from Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron-1, airlift and unload a CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to Berlin, Germany, June 15, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

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.

Republic of Korea Marine Lieutenant General Kim Gye-hwan, commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, visits the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) on March 28, 2023. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S.-ROK Alliance.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 14, 2022) Australian Army soldiers, part of the Australian led Multi-National Landing Force, prepare to board a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey from Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii 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. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Corporal John Solomon)

220630-N-KD380-1010 SAN DIEGO - (June 30,2022) - Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 Southern California participants take a guided tour of an MH-60S Seahawk, attached to HSC-21 Blackjacks. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Soldiers with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard and 1st Battalion (Assault Helicopter Battalion), 244th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard conduct hot load training with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Jan. 9, 2024. The 244th AHB underwent rigorous pre-mobilization training in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. (Oklahoma National Guard

030225-F-1798W-003. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

Air Defenders from 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery conducted a culminating Field Training Exercise with both their legacy Avenger and new Maneuver Short Range Air Defense systems at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany October 17-21, 2022. This FTX provided an opportunity for each platoon to react to mock contact, movement and maneuver techniques. During the exercise Air Defenders also conducted extraction of a stuck vehicle, calling up a 9-line medical evacuation request, evacuating personnel by air, navigation in low visibility conditions, and responding to enemy fire.

070220-A-8962K-012. Base: Fort Pickett State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041117-F-1646R-011. Base: Maniago State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

220722-N-TL141-1335 MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) - Multinational Special Operations Forces conduct an simulated medical evacuation during special operations urban combat training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Army Spc. Zach Torres, a cannoncrew member assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 25th Infantry Division Artillery, 25th Infantry Division, and his counterparts from the 15th Unit Field Artillery Battalion, Tentara Nasional Indonesia, watch as a UH-60M Black Hawk assigned to 2nd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, sling loads an M119A3 Howitzer during Super Garuda Shield 2022 on Aug. 4, 2022 at Baturaja Training Area, Indonesia. Super Garuda Shield 2022, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. Military and Indonesian National Armed Forces, reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

030918-F-2185F-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Charlie Arrendale, looks out the door as they prepare to jump from a C-17 Globemaster III from the 517th Airlift Squadron over Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, Alaska, June 15, 2022. RF-A provides realistic combat training by integrating joint, coalition and multilateral forces into simulated forward operating bases. Arrendale is assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division.

Soldiers from the Afghan National Army receive a brief on the procedures for loading and unloading a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade during static load training for an air assault mission led by the Kandahar Air Wing and ANA in the Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Feb. 29.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 10, 2022) Sailors, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3, conduct a helicopter visit, board, search and seizure (HVBSS) exercise aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) in conjunction with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Soldiers from the 1-111th Aviation Regiment, Florida Army National Guard prepare for Hurricane Dorian disaster relief operations at Cecil Field, Jacksonville, FL. The FLARNG is always ready, always there. Our year-round training anticipates Florida's needs and challenges before an emergency occurs.

Louisiana National Guard's Spc. Michael Denoux of Prairieville, Louisiana with A Company, 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment fires a M240H during weapons qualification at Fort Polk in Leeseville, Louisiana, June 27, 2017. The 1-244th is headquartered in Hammond, Louisiana.

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment FIRST STRIKE, 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct tactical combat casualty care on Aug. 19, 2022 at Babadag Training Area, Romania. 101st units will support V Corps mission to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises with partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations allies.

Special Forces Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), perform FRIES (Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System) from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at the Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Fleming Key, Florida, May 3, 2022. FRIES provides a method for inserting and extracting Special Operations Forces in critical areas where aircraft cannot land and when a fast exit into a small or restricted area is required.

Spur candidates assigned to 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, practice medical evacuation with a UH-60 Medevac Helicopter during a spur ride at Hunter Army Airfield, GA, May 19, 2022. Throughout the 38-hour event, spur candidates' physical, mental and leadership abilities are put to the test as they complete technical and tactical tests.

050628-A-1566H-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM State: Babil Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Pararescuemen from the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron carry an astronaut mannequin on a stretcher to a rescue exercise. The exercise is one of several planned to optimize rescue and recovery operations for the space shuttle Columbia. Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220715-M-RA094-1079 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 15, 2022) U.S. Marines assigned to 7th Marine Regiment, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, carry a simulated casualty off an U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk during a casualty evacuation drill in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD2), in the Pacific Ocean, July 15, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Marines with first platoon, Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, conduct infantry training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., May 25, 2022. The Marines conducted an air insert via MV-22 Ospreys and honed weapons-handling skills during battle drills utilizing the AT-4 light anti-armor weapon, M203 grenade launcher, M72 light anti-armor weapon, and M16A4 rifle.

Marines from Kilo Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/2 tend to the "injured" pilot after a TRAP (Tactical Rescue of Aircraft and Personnel) mission aboard Vieques Island, Puerto Rico during Joint Task Force Exercise 98-1. A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Marine Medium Squadron 264 (attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit) is in the background. Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Base: Vieques Island State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-ST-88-05989. Subject Operation/Series: SAND EAGLE '88 Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

POLAND Task Force Saber is currently conducting single-ship Aerial Gunnery in Poland, Tables IV-VI. This is the first time U.S. Army Apache Aerial Gunnery has been conducted on this range. During Aerial Gunnery, Apache crews will engage a number of targets utilizing different weapon systems. The unit incorporated Polish Joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTACs) into their exercise. This training increases the units lethality and readiness with the Polish armed forces.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and Australian Army Soldiers carry a combat rubber raiding craft to a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E assigned with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, during helicopter cast training in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

030204-M-7031A-020. Base: Marine Corps Base, Ternate State: Cavite Province Country: Philippines (PHL) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participate in combat casualty evacuation training 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 MEF and the JGSDF. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and the JGSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

U.S. Army Spc. Kaly Ramirez from the 16Th Combat Aviation Brigade, conducts cold and hot load medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training for U.S. Army and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Soldiers during exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023, at 5th Marine Training Center (Puslatpur), Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia, Sep. 2, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combine and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Army ROTC Cadets from the University of Louisville had the opportunity to ride in a Black Hawk helicopter on April 1 at Fort Knox, Ky. Brig. Gen. Roger Deon, Commanding General of the Army Reserve Aviation Command, and his team of aviators spearheaded the event and took time to share aviation opportunities offered by the U.S. Army Reserves. The Cadets were at Fort Knox for their spring field training exercise. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Two U.S. Air Force special missions aviators assigned to 56th Rescue Squadron and a U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron load 7.62 rounds into a GAU-2 on a U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk before take off during exercise Jolly Vihar near Pápa Air Base, Hungary, July 14, 2022. The 56th RQS provides a rapidly-deployable, worldwide combat rescue and reaction force response. During exercise Jolly Vihar the 56th RQS and 57th RQS trained alongside Hungarian joint terminal attack controllers to improve integrated combat search and rescue operations.

DA-ST-87-12994. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '87 Base: Osan Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Army Soldiers, Marines, and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Soldiers, conduct cold and hot load medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) training during exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023, at 5th Marine Training Center (Puslatpur), Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia, Sep. 2, 2023. Super Garuda Shield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combine and joint event, highlighting the 6 participating and 12 observing nations commitment to partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DF-ST-88-10352. Base: Tamara Country: Honduras (HND)

U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Air Force Airmen train with a New Jersey National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter with Detachment 1, C Company, 1-171st MEDEVAC during a Medical Simulation Training Center class on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 9, 2022. The Medical Simulation Training Center provides state of the art training to aid students in gaining proficiency in treating all areas of trauma and basic medical scenarios.

Staff Sgt. Carlos Paniagua, Patrol and Explosives Detection Dog Handler, 95th Military Police Battalion, K9 Detachment NCOIC, and his dog, Rex, sit on a the Blackhawks hoist as they get raised up into the Blackhawk during a K9 MEDEVAC training held at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo on July 13, 2009.

030806-F-5586B-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A Bundeswehr soldier stands in front of the Airbus A400M aircraft, taken during the Bundeswehr exercise 'Fast Eagle' in Barth, 05.05.2022. The exercise 'Fast Eagle' simulates an evacuation of German citizens from a fictitious crisis country within a short time, Barth, Germany, Europe

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 perform maintenance on a UH-1Y Venom at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 16, 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.

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