Military Helicopter Operations

A variety of military helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk and MH-65 Dolphin in action, undergoing maintenance or preparing for missions, showcasing teamwork and aviation activities.

Members of the Young Presidents Organizations Pennsylvania Chapter board a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a Bosslift event at Fort Indiantown Gap on Sept. 19, 2022. The event was supported by Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen)

U.S. Coast Guardsmen assigned to Air Station Savannah, Georgia, conduct maintenance on an MH-65D dolphin helicopter Nov. 8, 2022. Air Station Savannah is responsible for over 450,000 square miles of water from the border between North and South Carolina south to Melbourne, Florida and out to sea approximately 100 nautical miles.

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-23. Hurricane Katrina

Members of the Young Presidents Organizations Pennsylvania Chapter board a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a Bosslift event at Fort Indiantown Gap on Sept. 19, 2022. The event was supported by Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen)

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-422-38. Hurricane Katrina

220611-N-PI330-1007 LIEPAJA, Latvia (June 11, 2022) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter lands at the Latvian Navy dive school to transport Sailors attached to Mobile Underwater Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU 2) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 (EODMU 12) to the Daring-class destroyer HMS Defender (D 36), June 11, 2022 in Liepaja, Latvia. MDSU 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.

An AH-1Z Viper takes off from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 6, 2022. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (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.

060427-N-1924T-056. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-238. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin crew from Air Station Miami, Florida launch for a Search and recue case in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Sept, 29, 2022. The case was repoterd to be near Naples, Florida.

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - Operations - 26-HK-96-145. AIRSTA OPS--HH-65 in hangar with Coast Guardsman walking nearby (4). Hurricane Katrina

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-24. Hurricane Katrina

A US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight Prepares to Launch for a Night Mission from Al Taqaddum Air Base in Al Anbar Province of Iraq

An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter prepares to depart 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.

221003-N-OC394-1099 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 3, 2022) Local first responders board a UH-1Y Huey during a fly out from the United States Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco in support of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During Fleet Week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-65. Hurricane Katrina

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - New Orleans - 26-HK-95-359. AIRSTA NOLA--personnel standing near door of HH-60 on ramp. Hurricane Katrina

030307-M-8683D-058. State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-15. Hurricane Katrina

Aircrafts - Sand Baggers - 26-HK-57-53. HH-60 in flight--050929. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 are staged on the flight line at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 15, 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.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-70. Hurricane Katrina

NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 16, 2024)- An MH-60S, assigned to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, prepares to land upon their return to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Jan. 16, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished flying over 2,200 flight hours, executing 46 days of vertical replenishment evolutions, moving over 500 personnel, and executing six tactical evacuations.

Katrina Response Ops - Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - 26-HK-163-14. Hurricane Katrina

A left rear view of two SH-3 Sea King helicopters preparing to take off from the helipad at Wallace Air Station, Poro Point, San Fernando. The helicopters are assigned to Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5). Country: Philippines (PHL)

Aircrafts - Sand Baggers - 26-HK-57-48. HH-60 in flight -- 050929. Hurricane Katrina

Public Affairs - Rescue - 26-HK-418-48. Hurricane Katrina

030412-F-6449C-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-242. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461 walk to CH-53K King Stallions at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 5, 2022. This was the first time the Marine Corps deployed the King Stallion in an exercise. HMH-461 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Dolphin Rescue - 26-HK-130-298. Hurricane Katrina

Pacific Islands Tour: Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Guam, U.S. Territory

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexander Berg, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, directs a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk to the air-delivered ground-refueling point at Blackstone Army Airfield, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2022. VMGR-252 provided assault support to Naval Special Warfare Group 2 during Exercise Trident 23-2 to enhance combat readiness and improve naval integration. VMGR-252 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge - MSO St. Louis Operations - 26-HK-390-15. Hurricane Katrina

Spouses of Soldiers assigned to the 1108th Aviation Group and the Mississippi Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depots ride in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in Gulfport, Miss, May 16, 2022. The Army National Guard Spouse Orientation Flight program is aimed to give Spouses a better understanding of the critical role their Soldier plays in the U.S. Army. The program is managed by the National Guard Bureau and is only available to spouses of Soldiers currently serving in an qualifying aviation unit.

A ground-to-air left side view of an SH-3 King helicopter airlifting a Firebee target drone back to the launch pad at Wallace Air Station, Poro Point, San Fernando. The helicopter is assigned to Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5). Country: Philippines (PHL)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing arrives at a landing zone 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.

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Apr. 20, 2022) Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class Joshua Wetherbee, assigned to the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, conducts plane captain duties during flight operations prior to the squadron's first flight at Naval Station Mayport, April 20, 2022. HSM-50 is the newest expeditionary squadron at Naval Station Mayport.

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-19. Hurricane Katrina

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. 7, 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.

220628-N-XN177-2018 EAST CHINA SEA (June 28, 2022) - Sailors conduct maintenance on an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 28, 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-60 Black Hawk helicopter from 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepares to land prior to a night mission during exercise Falcon Autumn 22 at Vredepeel, Netherlands, Nov. 9, 2022. 12 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.

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Sept. 15, 2022) Sailors respond to an aircraft mishap drill during a joint training exercise between base fire and emergency services and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons (HSM) 48 and 50 at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Sept. 15, 2022. Naval Station Mayport is one of three major Navy installations in the Jacksonville, Fla. area and home to the Navy's 4th Fleet.

U.S. Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, visits the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site to receive an orientation on the new UH-60V Black Hawk helicopters and take one for a quick flight. Hokanson has over 2600 flight hours, including 50 combat hours, and has flown the AH-64, OH-58, TH-55, UH-1 and UH-60. Hokanson was greeted by Pennsylvania National Guard leadership, including Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General, and Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Deputy Adjutant General- Army. EAATS Soldiers and employees led the orientation and briefings.

Two U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, sit on the flightline in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, after conducting a combat search and rescue exercise, Jan. 24, 2023. Juniper Oak is a large-scale bilateral multi-domain exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Israeli armed forces contributing to integrated regional security.

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - New Orleans - 26-HK-95-45. AIRSTA NOLA-- HH-65s and personnel on ramp near hangar. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Army MH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, flies over Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan. 10, 2024. The 160th SOAR actively seeks and assesses the most qualified aviators, crew members and support personnel in the Army.

United States Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Miami, training at Homestead ARB.

NASAs SpaceX Crew-6 Splashdown. NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen is helped aboard a helicopter on the SpaceX recovery ship MEGAN to fly to Jacksonville, Florida with NASA astronaut Warren "Woody" Hoburg, UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev a few hours after they landed in their SpaceX Dragon Endeavour in the Atlantic Ocean, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. Bowen, Hoburg, Alneyadi, and Fedyaev are returning after nearly six-months in space as part of Expedition 69 aboard the International Space Station.

011128-F-1789V-038. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DN-SC-05-10442. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-97. Military helicopters on ATC ramp. Hurricane Katrina

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier lands at 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area July 13, 2022. Steinmeier visited to thank U.S. troops for their contributions to the freedom and security of Germany and its NATO allies in Europe, and he paid tribute to the importance of the transatlantic partnership between the U.S. and Germany.

DN-SC-85-06284. Subject Operation/Series: INTENSE LOOK Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CH-53 helicopter carrying a 5000-liter water tank during an exercise, firefighters, Laupheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-422-44. Hurricane Katrina

Firemen carry a patient on a litter from a UH-46A Sea Knight helicopter of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11). The UH-46A on the helipad at the Naval Regional Medical Center is participating in a PACEX '89 medical evacuation drill. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221003-N-OC394-1103 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 3, 2022) Local first responders board a UH-1Y Huey during a fly out from the United States Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco in support of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During Fleet Week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-18. Hurricane Katrina

Arrival Ceremonies for Urho Kekkonen, President of Finland, 11:00 AM. Arrival ceremonies for Urho Kekkonen, President of Finland. (L u2013 R): Chief of Protocol Angier Biddle Duke; First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (back to camera); Naval Aide to the President Captain Tazewell Shepard, Jr.; Sylvi Kekkonen, wife of President Kekkonen (back to camera); unidentified officer; President Kekkonen (in United States Marine Corps helicopter). Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

Katrina Response Ops - Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - 26-HK-163-53. Hurricane Katrina

Members of the 150th and 58th Special Operations Wings show their families around the wing and the aircraft during the their annual Spouses Day event at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. May 14, 2022.

U.S. Marines with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, approach a C-12 Huron with H&HS during a training exercise, responding to an aircraft with casualties and engine failure at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 15, 2024. The training exercise tested ARFFs ability to quickly respond to a scenario with minimal warning. Marine Corps

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-131. USA aircraft and military helicopters on ATC ramp. Hurricane Katrina

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - New Orleans - 26-HK-95-353. AIRSTA NOLA--personnel near open doors of HH-65 on ramp. Hurricane Katrina

Pilots during a meeting before take-off, police helicopter type BK 117, Police Flying Squadron NRW, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin crew from Air Station Miami, Florida launch for a Search and recue case in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Sept, 29, 2022. The case was repoterd to be near Naples, Florida.

DN-ST-89-05246. Country: Unknown

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-97. Hurricane Katrina

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-434-133. Hurricane Katrina

030904-F-2869F-714. Base: Graf Ignatievo Air Base Country: Bulgaria (BGR) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Dolphin Rescue - 26-HK-130-293. Hurricane Katrina

Aircrafts - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-56-104. USN helicopter in parking lot near pallets of water. Hurricane Katrina

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Gogue, a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) team leader, approaches an Airbus AS350 Helicopter during a joint field activity (JFA) in Xekong Province, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, May 10, 2022. A DPAA investigation team searched for and surveyed several locations across the country, gathering key data in the process. Information from the JFA will be used to determine and prioritize future recovery missions. This was the agency's first investigation mission in the country in lieu of new Covid-19 guidelines. The last investigation took place in 2019.

Katrina Operations - Venice, Louisiana - 26-HK-361-198. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Airmen and Soldiers carry a training patient to an HH-60M MedEvac Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to Task Force Longhorn, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 14, 2022. TF Longhorn in partnership with the attending point of care units conducted a large-scale joint force MedEvac litter load training and K9 environment conditioning. Army MedEvac capabilities allow USCENTCOM forces to expedite casualties to next-level care and augment base medical capabilities.

A French transportation helicopter lands aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), April 13, 2022. Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his traveling party take off for a meeting in Kabul, Afghanistan, with Afghan President Hamid Karzai on October 11, 2013.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-173. Hurricane Katrina

FEMA assists residents affected by recent flooding in CO. Colorado Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin crew from Air Station Miami, Florida launch for a Search and recue case in the wake of Hurricane Ian, Sept, 29, 2022. The case was repoterd to be near Naples, Florida.

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Commandant Thomas H. Collins and President George W. Bush Visit - 26-HK-304-36. Hurricane Katrina

060427-N-1924T-066. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Miscellaneous - Security Photos - 26-HK-436-81. Hurricane Katrina

A "litter patient" shoots motion picture of scene as he is being carried into a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter during an aeromedical evacuation training exercise. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, North Carolina Army National Guard held an acceptance ceremony November 9, 2022 upon receiving two upgraded UH-72B Models of the Lakota helicopter at the NCNG Army Aviation Flight Facility #1, in Morrisville, NC. (Photo by U.S. Army Col. Benny Collins)

A scene of Equipment Park is shown Aug. 26, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Equipment Park is inside the installations historic Commemorative Area. The Equipment Park is an outdoor display of historic and present-day equipment representative of the types used on the installation. The design of the park allows for display of 70 pieces of equipment, ranging from helicopters and howitzers to trucks and trailers. The Commemorative Area also consists of five World War II-era buildings set aside to help tell Fort McCoys unique story. These facilities are representative of the types found in the cantonment area when it was constructed in 1942.

Great Lakes Search and Rescue Detachment - 26-HK-143-164. Hurricane Katrina

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Commandant Thomas H. Collins and President George W. Bush Visit - 26-HK-304-34. Hurricane Katrina

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-84. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), and Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to attach an I-beam on a CH-53E Super Stallion during a helicopter support team exercise on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 15, 2024. The skilled 24th MEU Marines and Sailors who comprise the flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force are ready to answer the Nations call to crisis, no matter the clime or place. Marine Corps

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-425-16. Hurricane Katrina

Canadian Air Force Pilot Rushes Out of CF-104. Canadian Air Force Pilot Rushes Out of CF-104. "Ramstein AB, West GermanyA Canadian air force pilot rushes out of his CF-104 aircraft to make reports within a time limit during a Royal Flush XVI competition mission. Royal Flush is a NATO photo reconnaissance exercise conducted by Allied Forces Central Europe." Photographer: Master Sgt. Hewlon D. Robinson

Three US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to Task Force Eagle at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina approach their landing zone near a large industrial complex and cooling tower. Three US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to Task Force Eagle at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina approach their landing zone near a large industrial complex and cooling tower.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-7. Hurricane Katrina

Miscellaneous - Katrina and Rita - 26-HK-431-219. Hurricane Katrina

Members of the media take part in an Ohio National Guard orientation flight July 22, 2022, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. The flight was manned by a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew from 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Regiment and highlighted a day where the media also learned about the domestic response capabilities of the Ohio Homeland Response Force. Familiarization and orientation events provide an opportunity to highlight roles and missions of the National Guard.

A U.S. Army UH 60 Blackhawk with the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, is set up to view, September 24, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The helicopter was part of a static display set up by the 1st CAB at the Frontiers in Flight Airshow.

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