Military Helicopter Operations

Images of various military personnel training with helicopters, showcasing air assaults, casualty evacuations, and tactical operations in diverse environments.

240118-N-PQ495-1578 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 18, 2024) Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators board an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, during a fast-rope evolution on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team and Canadian Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment participate in an air assault for Exercise Saber Guardian at the Romanian Land Force Combat Training Center in Cincu, Romania July 31, 2016. Saber Guardian is a multinational military exercise involving approximately 2,800 military personnel from nine nations including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and the U.S. The objectives of this exercise are to build multinational, regional and joint partnership capacity by enhancing military relationships, exchanging professional experiences, and improving interoperability between the land forces from the participating countries.

U.S. Navy Corpsmen with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines conduct a casualty evacuation drill during Exercise Shinka 22.1 at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 24, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

Joint Terminal Attack Controller and infantry Marines assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division trained during exercise Garnet Rattler at Idaho's premier Orchard Combat Training Center and Saylor Creek ranges April 11-29, 2022. The exercise is a joint mission between the U.S. Marines, Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, 124th Fighter Wing Guardsmen and 366th Fighter Wing Airmen from Mountain Home Air Force Base to train and qualify Marine JTACs to be more efficient and lethal in a realistic training environment. Idaho's ranges support this realistic environment. OCTC's 143,000-acre training area, located 18 miles south of Boise, is the Idaho National Guards largest training complex and includes nearly two dozen ranges to prepare units for combat operations.

U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Airmen with the New Jersey Air National Guards 227th Air Support Operations Squadron recover after fast roping from a U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion during training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 14, 2020.

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics operator assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, prepare to depart on a UH-60 Black Hawk during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 11, 2022. Emerald Warrior provides annual, realistic pre-deployment training encompassing multiple joint operating areas. The exercise prepares special operations forces, conventional force enablers, partner nations and interagency elements, to integrate with and execute full-spectrum special operations, sharpening U.S. forces abilities to operate around the globe.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines conduct an airlift of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at a helicopter external lift drill on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 18, 2022. 3/12 regularly conducts airlift training to improve rapid insertion and extraction of equipment, producing lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of operations across a wide range of missions.

Two 36th Rescue Squadron Airmen carry a simulated wounded air show spectator to a UH-1N Huey for medical evacuation during the Major Accident Response Exercise at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Apr. 12, 2022. Conducting exercises like the MARE ensures readiness in the event of a disaster or accident, and enables us to host an effective and safe airshow.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armor Division conduct Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) opportunity training to become certified and create a standard of FRIES operations across the battalion, at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase in Romania, Nov. 10, 2022. Soldiers continue to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and reaffirm the commitment to the European continent by engaging in exercises like FRIES, which increases interoperability and readiness between Allied and Partner nations.

A Soldier from the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade observes a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter preparing to land in preparation for air movement to a live fire exercise during Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation 23-04, Feb. 19, 2023. United Arab Emirate soldiers from the 11th Mountain Battalion are participating in the training rotation alongside U.S. Army Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. UAE Soldiers will train alongside a U.S. Army brigade throughout this JRTC rotation to increase tactical interoperability and readiness.

240118-N-PQ495-1578 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 18, 2024) Naval Special Warfare (NSW) operators board an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, during a fast-rope evolution on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict.

U.S. Army Pacific Best Warrior competitors conducted Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction Systems training June 7 during the 2022 USARPAC Best Warrior Competition at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

U.S. Army combat medics carry a simulated patient to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with the New Jersey Army National Guard's Detachment 1, C Company, 1-171st General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC) at the Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC) on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 6, 2022. The MSTC provides state of the art training to aid students in gaining proficiency in treating all areas of trauma and basic medical scenarios.

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

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras, (Oct. 4, 2016) Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Southern Command embark aboard CH-53E Super Stallion and depart to Grand Cayman Island at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras 4 Oct. 2016. The SPMAGTF-SC is part of U.S southern Command response team staged at Cayman Island, ready to support U.S disaster relief operations in the Caribbean in response to Hurricane Matthew. SPMATF-SC deployed to Central America in June to serve as a rapid response force during the hurricane season. (United States Marine Corps

Soldiers from the 2nd General Support Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Division Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct sling load operations during Guardian Response 22 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, May 10, 2022. The helicopter sling load method of carrying cargo and equipment overcomes many of the obstacles that hinder other modes of movement.

Providers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division conduct a UH-60 jump on Fort Bragg, NC, March 30, 2022. The jump serves to bring awareness to the Army's SHARP program.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, conduct a forward arming and refueling point operation at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio De Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 5, 2022. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding among participating Navies and Marine Corps.

Polish Soldiers of the 18th Mechanized Division tour a 1st Air Cavalry Brigade UH-60 Blackhawk during Combined Resolve 17 at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, May 25, 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.

A U.S. Marine assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, returns to a CH-53E Super Stallion after delivering 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.

Service members participate in an agile combat employment joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station, adding to the war fighting efforts.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, a standardization instructor from Detachment 1, Charlie Co. 207th Aviation of the Hawaii Army National Guard, tests an HH-60 Black Hawk hoist cable May 11, 2018, at Lyman Airfield, Hilo, Hawaii. The HH-60s are postured and ready to provide search and rescue capabilities to victims of volcanic outbreak on Hawaii Island.

040609-F-3488S-011. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Service members from the Peace Vanguard Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Arizona Army National Guard trained together July 21 through August 29, 2022 at the Idaho National Guards Orchard Combat Training Center, completing day and night AH-64 Apache aerial gunnery operations. While at the OCTC, Peace Vanguard pilots and crews trained on several ranges for air-to-ground and air-to-air qualifications, including the Digital Air Ground Integrated Range. The DAGIR is one of three in the U.S. Army and allows air and ground units to train together while receiving accurate and real-time feedback on their performance.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team provide security after dismounting an UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during training at the Joint Multi-National Training Center in Hohenfels, Germany, March 31, 2007, for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. The Soldiers refined their skills in mounted and dismounted patrols, small unit tactics, military operations in urban terrain, counter-improved explosive devices and long range marksmanship.

A Colorado Army National Guard crew chief conducts preflight checks on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in preparation for a blizzard response exercise at Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colo., Jan. 9, 2016. Colorado Guard members and various local agencies are participating in a blizzard response exercise with local authorities this week.

Georgia Army National Guardsmen assigned to the Glennville-based Alpha Company, 177th Brigade Engineer Battalion, and a Georgian Defense Force soldier assigned to 4th Mechanized Brigade prepare a simulated casualty for transport on a 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter during a medical evacuation training scenario during Noble Partner 20 at Vaziani Training Area Sept. 12, 2020. Noble Partner is a cooperatively-led multinational training exercise between the Georgian Defense Forces (GDF) and U.S. Army Europe which enhances Georgian, regional ally, partner and U.S. forces readiness and interoperability to support regional stability.

Two crewmen read a map after disembarking an HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter, during a reserve rescue exercise. Base: Phelps Collins Ang Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A CH-47 Chinook crew member gives a hand signal after landing on Fort Drum, NY, July 21, 2022. The New York Army National Guard aircraft was assisting with a simulated medevac mission, part of eXportable Combat Training Capability 22-01.

Romanian soldiers board a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter for movement at the conclusion of Final Training Exercise (FTX) I, COOPERATIVE OSPREY 96. FTX I consists of Mine Field Operations as well as Mass Casualty Drills. Cooperative Osprey is a United States Atlantic Command sponsored exercise that's conducted by Marine Forces Atlantic at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Cooperative Osprey, under the Partnership for Peace program, will provide interoperability training in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations along NATO/IFOR standards, with an emphasis on individual and collective skills. The three NATO countries providing troops are the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. The 16 .... Complete Scene Caption: Romanian soldiers board a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter for movement at the conclusion of Final Training Exercise (FTX) I, COOPERATIVE OSPREY 96. FTX I consists of Mine Field Operations as well as Mass Casualty Drills. Cooperative Osprey is a United States Atlantic Command spon

SPC Patrick Chayeb exits a UH-60 Black Hawk, followed by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Zamudio during training on Fort Rucker August 22, 2022 in preparation for the upcoming Army best squad competition in September. Photo by Jay Mann.

U.S. Marines, with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for extraction during a helicopter raid exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 13, 2022. The exercise simulated taking control of an enemy airfield and supporting further seize and denial operations. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a ready and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army soldiers prepare to board a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter landing to pick them up and transport them to an area south of Balad Ruz, Iraq, March 22, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 25th Infantry Division's Recon Platoon, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Navy

Guatemalan Naval Special Forces fast rope from a UH60 Blackhawk 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gordon Acevedo, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, refuels a UH-1Y Venom at a forward arming and refueling point during exercise Summer Fury 22 at Camp Roberts, San Miguel, California, August 1, 2022. Summer Fury 22 enhances Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increases aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action.

U.S. Marines fuel a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Pohang Airport, South Korea on July 20, 2022. The FARP was conducted with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps to promote multinational training and preparedness as part of the Korean Marine Exercise Program.

DF-ST-85-09823. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030814-M-5839E-516. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE LIBERIA Base: Roberts International Airport Country: Liberia (LBR)

A U.S. Marine Corps scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides overwatch from a U.S. Navy SH-60 Sea Hawk, with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Wildcards, Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) in support of a visit board search and seizure exercise aboard Expeditionary Mobile Base USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 17, 2022. The 31st MEU maintains the capability to seize and clear ships while at sea to protect themselves and allies in the Indo-Pacific Region. 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 INDOPACOM region.

Sgt. Emily Biggs and 1st Lt. Collin Edwards, part of the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) with Delta Company, 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion, sharpen their recovery skills in a downed aircraft training scenario with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Bravo Company, 3-227th Air Assault Helicopter Battalion, during Exercise Swift Response, Skopje, North Macedonia, May 15, 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.

U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Airmen with the New Jersey Air National Guards 227th Air Support Operations Squadron recover after fast roping from a U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion during training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 14, 2020.

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU, Romania-- Soldiers with the Romanian 9th Mechanized Brigade prepare for cold load instruction during movement and air assault training with Bravo Company, 3-227 Assault Helicopter Battalion. Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 from the Utah Army National Guard brought in distinguished visitors to visit more than 200 service members across four major commands who participated in a one day exercise held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 8, 2022. The joint force exercise prioritized the concepts of Agile Combat Employment and Multi-Capable Airmen.

040626-F-3715H-023. Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force (USAF) Captain (CPT) Kevin West, 407th Expeditionary Medical Group (EMDG), USAF Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Jerame Bullard, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron (ECES), and USAF STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Daniel Morris, 407th ECES, practice moving a patient on a litter from a US Army (USA) MH-60 Blackhawk (Black Hawk) helicopter. The training, conducted by the USA 43rd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) (MED CO (AA)), was conducted with and without the helicopter's blades running. The Army's air ambulance unit conducts the training for medics and firefighters at the beginning of each Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) rotation into Tallil Air Base (AB), Iraq (IRQ) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, conduct a forward arming and refueling point operation in support of exercise UNITAS LXIII at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 5, 2022. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine Corps.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, carry a simulated casualty to a CH-53 Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron HMH-464 during the Integrated Training Exercise 3-22 on Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California April 16, 2022. ITX is a live-fire event that increases unit readiness. It teaches the tactical application of combined-arms maneuver as well as offensive and defensive operations during combat.

030310-F-1404F-027. Base: Krtsanisi Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO) Scene Major Command Shown: EUCOM

An Ohio Army National Guard Soldier watches UH-60 Black Hawks, assigned to 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, carry M119A3 Howitzers, belonging to 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, during Operation Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 8, 2022. Participants of Northern Strike operate in a multidomain, combined joint environment to improve their Joint All-Domain Command and Control capabilities by integrating legacy and modern equipment with future innovation.

US Army Soldiers from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, observe a CH-47 Chinook helicopter land at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. The helicopter was delivering much needed supplies. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter piloted by a U.S. Marine assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Aviation Combat Element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) descend on the air field in order to extract Marines who have just completed a mechanized raid in Tinian, Guam on Sept. 12, 2012. The Marines are conducting the raid as a part of the 31st MEU's certification exercise 2012.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, treat a simulated casualty during a night casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. This integrated training establishes confidence and familiarity between the Marines and Sailors for in-flight medical treatment. 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.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Miguel Miranda, an Apache pilot assigned to Alpha Assassins Company, 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, discusses AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter capabilities with members of NATO enhanced forward presence (eFP) Latvia during the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion family day at Adazi Military Base, Latvia on April 29, 2022. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater

U.S. Army Pacific Best Warrior competitors conducted Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction Systems training June 7 during the 2022 USARPAC Best Warrior Competition at the 25th Infantry Division's Lightning Academy, Schofield Barracks East Range, Hawaii. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a pilot from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), pose for a photo during Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise I (MEUEX I) at Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, Dec. 13, 2022. Marines with VMM-162 and the BLT 1/6 conducted flight operations heading to a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) during Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise 1. FARPs are designed to supply fuel and ordnance necessary during helicopter and fixed-wing operations.

Members of the 177th Fighter Wings 227th Air Support Operations Squadron practice Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System and Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction System with a New Jersey Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew from the 1-150 Assault Helicopter Battalion, July 28, 2021, at the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J. The FRIES and SPIES training helps both the Airmen and Soldiers stay vigilant in the techniques used for insertion/extraction in restrictive and challenging terrain.

GUNNERY1 - Sgt. Kenneth Darmer, an AH-64D armament, electrical and avionics repairer with Co. D, 4th Battalion (ATK), 2nd CAB, prepares an Apache aircraft for its next firing cycle during training at the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, January 21. During the training event, Darmer and his team worked on the Forward Arming and Refueling Point, or FARP, and helped load the Apaches with munitions and fuel.

Royal Thai Army soldiers with the Royal Thai Army Special Warfare Command, rehearse movements after fast roping off a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to 2-158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, during fast rope insertion and extraction system (FRIES) training, Lop Buri, Thailand, Feb. 28, 2024, during annual exercise Cobra Gold 2024. Cobra Gold is a positive example of multilateral cooperation and stands in stark contrast to other examples in the region, which challenge the international rules-based order through expansive and assertive security actions. Army

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Scott, 2-10 AHB Commander, conducts his last flight as battalion commander on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Scott was pinned his Master Aviator Wings afterwards, after completing 15 years of service and 2,000 flight hours.

Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guards 274th Air Support Operations Squadron based in Syracuse, part of the 107th Attack Wing board a CH-47F Chinook helicopter from the New York National Guards Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation, during a tactical air control party training procedure in Upstate New York, Aug. 7, 2022. The training was a part of an operation run by the Air Force Research Lab to test experimental technology and its uses in tactical situations.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), disembark a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), 24th MEU, during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel mission as part of Realistic Urban Training (RUT) on Fort Barfoot, Virginia, Jan. 20, 2024. RUT provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to operate in unfamiliar environments, integrate the units of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and train towards being designated as special operations capable.

Utah Army National Guard UH-60 Black hawks and an Apache AH-64 depart from Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, on Sept. 8, 2022 during a joint force exercise. During the exercise, Airmen were challenged to defuel a KC-135R Stratotanker into an Army Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck to practice Agile Combat Employment. Prior to departure, the Blackhawks and Apache received fuel from the HEMTT. This innovative process demonstrates the ability to provide fuel to other vehicles when located in austere conditions in order to complete the mission.

070216-A-0575B-031. Base: Blackstone Army Airfield State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, rehearse movements during fast rope training aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 5, 2022. Fast roping allows for fast inserts in a contested area. 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 1st Sgt. Gerald Eagan, with the 6th Engineer Battalion, throws his rucksack in front of him while pulling security on a remote mountain landing zone during a heliborne insertion mission while participating in the Order of the Arctic Sapper competition Aug. 17, 2011, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. Six teams of eight to 11 Soldiers competed in mountain climbing, rappelling, river crossing and other combat engineer events to be inducted into the Order of the Arctic Sapper.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ty Cochrane, an air support operations operator with Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, establishes communications at Landing Zone Falcon during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual 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.

A Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape student from the 492nd Special Operations Wing reaches the 413th Flight Test Squadron UH-1 Huey during a test of the hoist system above the waters near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Aug. 16. The 413th FLTS, the Air Forces only rotary wing developmental test unit, provided an extra bit of realism to the survival, evasion, resistance and escape training letting the Airmen experience the feeling of a real water rescue. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

US Air Force Technical Sergeant Richard Pruneda, crew chief, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard (CANG), refuels one of the units HH-60G Pavehawk helicopters at Moffett Federal Airfield, California. The 129th is one of only three rescue units in the ANG and is assigned to provide combat rescue and civilian search and rescue while at home station. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, conduct routine maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper at São Pedro da Aldeia, Brazil, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 7, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation, from Launch Pad 39B. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew. Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers transported the flight and ground crews to a triage site. Simulated injuries were treated and those with serious injuries were evacuated by helicopter to local hospitals.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare an RQ-21A Blackjack for launch during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Canon Air Defense Complex (P111), near Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 23, 2022. The WTI course is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Royal Thai Armed Forces assemble into a security posture after exiting a CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division on Bradshaw Army Airfield at the Pohakuloa Training Area during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) 23-01, Hawaii, Oct 29, 2022. JPMRC 23-1 is a regional combat training center (CTC) rotation that builds combat readiness in Americas Pacific Division and is a key way the Army forces engage in a joint environment with our regional allies and partners.

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.

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.

The 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, the 17th sergeant major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, and staff, board a Ch-53 Sea Stallion helicopter at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 24, 2011. These leaders traveled to Afghanistan to visit deployed service members throughout Regional Command (West) and Regional Command (Southwest) for the Thanksgiving holiday.

221028-N-VQ841-1319 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 28, 2022) Sailors, attached to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, and Guatemalan first responders simulate emergency patient transport as part of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) training at the Marine Infantry Brigade Airfield in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 28, 2022. Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command exits a chinook during the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition, at Fort Hood, Texas, August 16, 2022. The Best Squad Competition promotes esprit-de-corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to Army Values and embody the Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jacqulyn Miller, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, uses a tactical radio during a helicopter support team training event at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 26, 2022. Landing Support Platoon, with CLB-22, conducted these external lift operations with a helicopter support team to improve their skills and ability to execute potential contingency missions in support of 2nd Marine Division and II Marine Expeditionary Force.

120210-N-KB563-089PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 10, 2012) Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force inventory their equipment before conducting a beach landing exercise with Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) during Exercise Iron Fist 2012. Iron Fist is a training exercise between U.S. Marines and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force designed to increase interoperability and amphibious capabilities throughout the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

060816-N-4097B-032. Base: Mujahida City State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, approach an MV-22B Osprey at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, June 13, 2022. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 is supporting Fuji Viper Shinka 22 in order to enhance lethality and train with 4th Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, prepare to board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter before conducting a Raid Course on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 30, 2022. The Raid was one of several training events part of Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Interoperability Course, an Expeditionary Operations Training Group led training and evaluation event focused on combining elements of the MAGTFduring the initial training phases of the 26th Marine Expeditionary UnitPre-deployment training program.

U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Task Force 61/2, evacuate a simulated casualty with Hellenic Marine doctor Athanasios Andreou with the 32d Marine Brigade during exercise Alexander the Great 22, Greece, May 20, 2022. Alexander the Great 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Greece, and Allied nations, enhancing strategic defense and partnership to preserve security and stability in the region.

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, conduct sling load operations during a combined arms maneuver live fire exercise (CAMLFEX) on Dec. 11, 2022, at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Our commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

Troops get on board a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter during maneuver training. The helicopter is assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron, 1ST Special Operations Wing. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220714-N-XG173-1023 PEARL HARBOR (July 14, 2022) An MH-80S helicopter attached to HSC-8 the EIGHTBALLERS lands while participating in Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief training 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 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 of the 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery regiment board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for a sling load operation on Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash., April 1, 2023.

Soldiers from Alpha company, 2nd squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 4-2 Attack Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, conduct a gunnary range, Jan 30, 2024, Fort Campbell, Ky.The 101st is committed to building individual, collective, and staff training readiness; test soldier and leader resilience; train tactical fieldcraft; while improving divison and army wide lethality.

North Carolina and South Carolina National Guardsmen and members of the North Carolina Search and Rescue Task Force 2 prepare for departure in a CH-47 Chinook at an airport in Kinston County, Sept. 6, 2019. NG service members, N.C. Emergency Management and state partner agencies work as a cohesive unit to prepare for, respond to and recover from the effects of Hurricane Dorian.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Detachment 1, C Company, 1-171st MEDEVAC prepare for a flight 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. Army Soldiers participating in Jungle School perform medical evacuation and jungle penetrator training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, on Sept. 22, 2022. Jungle students learned how to load a casualty onto the HH-60M Blackhawk correctly and were shown how the jungle penetrator works.

050628-A-1566H-010. Base: Camp Speicher State: Tikrit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Sept. 13, 2022) U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific team members prepare to execute a static line airborne drop above a designated drop zone at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, Sept. 13, 2022. U.S. Special Operations Forces maintain proficiency in completing static line and high altitude free fall airborne jumps. SOCPAC serves as the functional component for all special operations missions deployed throughout the Inso-Pacific region.

Army National Guard Soldiers competing in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition board their flight at the Regional Training Center, Oklahoma City, May 16, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks and consists of eight events that promote Soldier readiness and recognizes individuals who embody the Army Values. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

Philippine Marines board a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 2, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, California (Oct. 12, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Chaz Reyes, from Hinesville, Georgia, assigned to the Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, surveys a landing site on San Clemente Island. During Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific’s (HSCWSP) exercise PHOENIX RESCUE 23-1 squadrons from Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific (HSCWP), Marine Air Group (MAG) 39 and 26th Weapons Squadron conducted maritime training aimed at improving CSAR capabilities.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsmen with 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and search and rescue medical technicians with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, hoist a simulated casualty into a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk with HSC 25 during search and rescue hoist training at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Barrigada, Guam, June 15, 2022. Hospital Corpsman and nurses maintain proficiencies in search and rescue efforts while participating in exercise Valiant Shield 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

041025-M-5121S-004. Base: Fob Kalsu, Iskandariyah State: Babil Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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