Military Helicopter Operations

Dynamic images of military helicopters conducting training and operational missions, showcasing flight activities and exercises.

U. S. Coast Guard crew and Eurocopter MH-65 performing rescue training exercises

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), transports U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division to conduct fast rope insertion drills, during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at K-9 Village, Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, April 2, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter conducts flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault-ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), April 7, 2022. Kearsarge, flag ship of the Kearsarge ARG-MEU team, is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

020324-A-9890P-007. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2002 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL) Scene Major Command Shown: Pacific

060430-A-6365W-032. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

A US Marine Corps Cargo Helicopter, CH-53E, from Marine Helicopter Squadron 268, 3rd Marine Air Wing lands at Camp Pendleton, California prior to transporting four M198 155mm Medium Howitzers for a training exercise conducted by Battery "R", Fifth Battalion, Eleventh Marines,. The CH-53E is able to lift externaly 73,500 pounds. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A line of UH-1H Iroquois helicopters carry personnel into the field for combined Army-Air Force live fire exercises (CALFEX IV) at the Yukon Command Training Site. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX IV Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U. S. Coast Guard crew and Eurocopter MH-65 performing rescue training exercises

060131-A-9157N-012. Subject Operation/Series: NEW HORIZON Base: Soto Cano State: Comayagua Country: Dominican Republic (DOM)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Pima County, Arizona's border area with Mexico, where he joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel for meetings, tours, flights, inspections

A UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter transporting GEN. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander-in-chief, U.S. Central Command, arrives at Kuwait military headquarters. Schwarzkopf is visiting Kuwaiti dignitaries in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm and presenting awards to military officials who contributed to coalition efforts during the war.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Kuwait(KWT)

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carrying Special Forces Soldiers assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) flies over the Gulf of Mexico near Key West, Florida, May 3, 2022. Helocasting, or free-drop from a helicopter, was conducted to familiarize Special Operations Forces personnel with insertion and extraction techniques in a waterborne environment often used in semi- or non-permissive environments to remain clandestine.

The New Jersey Army National Guard 114th Infantry Regiment and 150th Aviation Regiment conduct air assault insertion and company attack at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 10, 2023. This exercise trained on warrior tasks and demonstrated combat capabilities in preparation for Joint Regional Training Center Rotation May 2023.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, conducts flight operations with Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Aug. 7, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Right rear view of a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter landing on the beach during Exercise Crisex '81. Subject Operation/Series: CRISEX '81 Base: Garrucha Country: Spain (ESP)

Two Breda Nardi NH-500 helicopters of the Italian Air Force 72nd Wing fly over Frosinone, Italy. The main component of the 72nd Stormo is the 208th Gruppo (Squadron), a flight unit whose courses were attended by more than 4,000 pilots in 40 years, proof that almost every Italian military pilot flying with the choppers earned their wings at Frosinone. However, even if the training role continues to be the main role of the 208th Gruppo, its crews are often involved in real operations abroad.

DF-ST-86-09812. Base: Palanquero Air Force Base Country: Colombia (COL)

041214-M-0173F-001. Base: Camp Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

An UH-1Y Venom flies above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

030916-F-2185F-026. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

DF-ST-86-11500. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallion from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, transports a steel I-Beam during Integrated Training Exercise 3-22 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, April 8, 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.

Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion travel from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Nome, Alaska, via UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter April 11, 2022. The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will remain in Nome for Golf Company, Detachment 1, 2-211th GSAB to conduct annual training and aide in River Watch if needed this spring. Should there be significant flooding or other emergency in the vicinity, the helicopters will provide support as requested by the State. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

A U.S. Marine CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), lands at a forward arming and refueling point during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Landing Zone Bull (LZ Bull), Chocolate Mountain Gunnery Range, California, Oct. 19, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) team member plunges into the water from a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter during an amphibious demonstration for the 14th Annual Inter-American Naval Conference. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A UH-60 Blackhawk prepares to land for an air assault mission during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR 17) at Hohenfels Training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany, June 1, 2022. CbR 17 is a United States Army Europe-Africa directed, 7th Army Training Command executed exercise that takes place at JMRC from 20 May to 19 June 2022. The event is designed to evaluate and assess 1/3IDs ability to conduct operations in a complex, multi-domain simulated battle space. The focus of the rotation is to exercise combined arms operations in a multinational environment.

Participating in EXERCISE DESERT RESCUE IX, an HH-60G helicopter assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, is aerial refueled by a 71st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base based HC-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Desert Rescue IX is the premiere search and rescue (SAR) training exercise involving Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine personnel. It is conducted at the ranges of Fallon Naval Air Station, Nevada. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE IX Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: U.S. Special Operations Command

Snow billows as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment lands on Ladd Army Airfield, Fort Wainwright, Alaska during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Center-Alaska, 23-02, March 28, 2023, to support aerial movement of troops. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a regional combat training center rotation focusing on large-scale combat operations including situational training and live-fire exercises designed to build cold weather and mountain-proficient forces prepared for employment within the U.S. Army Pacific area of responsibility.

220920-N-ZG822-1412 ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 20 2022) An MH-60S Nighthawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, moves cargo from supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during a replenishment-at-sea, Sept. 20, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group 10 and the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG). The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, VFA-103, VFA-136, VFA-143, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The GHWBCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 19, 2017) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The ship and its amphibious ready group are conducting a combined composite training unit exercise with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU)which is the culmination of training for the Navy-Marine Corps team that will certify them for deployment.

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- An OH-58D Kiowa Warrior from Task Force Saber, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, fires a 2.75-inch rocket at a mountainside during a test flight in eastern Afghanistan, Mar. 2, 2012. The Kiowa warrior is the Army's scout and reconnaissance aircraft, which often provides close support for ground troops on the battlefield. Saber's Kiowas lead the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, which has flown more than 65,000 hours across all airframes since October 2011.

An Army UH-1N helicopter assigned to the High Altitude Training School (HATS) makes a perfect landing at the "ouch" pad near the lower debris field near Gold Dust Peak to bring in additional personnel to search the A-10 crash site. Base: Eagle State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, insert onto Landing Zone Falcon with Marines from 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division 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.

DA-ST-85-04959. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '84 State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment conduct an air assault mission during Exercise Combined Resolve 17 (CbR) at Hohenfels training Area, Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels,, Germany, June 2, 2022. CbR 17 is a United States Army Europe-African directed, 7th Army Training Command executed exercise that takes place a JMRC from 20 May to 19 June 2022. The event is designed to evaluate and assess 1/3ID's ability to conduct operations in a complex, multi-domain simulation battlespace. The focus of the rotation is to exercise combined arms operation in a multinational environment.

Two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4 (HC-4) are silhouetted against the sea during a flight out of United States Air Station, Sigonella, Sicily. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-88-05294. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-07852. Base: Gabel Mamza Country: Egypt (EGY)

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter transports U.S. tactical air control party Airmen with the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron to a training area during a tactics, techniques and procedures exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 26, 2022. The goal of this training was to test and refine TTPs through utilization and implementation of high frequency communications for large scale combat operations against near-peer adversaries.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment exercised an air assault operation from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters before being ambushed by Czech Soldiers assigned to the 72nd Mechanized Battalion as part of Combined Resolve 17 in the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, June 1, 2022. Combined Resolve is a U.S. Army exercise consisting of 5,600 service members, Allies and partners from more than 10 countries, and is designed to assess units' abilities to conduct combat operations effectively in a multi-domain battlespace.

DF-ST-86-12551. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Nov. 26, 2016) An MH-60R Sea Hawk Helicopter assigned to the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). The Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

A UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, nicknamed Stinger 1, take off from the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1). The Stinger 1 is the ship's helicopter, permanently assigned to the WASP. Base: USS Wasp (LHD 1) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 (HMH-366), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands on a beach during a helocast water insertion training on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard-to-reach areas via bodies of water. This high-risk training prepares the MSPF for the upcoming 26th MEU deployment.

220824-N-EV253-1535 An MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 deploys an Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) in Pyramid Cove during a mine countermeasure (MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 24, 2022. The MCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces to integrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), lifts cargo during a Helicopter Support Team (HST) training exercise on Okinawa, Japan, April 13, 2022. Marines conduct HST training in order to increase proficiency in logistics tasks and enhance the ability to execute potenitial contigency missions carried out to be the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marines with Air Delivery Platoon, Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conduct jump training aboard a CH-46E Sea Knight with Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164 (HMMT-164) aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 8, 2014. Air Delivery Platoon conducts training jumps to maintain the unit's deployment readiness.

A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) that was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on October 25 during Operation Urgent Fury. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

DF-ST-88-08695. Base: Grafenwoehr Country: West Germany (FRG)

220915-N-EI127-1060PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 15, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 21), drops off ordinance during an ammunition onload aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Sept. 15. Aviation Ordnancemen operate and handle aviation ordnance equipment and are responsible for the stowage and loading of munitions and small arms. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is underway conducting integrated training operations with the13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the U.S. 3rd Fleet to prepare for an upcoming deployment.

MARINE CORPS BASE, Hawaii (July 25, 2022) Pilots fly a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter over the Pacific Ocean while participating in a personnel recovery scenario at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 25, 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.

April 4, 2005 - A U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter remains static on the flight line at its homeport of Anderson Air Force Base, Guam.

U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters assigned to the 421st Medivac Company, land at Taszar Airfield, Kaposvar, Hungary, in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Taszar Air Base Country: Hungary (HUN)

Airmen from the 305th Rescue Squadron conduct baseline combat search and rescue training over Arizona, Sept. 1, 2022. This training tested the 305th RQSs ability to rapidly locate and recover isolated personnel from contested environments and included en-route threat reactions and terminal area scenario-based training.

DA-SC-89-11621. Subject Operation/Series: GOLDEN PHEASANT Base: Tamara Country: Honduras (HND)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to land during a helocast exercise at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, April 27, 2022. Helocasting is a helicopter insertion technique to position and hover over water for Marines to jump out of. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, picks up Marines with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) during ANGLICO Basic Course (ABC) Infantry Week on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 31, 2022. ABC is a four-week-long training event designed to integrate newly joined Marines with their assigned teams.

220105-N-HD110-1465CARIBBEAN SEA - (Jan. 5, 2022) -- Boatswains Mate 2nd Class James Dowdee observes Aviation Machinists Mate 3rd Class Daimein Day, assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Detachment 5, direct an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter as it takes off from the flight deck of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), Jan. 5, 2022. Milwaukee is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force Souths mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

U.S. Army Stryker and UH-60 Blackhawk teams, assigned to 3d Cavalry Regiment and 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, respectively, operate their vehicles jointly in battlefield operations during a training rotation to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, May 18, 2022. Joint operations is a real-world occurrence, which is why the partnership happens in the training environment. The aviation unit provides aerial reconnaissance, MEDEVACs, air assault and aerial attack capabilities while the 3d CR provides swift and safe ground transportation for mounted and dismounted Troopers.

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

U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Sept. 22, 2012) Explosive Ordnance Disposal 2nd Class Travis Lamson, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 Platoon 2-3-2, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), performs a ladder recovery from an HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter during explosive ordnance disposal and aircrew proficiency training. Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Soldiers with Company B, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, worked alongside 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment and other units from across the Wisconsin National Guard to conduct an air assault mission during annual training June 10 at Fort McCoy, Wis. (32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team photo by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman/Released)

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

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron-167 (HMLA-167) from Marine Corps Air Station New River, comes in to land during Exercise Diavoli Vale, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb 26, 2024. The 621st Contingency Response Group conducted Exercise Diavoli Vale to show its interoperability with other forces as well as its self-sufficient capabilities which allow it to open, operate and/or close any airfield around the globe. Marine Corps

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), pulls security as a UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to the 3-501st Assault Helicopter Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Brigade, prepares to land during wet gap crossing training on Oct. 11, 2022, near Petrochori Training Area, Greece. The United States 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.)

A UH-1N Twin Huey from the 512th RQS flies a training mission near Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Aircrafts - Sand Baggers - 26-HK-57-96. Military helicopter with two sand bags flying over waterfront, near row of sand bags --050929. Hurricane Katrina

Bundeswehr helicopter with fire extinguishing tank 5000 litres, during water extraction, Aepfingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe

A CV-22 Osprey from the 8th Special Operations Squadron refuels from a MC-130J Commando II, 15th Special Operations Squadron, over the Emerald Coast during Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023, commemorating 100 years of aerial refueling. Air Force Special Operations Commands modified C-130s, from the HC-130P/N Combat King to the MC-130J Commando II, have been an integral component to refueling special operations aircraft since 1990, a vital capability that extends the range, flexibility, and lethality of the Air Force.

NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, and Russian Search and Recovery Forces deploy from Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan for the landing of Expedition 57 crew members Serena Auñón-Chancellor of NASA, Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency), and Sergey Prokopyev of Roscosmos. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018. Auñón-Chancellor, Gerst, and Prokopyev are returning after 197 days in space where they served as members of the Expedition 56 and 57 crews onboard the International Space Station.

Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil A-Star Helicopter flying over the hills of Malibu, CA during a Fast Rope type military operation.

An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter tows a Mark 105 hydrofoil minesweeping sled during the joint Thai/US combined exercise THALAY THAI '89. Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Country: Thailand (THA)

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a helicopter lift with Finnish aircraft NH90 during Freezing Winds 22 in Gumbole, Finland Nov. 30, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, is deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl Jackson Kirkiewicz)

UH-60 Blackhawk and Apache. International Military Training Saber Strike 2017", Adazi, Latvia, from 3 to 15 June 2017. US Army Europe-led annual International military�exercise Saber Strike Field Training Exercise�in Latvia.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing prepares to take off from the Expeditionary Airfield, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, April 19, 2022. The Osprey flew Marines and Soldiers to Hawthorne Army Depot, Nevada, to conduct a high altitude night raid exercise on an urban facility.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts on-loading and offloading drills during a helicopter support team aerial lift training at Landing Zone Falcon, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 20, 2022. The purpose of the training was to allow Marines with 1st MAW and 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, to maintain training and readiness qualifications while lifting a 7,000-pound load. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 2 (HS-2) SH-3H Sea King helicopter flies over the USS ARIZONA (BB-39) Memorial. A flag flies at half-mast atop the memorial to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the Japanese attack. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030925-F-7392S-007. Base: Minot Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division and Philippine Marines conduct a bilateral amphibious landing during Balikatan 22 at Claveria, Philippines, March 31, 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 longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

With the Chugach Mountains in the background, an Alaska Army National Guard CH-47F Chinook helicopter transports a Small Unit Support Vehicle during sling-load training over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. U.S. Army Soldiers from the Alaska Army National Guard Aviation Battalion conducted the sling-loaded training to enhance their ability to operate in Alaskas harsh environment. (Alaska National Guard

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk and crew from the 2nd Brigade, 135th General Support Aviation, Colorado Army National Guard, perform water bucket drops over Chatfield Reservoir in Littleton, Colorado, April 17, 2021. LUH-72 Lakota, UH-60 Black Hawk, and CH-47 Chinook aircrews flew over the Denver metropolitan area as part of the annual wildland fire training conference.

A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter prepares to lift a howitzer from the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Aircrafts - Sand Baggers - 26-HK-57-61. HH-60 on waterfront embankment --050929. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361 approaches the water during a helocasting masters course conducted by Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 7, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard to reach areas via bodies of water.

Alaska Army National Guardsmen with the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion travel from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Nome, Alaska, via UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter April 11, 2022. The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will remain in Nome for Golf Company, Detachment 1, 2-211th GSAB to conduct annual training and aide in River Watch if needed this spring. Should there be significant flooding or other emergency in the vicinity, the helicopters will provide support as requested by the State. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

Sgt. Benjamin Hebert, a UH-1Y Huey crew chief, gets ready to fire the GAU-17/A Gatling gun Feb. 27 during a theater security cooperation event. Marines hosted the event for Malaysian Armed Forces members and civilians. Hebert is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward deployed MEU and is currently conducting Spring Patrol 2015 of the Asia-Pacific region.

Virginia Army National Guard UH-72 helicopter air crews based in Sandston conduct water hoist training with Chesterfield Fire & EMS Scuba Rescue Team personnel Sept. 10, 2013, at Lake Chesdin on the border of Chesterfield County and Dinwiddie County. The training was part of an ongoing effort designed to enhance the emergency response capability of each organization in support of the commonwealth's ability to react to and support emergency management operations. After receiving approval from National Guard Bureau, Virginia Army National Guard aviators conducted multiple emergency management training events with local first responders and will continue to train with them over the next 12 months. Previous training sessions focused on basic hoist operations, and then advanced to a rooftop extraction scenario. This training provides a greater understanding of Guard capabilities and further enhances interoperability between the commonwealth's emergency management partners.

A U.S. Navy Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk conducts an aerial delivery for Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, April 28, 2022. This exercise tested and strengthened the Marines ability to conduct distributed operations, while demonstrating their readiness to rapidly secure and defend key terrain to maintain regional security. 1/3 is forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawks assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron land at Torii Station, Japan, December 7, 2022. The 33rd RQS applied Agile Combat Employment tactics by simulating operation capabilities in austere environments.

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade, Indiana Army National Guard, descends to rescue a downed airman during a Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR) demonstration at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 4, 2022. The Indiana Air and Army National Guard worked together during the 2022 Fort Wayne Air Show to demonstrate their team CSAR response capabilities.

DF-ST-86-12557. State: Newfoundland (NF) Country: Canada (CAN)

An Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to 1-207th Aviation Regiment makes a tactical approach into the Malemute drop zone on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2. The air crew conducted air assault training with the University of Alaska ROTC detachment during its end-of-semester training exercise. The Alaska Army National Guards General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to increase its operational interoperability and to be ready for a wide range of federal and state missions. (Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso)

Col. Harlie Bodine, the commander of the 611th Air and Space Operations Center, spent the day with rescue squadrons from Alaska Air National Guards 176th Wing during an immersion flight, Nov. 24, 2015, in and around the area at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The purpose of the immersion flight was to provide Bodine the opportunity to have firsthand experience with the missions and capabilities of the wings rescue squadrons.

A CH-47 from Detachment 1, Company G, 140th Aviation, Nevada Army National Guard, starts its approach over New York Lake to drop off the Navy's Zodiac boat. The Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 7 from San Diego, California will search the lake, one of six near the crash site, for remnants of the four 500 pound bombs carried by the A-10 that crashed on Gold Dust Peak. Base: New York Lake State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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