Military Helicopter Operations

Diverse scenes of military helicopter pilots and crew. Includes cockpit views and air assault operations in combat-ready settings.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Ferrell, a 517th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, flies over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 May 12, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise, allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

020207-F-4882M-027. Subject Operation/Series: RESCUE AIR Base: Camp Visoko Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Soldiers assigned to the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and its supporting elements conducted air assault operations via UH-60 Black Hawks during their annual training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La., July 19, 2021.

030903-M-7837W-021. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

220826-N-N3764-1003PACIFIC OCEAN - (Aug. 26, 2022) - Lt. Alec Ferley assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Detachment 8, conducts preflight checks aboard the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 26, 2022. Billings 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. Marine Corps Maj. Royse Mayo, a KC-130J Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, approves the firing of an AGM-114 Hellfire missile from a KC-130J Hercules near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Aug. 31, 2022. VMGR-252 trained in close-air support by using the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit. VMGR-252 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Marcus Malecek, left, a pilot, and 1st Lt. Steven Csizmadia, a co-pilot, both with the 7th Airlift Squadron, perform preflight checks before take-off at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 7, 2022. Team McChord Airmen are preparing to participate in Exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 as part of Exercise Rainier War 22B. Exercise Rainier War is a major exercise for the 62d Airlift Wing, including multiple airlift assets.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Ferrell, a 517th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, flies over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 May 12, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise, allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

030813-M-7837W-009. Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-234

U.S. Air Force Maj. Rob Gruenenfelder and Capt. Elizabeth Luke, both KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, prepare to land during RED FLAG 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 11, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States, and the DoD - through exercises like RF-A - is committed to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.

Capt. Joshua Rogers and Lt. Col. Frank Magee, pilots from the 192nd Airlift Squadron, conduct low-level flying in a C-130H over Stampede Reservoir, Calif. June 24, 2022. The 192nd Airlift Squadron executed a three-ship tactical flight which consisted of airlift drops within 100 yards, low-level flying and touch and go landings

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Pilot 1st Lt. Zach Siefker pilots a B-52H Stratofortress over Romania during a Bomber Task Force mission Aug. 26, 2022. This BTF mission enabled 23EBS Airmen to train with NATO allies and partners as well as familiarize themselves with foreign airspaces.

U.S. Air Force Airmen participate in the Hispanic Heritage Flight at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Oct. 06, 2022. Hispanic Airmen from various squadrons came together for a flight to honor their heritage and share cultural experiences with one another during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Dave Ober, White Sands Missile Range Army Air Detachment flight engineer instructor, left, and Ryan Halsey, WSMR Army Air Detachment flight engineer, prepare a UH-60L Black Hawk for flight at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 4, 2024. The Army Air Detachment is responsible for conducting flying operations for Army, Department of Defense, foreign government and other commercial customers operating in the Holloman-WSMR area.

U.S Marine Corps Capt. Jordan Boyland, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, flies a UH-1Y Venom at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Aug. 9, 2022. HMLA-269 trained to increase proficiency in close-air support. HMLA-269 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Kenneth Mateo, CH-53E Super Stallion pilot assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts an aerial maneuver rehearsal during exercise EFES 2022 in Turkey, June 4, 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.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lucas Ablen, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot assigned to 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies with Finnish NH-90 helicopters during a joint island seizure training on Russaro Island, Finland, Aug. 10, 2022. The training was part of a bilateral exercise between the Finnish military and U.S. forces with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the U.S. Army. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mathew Piotrowicz, a UH-1Y Venom pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, provides gunship escort during an air assault as part of work ups for Exercise Summer Fury 22, at Camp Roberts, California, July 21, 2022. The exercise is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase 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 with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), operate the Hero-400 while mid-air in a UH-1Y Venom aircraft on San Clemente Island, California, May 25, 2022. The Hero-400 is a loitering munition that the United States Marine Corps and other Department of Defense entities are beginning to incorporate into specific mission sets. This initial training flight develops the UAS pilots confidence and abilities to be able to operate the Hero-400 in any clime and place, and enabling 3rd MAW to remain a more lethal and ready force.

A CH-47 pilot assigned to 3-25 Aviation Regiment delivers two PAC-3 MSE canisters utilized in the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system to the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade during Balikatan 22 at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 3, 2022. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States, highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

Master Sgt. Tim Garrison, a KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator with the 186th Air Refueling Wing, Meridian, Mississippi, carefully guides his boom (and a C-17 Globemaster III pilot) through aerial refueling operations on July 13, 2022. Members of the 183rd Airlift Squadron, 172nd Maintenance Group, and the 186th Air Refueling Wing recently returned from Hawaii after taking part in training that flexed the skills required to keep the 172nd Airlift Wings global mission running smoothly. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jared Bounds.

Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. Damion Minchaca, assigned to 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, crews a UH-60 Black Hawk during a flight to Bethel. Members of the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion transport an HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter to Bethel from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson April 11, 2022, for their annual training this spring.

A CH-47 Chinook assigned to Army Aviation Support Facility #2 (AASF #2) flies over Michigan on Nov. 14, 2022. The AASF #2 was stood-up on Sept. 22, 2002, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Harrison Township, Michigan.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Martin, a crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuels a UH-1Y Venom during exercise Steel Knight 23 onMarine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Forceand fleet maneuver. Martin is a Birmingham, Alabama, native.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Standridge, KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator assigned to the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, monitors the incoming aircraft during a refueling exercise off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida for Sentry Savannah 22-1 on May 12, 2022. The two pilots and boom operator refueled ten F-22 Raptors during the morning flight.

U.S. Air Force members of the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron prepare for a high altitude low opening jump during Exercise Cobra Gold in the Kingdom of Thailand Mar. 1, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt Roman Evseev, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, assists a jumpmaster during Stolen Cerberus IX at Elefsis Air Base, Greece, May 4, 2022. Sixty Hellenic air force members jumped from the aircraft as part of the exercise.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Beischer, UH-60M Black Hawk Pilot and Mission Planner for Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (right), and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Frank Bellizzi, UH-60M Black Hawk Pilot and Maintenance Test Pilot for Bravo Company, 3-142nd AHB, conducted hot re-fueling of a UH-60M Black Hawk at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022. Beischer and his crew re-fueled the aircraft without shutting down engines, a common practice as it allows the crew to quickly re-fuel and continue on mission. 3-142nd AHB, attached to 36th CAB, currently supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve across the Middle East.

CPT John G. Worman, co-pilot, flies a Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on a supply delivery mission. The material will be delivered to Kurdish refugees as part of Operation Provide Comfort, an Allied effort to aid the refugees who fled from the forces of Saddam Hussein in northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Major Nate Riley, a pilot with the 9th Special Operations Squadron, 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, showcases the capabilities of an MC-130J Commando II to members of the German Air Force prior to takeoff during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 4, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict.

Master Sgt. Will Towers, 301st Rescue Squadron special mission aviator evaluator, scans the ground during a turkey shoot competition at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, June 14, 2022. During the competition aircrew members competed on skills such as aircraft weapons employment, helicopter air to air refueling, degraded navigation, degraded search, and confined hoisting.

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II pilot assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, observes a F-15 Strike Eagle assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, during a fighter escort exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 31, 2023.The exercise demonstrated fighter aircraft integration and escort capabilities, as well as aerial refueling operations.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cristopher Gossett, a C-130 Hercules combat systems operator, assigned to the 165th Operations Group, Georgia Air National Guard, completes pre-flight checklists prior to its departure from Savannah, Georgia on March 30, 2022 en route for Europe. The Airmen are deploying in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe by providing logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Frank Von Heiland, 41st Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron co-pilot, prepares for a mission on an EC-130H Compass Call aircraft at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan Sept. 12, 2014. The 41 EECS provides premier counter-communications electronic attack capabilities. Von Heiland is deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. and a native of Anaheim, Calif.

Members from the Utah Air National Guards 151st Wing and Air Force Reserves 419th Fighter Wing prepare to unload an AIM 120 missile coffin from a KC-135R at Hill Air Force Base Feb. 4, 2024 as part of Exercise PERSES. Exercise PERSES is a dynamic exercise serving as a platform for exploring innovative ideas and refining communication practices in a challenging operational environment for both Utah Air and Army National Guard. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II pilot assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, observes a F-15 Strike Eagle assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, during a fighter escort exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 31, 2023.The exercise demonstrated fighter aircraft integration and escort capabilities, as well as aerial refueling operations.

020129-F-1851B-096. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Sgt. 1st Class Zach Kesler, an Army Flight Medic from G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment Medevac, Utah National Guard, scans for hazards as his UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter taxis to the runway at Gowan Airfield, Boise, Idaho, in preparation for flight to Western Strike 22 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 6 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the Utah National Guards 65th Field Artillery Brigade, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen line up before taking part in a military freefall over eastern Africa, Dec 1, 2022. Pararescuemen, or PJs, serve a critical role in personnel recovery by circumventing geographic limitations in order to save lives and secure important assets for joint and friendly forces.

221013-N-MH015-2008 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 13, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) observe flight operations. Nimitz Strike Group is underway preparing for an upcoming deployment.

LCPL Christopher Walsh, 1ST Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, sits at the controls inside his LAV, preparing to head out for the next staging site during the exercise. THERE IS ONLY A SCREEN RESOLUTION IMAGE AVAILABLE. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP STRIKE '97 Base: Needles State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2023) Lt. Jim Ruck, from Alameda Calif., pilots a CMV-22B Osprey, assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, while preparing to receive fuel from a KC-10 Extender, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Squadron. VRM 30, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9, is currently based out of Naval Air Station North Island in support of routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Dwayne Saunders Jr., an aircraft commander assigned to Heavy Marine Helicopter Training Unit 302, Marine Corps Station New River, North Carolina, pilots a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a joint training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico, Oct. 25, 2022. Marines assigned to HMHT-302 worked with servicemembers assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater to conduct a search and rescue exercise. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Haruki Morota and 2nd Lt. Senichiro Kawakami, both 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130H pilots, fly over Murilo, state of Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 6, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. The aircraft, call sign Santa 33, delivered 7 bundles to the state of Chuuk, Ruo and Murilo islands, Federated States of Micronesia. OCD is the longest-running Department of Defense humanitarian and disaster relief mission. Each year, the USAF partners with countries in the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility to deliver supplies to remote islands in the South-Eastern Pacific.

U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Johnson, an ammunition specialist with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion (Attack), 3rd Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12th CAB), sits across from a Czech crew chief aboard a Czech Air Force Mil Mi-17 helicopter at Namest Airfield, Czechia, Sept. 12, 2022. Select Griffins Soldiers with 12th CAB were invited to ride along with their Czech counterparts during Ample Strike 22, a Czech Republic-led, multi-national live-fire exercise that offers advanced Air/Land Integration Training to Joint Terminal Attack Controllers in coordination with fighter aircraft, from Sept. 5-16, 2022

U.S. Air Force Maj. William Hock, a 354th Operations Group, Detachment 1, C-17 Globemaster III pilot, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Ferrell, a 517th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, conduct low level evasive maneuvers during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 12, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise, allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, which makes it the largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range in the world.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 12, 2022) - Naval Aircrewman (helicopter) 1st Class Joshua Krugh participates in a reenlistment flight in an MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3. HSC-3 is the Navys West Coast MH-60S fleet replacement squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Rob Gruenenfelder, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, prepares to land during RED FLAG 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 11, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States, and the DoD - through exercises like RF-A - is committed to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass flies with the Romanian Air Force during her first visit to Romania, Oct. 4, 2022. This is the first time the CMSAF has visited Romania.

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-108. C-130 Ride. Hurricane Katrina

Pilots from Fleet Air Reconnaisance Squadron Four, Tinker AFB, fly a Navy E-6A Mercury aircraft, an airborne communications platform, during the exercise GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98 Base: Tinker Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Pima County, Arizona for tours of the Mexican border area, discussions with local Interior staff and Customs and Border Patrol personnel

060227-A-5747J-217. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION KATRINA/IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Brassfield-Mora State: Salah Al Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION

Aircrews from the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Federal Airfield, California Air National Guard, approach Farallon Island of the coast of San Francisco, California, Feb 17, 2009.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Paul Guillen from Los Angeles, California, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), observes targets during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, near Yuma, Arizona, April 1, 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.

HC-130J Combat King II aircraft pilots prepare 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Bockelman, an MV-22 Osprey crew chief assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photo during a bilateral exercise in Bardufoss, Norway, April 17, 2022. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is participating in a bilateral training event with the Kingdom of Norways Armed Forces to strengthen U.S. and Norway interoperability, ensuring collective capabilities and steadfast partnerships among NATO allies and partners.

041207-F-1740G-003. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Sgt. Dillon Tonne, a Ronkonkoma, NY, native and crew chief for B Company, 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, based out of Ronkonkoma, clears the area around a UH-60M Black departing Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 16, 2022. Tonne assisted the aircrafts pilots in landing at areas with heavy clouds of dust and debris during their training mission. Crew chiefs also perform the day-to-day maintenance required to keep aircraft safe to fly. 3-142nd AHB, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, currently supports the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Da'esh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Christopher Keller, a copilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, navigates a C-130J Hercules as part of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. The HIRAIN training demonstrated Marine Forces Reserves ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats in any environment, including harsh arctic environments. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

A US Army soldier assigned to the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard, surveys the horizon from the doorway of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter while preparing for landing at Northern Strike 22 above Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 6, 2022. Northern Strike is designed to challenge 7,400 service members with multiple forms of training that advance interoperability across multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners.

August 27, 2009 - Airman inspects pallets of cargo that will be dropped from a C-17 Globemaster III, to a forward operating base in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Air National Guard Capt. Michael Breshears, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, climbs into an F-16 during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 6, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (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.

Idaho National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, as well as active duty counterparts joined forces with a one-team, one-fight mentality for joint training during a mass casualty exercise on Feb. 4, 2023, near Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Medical personnel from Gowen Fields 124th Medical Group and active duty medical personnel with the 366th Medical Group from Mountain Home Air Force Base teamed up for several mass casualty events, which also included the use of medevac Soldiers and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the Idaho Army National Guards 1st of the 168th Aviation Regiment to participate in the medical evacuation scenarios.

U.S. Army Green Berets from the 7th Special Forces Group jump out of a C-130H3 Hercules for Emerald Warrior at Hurlburt Field, Fla., April 22, 2015. Emerald Warrior is the Department of Defense's only irregular warfare exercise, allowing joint and combined partners to train together and prepare for real-world contingency operations.

A North Carolina Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew begins a search and rescue exercise in Morganton, N.C., March 28, 2007. The 4-day multi-agency search and rescue exercise is involving over a dozen agencies including the North Carolina National Guard, fire departments, emergency medical services, and state leaders.

U.S. Marine Corps loadmasters assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, or VMM-261 (REIN), look out the back of a USMC KC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft over East Africa, Feb. 27, 2024. The KC-130J is often used to resupply battle zones, provide a direct air support center, insert group troops and perform medical evacuation operations. Air Force

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan (SANGB) refuels A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 107th Fighter Squadron, also from SANGB, during the bases Air Show Family Day on July 8, 2022. Many world-renowned aerial demonstration teams performed for thousands of spectators during the Air Show to honor the ‘Next 100 years of SANGB Aviation.

Lt. Col. Dave Gentile, WC-130J aircraft commander, flies a 53rd Weather Reconnaissance aircraft into Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The 53rd WRS, or Hurricane Hunters, fly missions into hurricanes to collect data for forecasters at the National Hurricane Center.

Pilots from the 535th Airlift Squadron and the Royal Australian Air Force No. 36 Squadron fly a C-17 Globemaster III in formation during an aerial maneuver training mission around the Hawaiian islands as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2022. The RAAF and USAF conducted joint flying missions alongside each other and swapped aircrew members to better learn of each others procedures and techniques.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III pilot from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, flies with U.S. Army Paratrooper on June 15, 2022 during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2. Approximately 1,600 service members from three nations participate in flying, maintaining and supporting more than 70 aircraft from over 22 units during this iteration of exercise. The C-17 Globemaster III is assigned to the 176th Wing, JBER.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Gutierrez from Revere, Massachusetts, a crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, fires an M240D 7.62mm machine gun during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Yodaville, near Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. WTI 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.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer James Eckert of the 238th Task Force Medical Evacuation Company, New Hampshire National Guard, conducts pre-flight checks on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in preparation for take off in Coatepeque, Guatemala, May 27, 2016. Task Force Red Wolf and Army South conducts Humanitarian Civil Assistance Training to include tatical level construction projects and medical readiness Training Exercises providing medical access and building schools in guatemala with the Guatamalan Government and non government agencies from 05Mar16 to 18JUN16 in order to improve the mission readiness of US Forces and to provide a lasting benefit to the people to Guatemala.

Hurricane Katrina, Gulf Coast of Mississippi, September 30, 2005 -- Flight crew member surveying the damage from a helicopter over the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Mississippi suffered extensive damage from the storm surge and high winds of hurricane Katrina. Marty Bahamonde/FEMA

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

MAJ. Steve O'Brien (left) and CAPT. Carl Lojovich (right) fly a C-130 loaded with food and medicine to Sarajevo. MAJ. O'Brien and CAPT. Lojovich are assigned to the 133rd Airlift Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, St. Paul, Minn. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Country: Unknown

Senior Airman Caleb Roland, 4th Combat Camera aerial combat photojournalist takes photos of loadmasters from the 315th Airlift Squadron on the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, SC., May 12, 2022. The 4th Combat Camera Squadron provides strategic imagery capabilities for the Department of Defense.

Lt. Dylan Kelly, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, flies an Mh-60S Knighthawk helicopter 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.

Captain James Pyjas and Major Westley Britt fly their C-17 Globemaster III over Niagara Falls during Readiness Exercise, April 7, 2022. The purpose of the Readiness Exercise is to demonstrate the 107th Attack Wings capability to generate personnel and cargo under contested, degraded and operationally limited conditions.

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.

U.S. Marines aboard a UH-1Y Venom with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to conduct a mass flight at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2022. HMLAT-303 is the fleet replacement squadron for the H-1 series aircraft, responsible for training Marines to safely fly the Marine Corps attack helicopters. The Marines with HMLAT-303 demonstrated the tactical capabilities and combat power of the H-1 platform by completing this mass flight and continue to train the next generation of warriors.

220909-N-ZG822-1055 ADRIATIC SEA (Sep. 9, 2022) Capt. Michael Hoskins, chief of staff, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG), boards an F/A-18F Super hornet aircraft, attached to the "Jolly Rogers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Sep. 9, 2022. CVW-7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10, GHWBCSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are VFA-86, VFA-103, VFA-136, VFA-143, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (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 interest.

U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to 1st Air Cavalry Brigade,1st Cavalry Division, acts as an instructor for the gunner during UH-60 Black Hawk aerial gunnery qualifications at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, April 6, 2022. NSTA is a Bulgarian training facility operated by U.S. Army's Area Support Group-Black Sea and hosts U.S. military personnel as part of an ongoing bilateral defense cooperation with Bulgaria under the terms of the 2006 U.S.-Bulgarian Defense Cooperation Agreement. Air Cav is part of V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe, that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces and retains command and control for all rotational units in the European theater.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Huberty, 37 Airlift Squadron loadmaster, looks out the ramp during a large formation training mission over Germany, May 25, 2022. Founded as the 37th Transport Squadron in 1942, the 37 AS recently celebrated its 80th anniversary and has played a role in almost every major operation involving the U.S. and its allies since World War II.

Sgt. James Dennis (right) and Spc. Jason Brown (center), soldiers in the Florida National Guard's (FLNG) 1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion, conduct a search-and-rescue operation over Sanibel Island, Fla., from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on Saturday, October 1, 2020. As Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction, some of Florida's Southwest islands were left without a proper route to the mainland, enabling specialties of FLNG aviators to deliver much-need supplies.

Sgt. James Dennis (right) and Spc. Jason Brown (center), soldiers in the Florida National Guard's (FLNG) 1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion, conduct a search-and-rescue operation over Sanibel Island, Fla., from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on Saturday, October 1, 2020. As Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction, some of Florida's Southwest islands were left without a proper route to the mainland, enabling specialties of FLNG aviators to deliver much-need supplies. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dylan Radka, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, flies back to Charleston Air Force Base after an experimental airlift mission to Berlin, Germany, June 17, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Greggs, a flight engineer with the South Carolina Army National Guard's 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion Detachment 1, adjusts ropes in a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a statewide flood response, Oct. 6, 2015. The South Carolina National Guard has been activated to support state and county emergency management agencies and local first responders as historic flooding impacts counties statewide. Currently, more than 2,200 South Carolina National Guard members have been activated in response to the floods.

A Pararescueman from the 23rd Wing, Moody Air Force Base prepares for landing during AGILE FLAG 22-2, at Avon Park Auxiliary Air Field, Florida, July 23, 2022. AGILE FLAG 22-2 prepares todays leaders for the rapid operational decisions and mission type orders required to win against peer adversaries. This exercise marks a significant milestone in standardizing the way Air Combat Command organizes, trains, and equips for Agile Combat Employment after a period of experimentation.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Talley, 301st Airlift Squadron pilot, conducts preflight operations at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 23, 2022. A Reserve aircrew from the 301st AS performed a three-day mission Sept. 23 - 25, to move humanitarian cargo to Haiti. Through the Denton Program, three school buses donated from San Diego Unified School District were transported from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Haiti.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division prepares to operate a M240B Medium Machine Gun during aerial gunnery at the Douthit Gunnery Complex, Fort Riley, Kansas on August 1st, 2022. Aerial gunnery tables develop and test the proficiency of individual, crew, and unit gunnery techniques at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Travis Wilkes, a C-130H aircraft pilot assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, executes turn during Exercise COPE SOUTH near Sylhet, Bangladesh, Jan. 25, 2015. COPE SOUTH is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, bilateral tactical airlift exercise conducted in Bangladesh, with a focus on cooperative flight operations, day and night low-level navigation, tactical airdrop, and air-land missions as well as subject-matter expert exchanges in the fields of operations, maintenance and rigging disciplines.

Senior Airman Robert Knopes (foreground), 54th Helicopter Squadron UH-1N Huey Flight Engineer, and Capt. Jacob Pomerenke (background), 54th HS UH-1N Huey Pilot, go through preflight procedures before takeoff on April 21, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The purpose of the flight was to lay eyes on various missile launch facilities and check on their status due to the four feet of snow delivered to Minot and the surrounding area by Blizzard Haley.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Avery Larkin, a pilot and tactics flight commander with the 7th Airlift Squadron, prepares for takeoff during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

RED SEA (May 20, 2013) Maj. Kris Fought observes flight operations from primary flight control aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group with embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

Oregon Army National Guardsman Sgt. Brandon Names, from Albany, Ore., with Detachment 1, Alpha Co. 1-112 Aviation, assists Oregon Department of Forestry firefighter Kyle Williams with spotting new forest fires from a UH-72 Lakota helicopter in the hills surrounding Glendale, Ore., Aug. 8. The Oregon Army National Guard has provided five helicopters to aid the Oregon Department of Forestry with fire suppression efforts in southern Oregon.

DA-ST-85-02277. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Grenville Country: Grenada (GRD)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam (right), and Maj. Brian, 193rd Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, Middletown, Pa., flies an EC-130J during a mission over Haiti on Jan. 30, 2010. The EC-130's are operating out of Puerto Rico in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti. The EC-130J Commando Solo is a specially-modified four-engine Hercules transport and is broadcasting AM and FM broadcasts in Creole to inform Haitians on various messages such as what to do when encountering a dead body, where to receive aid, and specific other government messages. U.S. Air Force

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