Military Helicopter Operations

This collection features various helicopters in flight, focusing on tactical missions, medical evacuations, and operational training in diverse environments.

October 21, 2005 - A U.S. Army AH-64D Longbow Apache provides ground forces with air support from Forward Operating Base Speicher Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

An aerial close up view of a US Marine Corps MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter from the 2ND Marine Aircraft Wing, (MCAS) New River, NC, flying in support of a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) mission, during the Revised Capabilities Exercise (RCAPEX), at Camp Lejeune, NC. Subject Operation/Series: RCAPEX Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army UH-60 flies over a grass assault strip during Special Operations Air-Land Integration training near Daugavpils, Latvia, July 28, 2023. Operational readiness is paramount to partnerships, crisis response, deterrence, and support to Allies and partners.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade lifts off during a medical evacuation rehearsal at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Nov. 3, 2022. Task Force Orion has been deployed in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine mission since August 2022 to ensure the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States Presidential Drawdown Authority.

An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter hovers above the flight deck of a ship. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

U.S. Air Force aircrew members assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group perform helicopter aerial refueling (HAAR) from an HC-130J Combat King II with HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters during an agile combat employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, special warfare airmen, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by working as a rescue triad consisting of HH-60s, HC-130s, and Pararescue forces in unison to rescue isolated personnel in a hostile environment.

October 21, 2005 - A U.S. Army AH-64D Longbow Apache provides ground forces with air support from Forward Operating Base Speicher Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

An HH-60W Jolly Green II performs a capabilities demonstration during the Thunder and Lightning over Arizona airshow at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 26, 2023. The HH-60 simulated a rescue as part of a combat search and rescue capability demonstration.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 10th CAB conduct a flyover for the Boilermaker 15k race in Utica, Ny. July 10, 2022. The helicopter formation consisted of two Black Hawks and a Chinook.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465 prepares for an external lift with 3rd Landing Support Battalion during an integrated training exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2023. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 and HMH 465 conducted integrated training as a proof of concept for future distributed operations.

20807-N-XN177-1244 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 7, 2022) - An AH-1Z Viper helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 7, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), conducts battle drills during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at K9 Village training complex, Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Oct. 8, 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 U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), conducts battle drills during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at K9 Village training complex, Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Oct. 8, 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.

020628-F-8156G-017. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepares to land aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during exercise Steel Knight 23, Dec. 5, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Forceand fleet maneuver.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and an Egyptian H-3 Sea King helicopter transport news media personnel to an aerial firepower demonstration site during exercise Bright Star '80. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '80 Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

Israeli Defense Forces AS565 Panther maritime helicopter in flight.

030114-M-9892R-012. Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: HMLA-367

U.S. Army AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter pilots assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance), conduct a low altitude flight during man-portable air defense systems threat lane training at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Sep.3, 2022. MANPADS prove to be a prolific threat for all peer and near-peer adversaries. The Hohenfels Training Area provides a unique terrain that allows the aircraft to conduct realistic nap of the earth flying. Saber Junction 22 provides a combat training center rotation for the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to assess the brigade's readiness to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating Allied and partner nations. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training

Soldiers and units from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conduct sling load operations with CH-47s from Task Force Apocalypse, 3-501, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Romania on Oct. 27, 2022. The training built proficiency for PZ and sling load operations with numerous types of equipment in support of future collective training events and contingency operations. 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 MAJ Brett Sullenger, 2nd Brigade Combat Team "STRIKE" Public Affairs Officer)

030114-F-9528H-018. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

An Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew operates a Black Hawk on July 26, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis., during a training mission. Several Black Hawk crews and helicopters operated from the airport during July to support a myriad of training events at Fort McCoy, including for the 78th Training Division's Warrior Exercise 78-22-02.

An Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew operates a Black Hawk on July 26, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis., during a training mission. Several Black Hawk crews and helicopters operated from the airport during July to support a myriad of training events at Fort McCoy, including for the 78th Training Division's Warrior Exercise 78-22-02.

A UH-1Y Huey with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, 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. 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.

CCAD prepares for final test of UH60 Blackhawk.

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

An H-3 (Pelican) helicopter from the Italian Air Force get ready to launch for a Combat, Search and Rescue mission at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The H-3 helicopters are part of VENETO RESCUE 2000. Veneto Rescue is a simulated non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) that simulates the extraction of American citizens and designated third-country nationals from a fictitious, politically troubled country. Subject Operation/Series: VENETO RESCUE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter equipped with GAU-18/A .50 caliber machine guns.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter departs 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.

A right underside view of a CH-54 Tahre helicopter as it prepares to pick up a C-141 Starlifter aircraft fuselage (not visible). Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A pair of Royal New Zealand Air Force UH-1H helicopters arriving at Ohakea Airbase, New Zealand.

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron prepares to perform Helicopter Air-to-Air Refueling operations within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, November 4, 2022. The Pave Hawk's primary mission is to conduct day and night personnel recovery operations in hostile environments to recover isolated personnel during conflict.

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.

An air-to-air left front view of an MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter near Eglin Air Force Base. The helicopter is undergoing testing for use by the 55th Special Operations Squadron. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GULF OF ADEN (June 9, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat squadron (HSC 22) and Sailors assigned to littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11) conduct search and rescue training in the Gulf of Aden, June 9. Sioux City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

020208-F-1789V-014. Base: Indian Springs Auxiliary Field State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Slovak Air Force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Ostrava, Czech Republic.

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, surveys the target area during a tactical air control party at W-174 Live Fire Range, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 10, 2023. The training provided an opportunity to work in a dynamic tactical situation and refine target plotting skills. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corpss 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.

1/82 Aviation UH-60L Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter takes off behind a Bell OH-58D (1) Kiowa Warrior helicopter during JTFX 98-1. Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AH-64 Apache Gunship

A U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6), hovers overhead during a reconnaissance and surveillance exercise at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. The exercise sustained the MRFs proficiency in rapidly inserting and scouting for a landing force. 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. Marine Corps

A right side view of a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (HMM-365), during a troop lift between the Main Side Landing Zone and the Operations Landing Zone. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220721-N-DN159-1097 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 21, 2022) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11, delivers supplies to the flight deck of the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), July 21, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group 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.

Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), jump from a UH-60 Black Hawk into American Lake, near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Aug. 31, 2022.

UH-1 Iroquois helicopters hover above the airfield as a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter prepares to take off at Chittagong Air Base. The helicopters are transporting supplies as part of Operation Sea Angel, a U.S. military effort to provide disaster relief to victims of a cyclone which devastated Bangladesh on April 30th.. Subject Operation/Series: SEA ANGEL Country: Bangladesh(BGD)

A pair of US Marine Corps Sikorsky H-53E Super Sea Stallions in formation

UH-60 Blackhawk at Jalalabad, Afghanistan

A left rear view of one of the latest additions to the Air Force's aircraft inventory, the MH-53J Enhanced Pave Low III helicopter, parked on the flightline. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk assigned to 3rd battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flies to the aerial gunnery at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Oct. 17, 2022.The 2-501st conducted a combined aerial gunnery live-fire exercise to increase lethality across the brigade.

A Russian search and rescue helicopter arrives at the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft landing site after the capsule landed with Expedition 41 Commander Max Suraev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), NASA Flight Engineer Reid Wiseman and Flight Engineer Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency (ESA) near the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 10, 2014. Suraev, Wiseman and Gerst returned to Earth after more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 40 and 41 crews.

One Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter prepares to land during a Swift Response 22 joint forcible entry exercise at the Krivolak Military Training Center in Negotino, North Macedonia, May 12, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 22 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. The purpose of the exercise is 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 partnership.

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conduct helicopter aerial refueling (HAAR) during a combat search and rescue (CSAR) agile combat employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec 1, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by extending the reach of HH-60G helicopters in an austere, contested area.

A CH-53E Super Stallion takes off as part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 25, 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 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MarineAircraft Wing conduct landing drills with a CH-53E Super Stallion at Kamifurano Maneuver Area,Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designedto strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integratedcommand and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

An aircrew assigned to Charlie "Arctic Dustoff" Company, 1-52 General Support Aviation Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade takes off in their HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Baturaja, Indonesia on Aug. 5, 2022 as part of MEDEVAC training at exercise Super Garuda Shield 22. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military and Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

040608-M-5555L-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Junction City State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

US Army (USA) UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) (foreground) and USA CH-47 Chinook helicopters prepare to take off early in the morning during Task Force Katrina at the New Orleans International Airport (IAP), Louisiana (LA). (Duplicate image, see also DASD0605896 or search 050913A7274K001). Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ROVING SANDS '99 - A Mi-24 'Hind' helicopter simulates an attack while being scoped by a Dutch Stinger Missile Platoon (Not shown) on McGregor Range, New Mexico during Roving Sands '99, June 21, 1999. .

220814-A-EQ028-1112 RED SEA (Aug. 14, 2022) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 flies overhead during a vertical replenishment aboard the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) in the Red Sea, Aug. 14. Lewis B. Puller is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

U.S. Army Apache pilots assigned to "Lighthorse Squadron," 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, conduct low flyover simulated attacks with an AH-64 Apache helicopter alongside the "Mustang Squadron," 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, during a combined arms live fire exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 8, 2022. The 6th Sqn., 8th Cav. Regt., 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, completed modernization this past July, making it the Army's most modern cavalry squadron, and is preparing to defeat any threat in large-scale combat operations through expert coaching and well-trained, cohesive teams.

220819-N-XN177-1077 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 19, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 19, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 10, 2022) A CH-53E, attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 462, conducts flight operations with amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), May 10, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

An SH-60B Seahawk helicopter assigned to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division is hauled down to the Elevated Fixed Platform using the Recover Assist, Secure Traverse (RAST) system during Dynamic Interface testing. Piloting the helo are LT. Pete Papa and LT. Mike Cerneck. Base: Lakehurst State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As a successful proof of concept, the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted a resupply of PAC-3 MSE canisters utilized in the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system via CH-47 piloted by the 3-25 Aviation Regiment 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.

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, egresses during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, June 29, 2022. FARPs are critical for sustaining the Marine Corps Air Combat Element between mission objectives and their return home. 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.

An Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew operates a Black Hawk on July 26, 2022, at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis., during a training mission. Several Black Hawk crews and helicopters operated from the airport during July to support a myriad of training events at Fort McCoy, including for the 78th Training Division's Warrior Exercise 78-22-02.

030825-M-7837W-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Blaire Airfield, Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

120306-N-UM734-846ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 6, 2012) A UH-1N Huey helicopter approaches the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge is underway completing Afloat Training Group 1.3 basic phase training.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 17, 2021) Helicopters assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) and the Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 fly alongside the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during a photo exercise, May 17, 2021. Iwo Jima is underway in the Atlantic Ocean with Amphibious Squadron 4 and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group.

Spanish Navy SH-60F at Rota Naval Air Station, Spain.

030324-M-9124R-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

ROVING SANDS '99 - A Mi-24 'Hind' helicopter simulates an attack while being scoped by a Dutch Stinger Missile Platoon (not shown) on McGregor Range, New Mexico during Roving Sands '99, June 21, 1999..

060109-A-6365W-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Loyalty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 101ST

Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters land after a demonstration at the 6th Ranger Training Battalions open house event May 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The event was a chance for the public to learn how Rangers train and operate. The event displays showed equipment, weapons, a reptile zoo, face painting and weapon firing among others. The demonstrations showed off hand-to-hand combat, a parachute jump, snake show, and Rangers in action. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 flies during Keen Sword 23 off the coast of southern Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. Military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

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)

Soldiers assigned to Hardrock and Bulldog Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct Air Assault Operations in conjunction with a Support by Fire Live Fire Exercise on August 29, 2022, at Babadag Training Area, Romania. The Screaming Eagles of today are ready to support our allies in order to preserve the long-lasting stability in Europe that our predecessors fought and died for. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs.)

MIHAIL KOGĂLNICEANU, Romania-- A UH60M Black Hawk with Bravo Company, 3-227 Assault Helicopter Battalion prepares to land during air movement and air assault training with Soldiers from the Romanian 9th Mechanized Brigade. Regular interoperability training with NATO partners and allies builds trust and readiness, increasing the capacity for deterrence and defense.

An MH-60S Nighthawk, attached to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, conducts flight operations onboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Sept. 18, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

Nighttime View of US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knights at Al Taqaddum Air Base in Iraq's Al Anbar Province

220525-N-EU544-8263 GULF OF THAILAND (May 25, 2022) A Royal Thai Navy Sikorsky S-76B helicopter takes off from the flight deck aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Jackson (LCS 6) during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2022. CARAT Thailand is an annual bilateral naval exercise between the U.S. Navy and Royal Thai Navy. Thailand has been part of the CARAT exercise series since 1995. Now in its 28th year, the CARAT series comprises multiple multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and allied and partner navies abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force UH-60 Blackhawk Rescue Team from the 33rd Rescue Squadron and 320th Special Tactics Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, conduct search operations over the devastated north eastern coast of main land Japan in support of Operation Tomodachi March 25, 2011. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the United States military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected region that are supporting emergency relief efforts at the request of the government of Japan.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 8, 2022) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Donald Mann (left) and Lt. Cmdr. Tim McNerney, both assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, prepare for the takeoff of an MH-60S helicopter from Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay. HSC-28 is at NSA Souda Bay participating in NIRIIS 2022 as part of a deployment to Naval Air Station Sigonella in support of Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

A US Army OH-58D helicopter with the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment hovers over the tree tops as it prepares to support armor belonging to C Troop of the 4-7 Cavalry during maneuvers and gunnery training at the Korea Training Center, Republic of Korea on Oct. 25, 1998. The center is manned throughout the year and various armored units rotate through training scenarios to meet yearly live gunnery training requirements. Subject Operation/Series: KOREA CD Base: Korea Training Center Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Members of 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment retrograde nine UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, Jan. 29, 2024, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo, in accordance with United Nations Resolution (UNSC) 1244.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265scans the landing zone during a Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) Master Course atLanding Zone Sterling, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. Fast roping allows Marines to enter landingzones that are too dangerous for helicopters to safely land. Fast rope and helicopter ropesuspension training teach Marines proper knots, rappelling techniques, and build confidence formaneuvering from air to ground.

The photographer takes a picture from the cockpit of an SH-3 Sea King helicopter hovering over the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

An Italian Army AB205A-1 helicopter at Camp Rajlovac in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

A German Army Bo-105P helicopter near Mount Igman in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

030815-M-7837W-067. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ali Al Salem Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

An Apache Helicopter at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

A Virginia National Guard aviation crew and Chesterfield County first responders conduct an aviation rescue hoist training demonstration during the Virginia Search and Rescue Conference April 14, 2018, at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox County, Virginia. Soldiers assigned to the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division along with members of Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Service Scuba Rescue Team work together as the Virginia Helicopter Advanced Rescue Team to provide trained and ready personnel capable of conducting aerial rescue evacuation in situations where there is potential loss of life, limb or eyesight or significant property damage. The event was the latest in a series of exercises that are part of an ongoing training partnership between Virginia National Guard and Chesterfield County Fire & EMS.

040107-F-9629J-009. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Bravo Company, 2-501st, 1ST Armo

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- U.S. Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Central Personal Security Detail perform hot/cold load training, Apr. 1, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The purpose of the training is to practice entering and exiting an aircraft, while maintaining protection of their current asset.

030414-M-5654R-024. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Tikrit State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MWSS-373

Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters land after a demonstration at the 6th Ranger Training Battalions open house event May 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The event was a chance for the public to learn how Rangers train and operate. The event displays showed equipment, weapons, a reptile zoo, face painting and weapon firing among others. The demonstrations showed off hand-to-hand combat, a parachute jump, snake show, and Rangers in action. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

An AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopter from the 1ST Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, First Cavalry Division lands at the Dalton/Henson Range Complex at Fort Hood, Texas, to reload and refuel during an annual aerial gunnery exercise. (Duplicate image, see also DDSD0108876 or search 990915A4980V022). Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army UH-72 Lakota helicopter from the New Jersey Army National Guard's 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion flies over the Army Aviation Support Facility, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 19, 2015.

050621-A-9665L-035. Subject Operation/Series: RED DRAGON Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAR

010326-M-2077K-019. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ 2001 Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Marine Expeditionary Force

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