Military Helicopter Operations

Various angles of military helicopters preparing for missions, highlighting design and operational readiness of aviation units.

UH-60 Black Hawks taxi out for a mission over northern Iraq

A left front view of a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter from the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HML/A-269). Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

UH-60 Black Hawks taxi out for a mission over northern Iraq

Tikrit, Iraq - A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on the flight line at dusk

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

A front view of one of the latest additions to the Air Force's aircraft inventory, the MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, parked on the flight line. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters escort Vice President of the United States Kamala D. Harris to Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sep. 29, 2022. Vice President Harris joined other dignitaries and world leaders to pay tribute to the life and memory of former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his state funeral.

Acting Secretary of the Air Force F. Whitten Peters visited Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona for a better understanding of the issues involved in the renewal of the Barry M. Goldwater range. A US Air Force HH-60G from the 305th Rescue Squadron, Davis- Monthan AFB, AZ, prepares to depart Luke AFB to give F. Whitten Peters an aerial view of the Goldwater range. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060307-N-4374S-009. Base: Manama Country: Bahrain (BHR)

050902-F-5276B-136. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is manually loaded aboard a C-5A Galaxy aircraft during Operation Ocean Venture '82. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '82 Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Jeremy Ganz, a flight engineer with Company B, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, conducts pre-flight procedures before beginning his trip to Fort Carson, Colo., Jan. 28 to deliver three CH-47D Chinook helicopters to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division.

060507-A-6365W-032. Base: Forward Operating Base Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters wait to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS TARAWA (LHA-1) during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai '89. The helicopters are assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM-163), the reinforced aviation combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU). Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Country: Gulf Of Thailand

060131-A-9157N-004. Base: Soto Cano Air Base Country: Honduras (HND)

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper pilot waits to refuel at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 25, 2022. MWSS-152 conducted Air Delivered Ground Refueling to train toward rapid-refueling in austere environments for aircraft that cannot be refueled in flight, allowing them to stay in the fight

U. S. soldiers with Echo Company 3-10 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), (Task Force Phoenix), rush off the flight line after a successful Sling Load Training exercise, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, July 30, 2013. GSAB conducts Sling Load Training biannually to prepare soldiers for future missions.

A front view of an AH-1T Sea Cobra helicopter from the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HML/A-269) parked on the flight line. It is equipped with a Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile system. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050803-N-5027S-113. Base: Fob Sykes State: Ninawa Country: Iraq (IRQ)

DN-ST-89-11362. Base: Nas, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aircrafts - Blackhawk - 26-HK-50-9. Blackhawk over flight line -- 050924. Hurricane Katrina

040926-F-0201C-027. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 15, 2022) Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class Nikisha Anderson, a native of Lich, Germany, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, manually folds the rotors of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) June 15, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters wait to be loaded into the back of a C-17 Globemaster aircraft at 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 U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 56th Rescue Generation Squadron taxis at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, July 13, 2022 during exercise Jolly Vihar. Jolly Vihar marks the first time U.S. HH-60Gs have operated out of Pápa AB and incorporated bilateral ground and air operations.

Jan. 05, 2010. U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen conduct a combat insertion & extraction exercise from a Marine CH-53 helicopter attatched to Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 464. The two units are deployed to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.

061026-N-7526R-038. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

020310-M-1499F-037. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Members of the 157th Force Support Squadron take an incentive flight during a week of training at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire Aug. 9, 2022. The joint operation was coordinated with New Hampshire Army National Guard UH-60 Aircrew and the 157th Family and Airmen Readiness Coordinator.

An aircrew with the Minnesota National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on Oct. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well. Five Minnesota National Guard Black Hawks were at the airport Oct. 27.

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is ready for takeoff from the Deadhorse, Alaska, airport. The Flying Dragons of the 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion deployed the two Black Hawks and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters with about 25 support personnel to the North Slope where they practiced sling-load and long-range flight operations around Prudhoe Bay during a week-long training session in Alaskas Arctic. (Army photo/John Pennell)

UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 101st Airborne Division sit on the airfield at Camp Davis, near Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, during the joint services exercise SOLID SHIELD '89. An UH-1N Iroquois helicopter passes in the background. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '89 Base: Camp Davis Air Field State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030118-F-7203T-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Guests to the Annual Frontiers In Flight Airshow walk by a CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas, September 24, 2022. The 1st CAB participated in this annual joint-branch event for the local community.

220926-N-DW158-1260 WATERS EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Sept. 26, 2022) A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the waters east of the Korean peninsula, Sept. 26. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is participating with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy in Maritime Counter Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) to strengthen interoperability and training. The U.S. routinely conducts CSG operations in the waters around the Republic of Korea to exercise maritime maneuvers, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and improve regional security.

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii (July 18, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion participates during a helo-cast training exercise during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 18. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's 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 world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

040913-F-3005G-017. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050711-F-7564C-109. Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft on the ramp at sunset.

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.

030421-F-5855M-099. Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines along with the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper aircraft platform with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing conduct a mass flight at Marine Corps Base 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.

U.S. Marines with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, exit a CH-53E Super Stallion attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Reinforced), 13th MEU, during a helicopter raid near Eagle Mountain, California, as part of Realistic Urban Training exercise, June 12, 2022. The purpose of the raid and of RUT was to enhance the integration and collective capability of the MEUs command, air, ground and logistics elements and prepare the 13th MEU to meet the nations crisis response needs during its upcoming overseas deployment.

U.S. Soldiers from the South Carolina National Guards Army Aviation Support Facility at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, prepare to conduct rescue and support operations, during a statewide flood response, Oct. 5, 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 1,100 South Carolina National Guard members have been activated in response to the floods.

An HH-60W Jolly green II assigned to the 66th Rescue Generation Squadron is parked in front of the squadron Aug. 11, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The HH-60W is the new model of helicopter procured by the Air Force to replace the HH-60G that has been serving as the primary Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) vehicle in combat operations, civil SAR requests, and other support efforts around the world.

040504-F-3939J-010. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

050105-F-6335P-270. Base: Bandaranaike Iap Country: Sri Lanka (LKA)

An Iowa Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter picks up a historic F-80 fighter jet from the Air National Guard paint facility in Sioux City, Iowa on April 11, 2023. The helicopter from the Iowa NG B/171 Aviation Regiment based in Davenport, is bringing the jet back to Camp Dodge to be placed on static display. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

Two HH-60G Pave Hawks take off as a German air force CH-53GS taxis during an Angel Thunder 2015 mass casualty exercise at Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport, Ariz., June 5, 2015. U.S. military forces and partner nations worked together during the exercise to transport simulated patients from Camp Navajo Training Site to the casualty collection point located at the Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport.

Material from Vice Admiral Allen - VIP Tours - 26-HK-375-124. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Robert Beagon, a CH-53E pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-466, flies in a CH-53E Super Stallion 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Robert Beagon, a CH-53E pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-466, flies in a CH-53E Super Stallion 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted flight training to enhance the pilots and air crews ability to maintain steady operations in the CH-53E Super Stallion over Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 20, 2022. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

Maintenance crewmen scrub down the rotor blades of a Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11). The NEW ORLEANS is serving as a platform for mine-clearing operations following Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

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

060924-N-4399G-037. Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

DN-SC-88-05477. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

221031-N-RT917-2002 GULF OF AQABA (October 31, 2022) Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Brice Smith directs a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter as it lands on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), Oct. 31. The Sullivans is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Marines assigned to Reconnaissance Company, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to board a UH-1Y Viper, assigned to the White Knights of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), during a training exercise aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 9, 2024. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of USS Boxer (LHD 4), Somerset, and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and the embarked 15th MEU are underway conducting integrated training and routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

040504-F-6665C-004. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

050904-N-5319A-011. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: JTF-KATRINA, FLEET COMBAT CAMERA

US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 walks on the flight line prior to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense specialist Marines loading onto a MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 2, 2022. 1st MAW CBRN conducted a short-notice fly-away drill as part of their enhanced CBRN capability set, to identify hazardous material and mitigate threats on the battlefield.

A Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11) UH-46A Sea Knight helicopter waits on the helicopter pad at the Naval Regional Medical Center as an ambulance receives a simulated casualty during PACEX '89 medical evacuation drill. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031201-F-7234P-023. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 501st Aviation, 1ST Armored Divi

060701-N-7130B-028. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Samuel Laviolette, CH-53E Super Stallion mechanic, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 366, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, pulls the blades of a CH-53E Super Stallion during maintenance on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 31, 2022. HMH-366 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on CH-53E Super Stallion to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, land for a resupply operation with Soldiers assigned to 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 31, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

020628-F-8156G-018. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

221009-N-XN177-1105 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 9, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) flies over amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 9, 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.

020412-A-8359B-028. Base: Bird International Airport Country: Antigua And Barbuda (ATG) Scene Major Command Shown: USSOUTHCOM

United States Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion heavy lift transport helicopter taxis along flight line at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

A CV-22 Osprey from the 21st Special Operations Squadron prepares to take off in support of exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 11, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral 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.

An MH-53E Sea Dragon attached to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 is towed from a vehicle carrier vessel at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 14, 2022. The Green Lake visited MCAS Iwakuni to offload an MH-53E Sea Dragon in support of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 after completion of aircraft maintenance. MCAS Iwakuni is the only Marine Corps base with a collocated harbor and airfield, allowing aircraft to be rapidly transported, fixed, and redeployed.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, September 2, 2005 -- Military transport people and supplies into areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

030323-F-5918G-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

220926-N-XK462-1005 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 26, 2022) U.S. Navy Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jacob Bieren, from Portland, Ore., performs routine maintenance on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the Easy Riders” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37) on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). Wayne E. Meyer is currently operating with Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

A US Marine Corps AH-1W Attack Helicopter Hovers After Refueling at Al Asad Air Base in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq

Maintainers assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, prepare one of the wings HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters for operations at Campo Grande, Brazil on August 21, 2022. The aircraft was shipped to Brazil on board a C-17 flown by the New York Air National Guards 105th Airlift Wing to participate in Exercise Tapio, a combined Brazilian- U.S. irregular warfare exercise. The New York Air National Guard dispatched 100 Airmen from the two wings to participate as part of the State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil,

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Nathan MOG Marvel, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), lands the final AH-1Z Viper produced for the Marine Corps on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 4, 2022. Marvel flew the aircraft from Amarillo, Texas. The aircraft rolled off the assembly line as the final production of the U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper from Bell. The H-1 platform will continue to show the world why it is unequivocally important in maintaining 3rd MAWs warfighting mentality and readiness to execute all six functions of Marine Corps Aviation. Marvel is a native of Montana.

A crew member with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, NY National Guard taxis to the main runway at Greater Rochester International Airport, Rochester NY, Sept. 28 2022. Soldiers and crew were called up in support of emergency measures in Florida, brought on by Hurricane Ian. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Jason Carr

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) show their might during a live demonstration in front of the local community on Fort Drum, Ny. Aug 31, 2022. 10th Combat Aviation Brigade conducted aerial manuevers with UH-60M Black Hawks and AH-64D Apache helicopters.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is positioned on the flight deck during preflight checks aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), in the Atlantic Ocean, July 25, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 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.

120121-N-NC372-468ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 21, 2012) Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta arrives aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).

030907-F-7910D-005. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Marines

020411-A-8359B-074. Base: Bird International Airport Country: Antigua And Barbuda (ATG) Scene Major Command Shown: USSOUTHCOM

A UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter, left foreground, and several AH-64A Apache helicopters sit idle on the flight line at an air base during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare to take off with embarked Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, in support of Exercise Shinka 22.1, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2022. Shinka exemplifies a shared commitment to realistic training that produces lethal, ready, and adaptable forces capable of decentralized operations across a wide range of missions.

2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment "Legion" conducted large scale air assault training with 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade. A total of 130 Soldiers were transported in UH-60M Blackhawk and CH-47F Chinook helicopters from Camp Humphreys to train on reacting to a chemical attack and safely seizing simulated WMD, Feb. 2, 2023.

An aircrew with the Minnesota National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on Oct. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well. Five Minnesota National Guard Black Hawks were at the airport Oct. 27.

060328-N-4776G-017. Base: Usns Rainier (T-AOE 7)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Megan Burris, CH-53 Crew Chief, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts preflight operations of a CH-53K King Stallion on Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina June 22, 2022. HMH-461 aviation maintenance Marines go through vigorous training and testing to ensure that aircraft aboard MCAS New River are ready to fly and support all missions safely.

220905-N-XN177-1052 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 5, 2022) - U.S. Marines conduct maintenance on an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Sept. 5, 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.

DF-ST-87-13080. Base: Troy State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

An MH-60S Nighthawk, attached to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, departs USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) flight deck during an ammunition onload, Sept. 25, 2022. Ford is underway in Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

040901-F-4201N-002. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawks taxi down the flight line at the 185th Air Refueling Wing at Sioux City, Iowa, August 6, 2022. The Blackhawks transported distinguished guests, including Maj. Gen. Benjamin J. Correll, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, of the Iowa Army and Air National Guard to the 185th ARW for the units Change of Command ceremony.

The pilots of a UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter prepare their helo for a mission in support of the operation. Two helicopters make daily trips from Diyarbakir Air Base, Turkey, to Zahku carrying personnel and supplies. This operation is a security mission to enforce the United Nations no-fly zone north of the 36 degree parallel from Iraqi air and ground incursion. A four nation coalition of US, Turkey, Great Britain and France has been actively protecting and supplying Kurdish refugees since Desert Storm in 1991.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Zakhu Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Four United States Marine Corps CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters line-up on the Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina flight line as they prepare to depart after a refueling stop. The USMC CH-46E's, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron One Six Two (HMM-162) 'Golden Eagles' at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, have just been hot pit refueled by a USMC KC-130 of Marine Aerial Reueling/Transport Squadron Two Five Two (VMGR-252) from MCAS Cherry Point, NC. The hot pit refueling, where one or more aircraft refuel with their engines running, occured as the helicopters transited the area while deploying to Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georgia for an exercise, 14 August 2000. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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