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

An aircrewman stands in front of an Egyptian S-61 helicopter used during exercise Proud Phantom. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD PHANTOM Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

JACKSONVILLE, FL. (Oct. 21, 2022) Noah and Joey Baker of Jacksonville, FL examine the cockpit of a MH-60R Helicopter from HSM 72. The show celebrated the Blue Angels heritage, which traces back to 1946 at the squadrons birthplace of NAS Jacksonville. The show also featured aerial performances by other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment, and the opportunity to see military aircraft and vehicles and the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 41st Rescue Generation Squadron discuss the HH-60W Jolly Green II mission and its capabilities with honorary commanders during a 23rd Maintenance Group immersion tour at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 21, 2022. The HH-60W is the newest aircraft supporting combat search and rescue missions across the U.S. Air Force. The immersion tour gave civilian leaders a behind-the-scenes look at the 23rd Wing mission and the Airmen who make the mission happen.

U.S. special operations service members participate in Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) training at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, April 22, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict. It emphasizes air dominance, maritime operations, maritime air support, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, personnel recovery, aero medical evacuation, and combat medical support.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 King Stallion prepares to land during a helicopter support team training event during exercise Potomac Restore, at Oak Grove, North Carolina May 11, 2022. Exercise Potomac Restore is a scenario-driven regimental exercise designed to get the regimental staff to operate in tactical support environments and incorporate unique capabilities of subordinate battalions. (U.S. Marine Corps Photos by Lance Cpl. Jackson Kirkiewicz)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron one (MAWTS-1), prepares for take off during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 11, 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.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 512th RQS conducts aerial refueling from an HC-130 during a training mission out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

SENDAI, Japan - Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) disembark from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter here March 14 during Operation Tomodachi. Personnel with III MEF (Fwd) established a humanitarian assistance center here to assist the Government of Japan-led relief efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck mainland Japan March 11. (Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Samuel L. Meyer, commanding officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, walks to greet U.S. Navy Sailors of Amphibious Squadron Seven prior to a digital interoperability brief at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 8, 2022. Digital interoperability strengthens the capabilities of the Amphibious Ready Group Makin Island and the 13th MEU by allowing the dissemination of common operational pictures while in an emissions controlled status.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 165, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), stage on the flight line for a troop insertion during exercise Steel Knight 23 on Inyokern Airfield, California, Dec. 2, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

Personnel From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12 arrive at Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove in North Carolina to conduct an Expeditionary Airfield Damage Repair exercise with Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 and NMCB 11, June 23. The purpose of this event was to showcase integration of fleet and NECC forces, and to validate the updated ExR-ADR Tactical Memorandum (Official Navy photo by Jeffrey Pierce)

A CH-47 Chinook assigned to B Company 1/189th General Support Aviation Battalion, Nevada National Guard, sits on a staging area as the crew waits for the sun to set before conducting a night aerial gunnery live-fire at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, June 24, 2022

The U.S. ASA Fort Dix Headquarters hosted a VIP Lift on 15 June 2022. The event hosted MGs, BGs, COLs, CSMs, and Chief of Staffs. These VIPs were various leaders from the units of the 99th Readiness Division, 3 d MDSC DCG, 200th Military Police Command, 79th Theater Sustainment Command, 310th ESC, 377th TSC, 81st Readiness Division, 200th Military Police Command, 108th Training Command, 807th MCDS, 416th TEC, 63d Readiness Division, 84th Training Command, 76th ORC, ASA Dix, 377th TSC CG, MIRC, 75th Innovation Command, 85th USARCSC and the Fort Dix in-bound Commander COL Mitchell. The five The UH-60's a lift off located at the Command Pad Area by the Fort Dix Headquarters Wurman Hall. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 362, prepares for an early morning mission aboard Camp Bastion, Helmand province Afghanistan, July 27, 2012. HMH-362 operated the D-models which will soon be deactivated and replaced by the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53K Super Stallion.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron prepares to depart for an evening training flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 29, 2023. The 33rd RQS conducts extensive training in various rescue scenarios, day and night, to ensure they are ready to effectively respond to real-world contingencies.

CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters in use during Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

U.S. Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron and U.S. Soldiers upload an Apache helicopter onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 23, 2022. Aerial porters from the 386th ELRS and aviation specialists from the U.S. Army 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade conducted relief in place/transfer of authority of Apache helicopters designated to the U.S. Army 101st Aviation Battalion.

ARABIAN SEA (July 14, 2012) An MV-22 Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced) takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21). New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, August 31, 2005 -- Residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina are dropped off by a blackhawk helicopter to a staging area for evacuation from New Orleans. New Orleans is being evacuated due to flooding caused by the levee breaches.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, La., September 2, 2005 -- Evacuees and patients arrive at New Orleans airport by helicopter where FEMA's D-MATs have set up operations.

Vice President of the United States Kamala D. Harris arrives at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, aboard a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, Sept. 29, 2022. During the visit, Harris met with ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol to further discuss the ROK - U.S. alliance as a linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

DM-ST-86-08389. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An MV-22B Osprey flies above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, 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.

Troopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division evacuate a casualty during Allied Spirit 22 at the Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Jan. 28, 2022.Allied Spirit 22 is a regularly scheduled exercise series to build interoperability amongst NATO allies and partners in a world-class training environment. Approximately 5200 soldiers from 15 nations are participating.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jason Greaves)

1st Lt. John Greer and 1st Lt. Nicholas Chatel, 1-502nd infantry regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Helocasts into a pond at Best Ranger Competition April 10th, 2022 at Ft. Benning, Ga. Best Ranger teams, made up of two individual, from the across the United States Army will travel to Fort Benning Georgia to compete in the Best Ranger Competition. This competition was created to identify the best Ranger team from within the U.S. Military.

070313-F-0001M-001. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Aircraft Maintenance from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the active duty 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, conducted a joint operation to transport an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from Bethel to JBER in early January 2024. The Pave Hawk experienced a malfunction after completing a medevac mission in Western Alaska. The aircraft landed safely at the Alaska Army National Guard hangar in Bethel after the mission but was unable to complete the trip back to JBER. After determining the Pave Hawk could not be repaired on scene, the 176th Wing immediately sent a joint maintenance team to Bethel to rapidly prepare the aircraft to be airlifted back to JBER.The 176th Wing is equipped with the complete rescue triad (210th, 211th 212th Rescue Squadrons), deploying of the HC-130J Combat King II, the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, and Pararescuemen. The unit directly supports NORAD/NORTHCOM with its 24/7 com

NORFOLK (Aug. 6, 2020) Aircraft assigned to the Screwtops” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 123 return home to Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 6, 2020. The squadron has supported the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group which has been underway for more than 200 consecutive days.

220713-N-EQ038-1009 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII (July 13, 2022) Two U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters land at Marine Corps Base Hawaii carrying partner-nation senior leadership during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The 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.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), land to refuel after conducting day tactics drills during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 near Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. The WTI course 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.

041213-F-1740G-009. Base: Clark Airfield Country: Philippines (PHL)

040210-F-0623L-053. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rain drenches a UH-1Y Venom helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 16, 2019. The UH-1Y helicopter replaced the UH-1N and was first deployed in operation with the Marine Corps in 2009.

The CH-53K King Stallion successfully plugs into a funnel-shaped drogue towed behind a KC-130J during aerial refueling wake testing over the Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Dane Wiedmann. (U.S. Military photo by Staff /Released)

Members of the 21st Special Operations Squadron prepare an MH-53J helicopter, equipped with the new Pave Low infrared system for night operations, for its functional flight check. Base: Raf Woodbridge Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen remoe spindles from an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter's main rotor head inside a maintenance hangar at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Jan. 3, 2024. These spindles will replace corroded ones on another Pave Hawk. The spindles are being removed from this Pave Hawk because it's scheduled for retirement to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group in Arizona later this month, marking the beginning of the wing's conversion to the new HH-60W Pave Hawk.

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.

German CH-53 helicopter at the test and evaluation airfield of Manching, Germany.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Williams, left, a line safety noncommissioned officer, and Sgt. Tyrek Daniel, the forward arming and refueling point (FARP) noncommissioned officer in charge, both with Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), carry fuel lines to a UH-1Y Venom at a FARP during exercise Steel Knight 23 at Red Beach on Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 3, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver. Williams is a native of Angier, North Carolina, and Daniel is a native of Augusta, Georgia.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Crozier, an aircrewman from Cypress, Texas, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462), Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7 (MAGTF-7), runs toward a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to HMH-462, MAGTF-7, during an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August 1, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Matthew Hood, the company first sergeant for 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, posts security during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

220812-N-XN177-1155 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 11, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) board an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced), Aug. 12, 2022. Amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) 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.

Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters of the Russian Air Force taxiing, Kubinka, Russia.

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk, assigned to the 1st Squadron, 214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies behind a CH-47 Chinook during a cultural-exchange flight held at Tampere, Finland, Aug. 4, 2022. For the next few weeks, U.S. Soldiers and Finnish troops will be conducting multiple training exercises to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

030815-M-7837W-092. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ali Al Salem Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

030430-M-5972A-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey on flight line, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

020131-F-7910D-002. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WHITE Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

Vice President of the United States Kamala D. Harris arrives at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, after a tour of South Korea on Sept. 29, 2022. Harriss trip was intended to underscore the U.S. - ROK alliance and to deepen ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

221102-N-EU502-3052 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 2, 2022) - Capt. John Kiefaber, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), center, disembarks an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 Nov. 2, 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.

USS Pelelieu; Hawaii, United States of America

A HH-60G Pavehawk Helicopter and personnel assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, are off-loaded from a C-5 Galaxy, assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, at the Kuwait International Airport, Kuwait, in support of Operation DESERT FOCUS. The members of the 48th Rescue Squadron are deployed to Kuwait to respond in the event any US airmen are downed in the region. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOCUS Base: Kuwait City Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A U.S. Marine Corps MW-22B Osprey pilot wipes down the MV-22B Osprey at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 15, 2022. The Osprey, along with many other aircraft, will function as static displays during the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo, Sept. 16-18.

National Guardsmen help guide a rancher as he loads bundles of hay aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to deliver to stranded livestock who have been trapped by the flooded salt-waters without food or fresh water since Hurricane Ike struck the Southwest coast of Louisiana.

DF-ST-86-12313. Base: Sembach Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

U.S. Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade host a Spouse Lift event for spouses of the brigades Soldiers. Spouses were given tours of the brigades flight facilities and flights in CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters as a token of appreciation for their support. The event was held at the brigades flight facilities at Muir Army Airfield at Fort Indiantown Gap and John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport at Johnstown. Participants at Fort Indiantown Gap were given flights around the greater Harrisburg, Hershey and Blue Mountain area. Participants at Johnstown were given flights around the scenic Laurel Highlands of the Alleghenies.

DF-ST-87-12658. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HORIZON '86 Base: Guayaquil Country: Ecuador (ECU)

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.

Sgt. Aaron Smith, a native of Fort Thomas, Ky., the crew chief of a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter piloted and crewed by Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, a unit based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., assists the helicopter pilot on board in shutting down the aircraft after landing in Boston Common May 3. The Marines exhibited their aircraft they flew in on during the first day of Marine Week Boston, which honors and recognizes the contributions of Marines, including Boston-based hometown heroes and their families.

A UH-60 Blackhawk from the 1-147th Aviation Regiment, Michigan National Guard, lifts a M119 howitzer from the 1-120th Field Artillery Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, while conducting a sling load during Northern Strike 23-1, Jan. 23, 2023, at Grayling Army Airfield, Mich. Northern Strikes winter iteration serves as a cost effective way for units across the Department of Defense to conduct cold-weather, joint all-domain operations.

030815-M-7837W-079. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ali Al Salem Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey begins a long-range insertion of more than 800 miles during Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise from on Okinawa to mainland Japan, June 9, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as part of a series of integrated no-notice drills to maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to maintain regional security. 3/2 is forward-deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Soldiers with 1-3rd Attack Battalion (1-3 AB), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12 CAB) work on AH-64 Apache helicopter maintenance on Katterbach Army Airfield, Ansbach, Germany, Oct. 04, 2022.

CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) arrive at the Millington-Memphis Airport to conduct refueling and resupply on January 13, 2024, during a Large-Scale Long-Range Air Assault into the Joint Readiness Training Center on Fort Johnson, LA. This exercise is intended to test and strengthen the unit's readiness. Close to 80 U.S. Army helicopters from Fort Campbell, KY will stop at several locations throughout the flight path to refuel and resupply before they assault onto the training objectives at Fort Johnson, LA. There are four forward arming and refueling points (FARPs): Millington, TN, Oxford, MS, Monroe, LA, and Alexandria, LA.

Russian Search and Rescue teams deploy on MI-8 helicopters from Karaganda to Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan to prepare for the Soyuz MS-06 landing with Expedition 54 crew members Joe Acaba and Mark Vande Hei of NASA and cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. Acaba, Vande Hei, and Misurkin are returning after 168 days in space where they served as members of the Expedition 53 and 54 crews onboard the International Space Station.

Members of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division and crew members of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) are shown manning the rail as the ship departs for the Caribbean en route to Haiti to take part in Operation Support Democracy. The ship is transporting 1,800 Army troops and their military hardware. On deck can be seen numerous HH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two CV-22 Osprey aircraft from the 71st SOS sit on the ramp at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Pararescuemen, US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Ken Chapman, US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Larry Hiyakumoto, US Air Force Technical Sergeant John Saftner, and Flight Engineer CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Dusty Rhoads, all with the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Field, carry a Stokes litter with a simulated injured patient from an HH/MH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter to a waiting ambulance during a training rescue operation which took place in the Pacific Ocean. (Duplicate image see also DFSD0201131 or search 001130F8708H182). Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 19, 2017) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Kevin Spell demonstrates how to properly handle a firefighting hose during a Friends and Family Day Cruise aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Sailors assigned to the ship hosted 852 friends and family members during the cruise, which served as an opportunity to experience life underway aboard a Navy ship.

A de-icing team works to prepare an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission during a snowstorm Dec. 29, 2013, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The airfield received approximately three inches of snow during the storm.

050910-A-3118G-010. Base: Bay Saint Louis State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 137th Aviation, NYARNG

U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawks assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment, land in Panama City, Panama, Feb. 25, 2024. During the exercise, 1-228th Aviation Regiment transported over 500 thousand pounds of equipment to include food and modular building systems for the region. Air Force

A Russian Search and Rescue AN-12 aircraft takes off from the Zhezkazgan Airport in Kazakhstan in support of the Soyuz MS-08 spacecraft landing with Expedition 56 Commander Drew Feustel and Flight Engineer Ricky Arnold of NASA, along with Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Oleg Artemyev of Roscosmos, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Feustel, Arnold, and Artemyev are returning after 197 days in space where they served as members of the Expedition 55 and 56 crews onboard the International Space Station.

DA-SC-85-13309. Subject Operation/Series: PROLOG Base: Fort Eustis State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aircrews with the Minnesota National Guard operate UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters Oct. 27, 2022, at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport 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 right front view of three CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters from the 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)

Staten Island, N.Y., Nov. 8, 2012 U.S. Marines arrive to Staten Island to assist in the disaster recovery efforts. FEMA is working with many partners including federal, state, local and tribal governments, voluntary faith-based and community-based organizations along with the private sector to assist residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Eliud Echevarria/FEMA. New York Hurricane Sandy. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

030904-F-7910D-002. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Marines

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 12, 2015) An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) launches from amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) in support of a long-range raid exercise. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a certification exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) and Boxer ARG prior to deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division spouses exit a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after a Spouse Orientation Flight opportunity at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, June 3, 2022. The spouses had the opportunity to fly on the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters as part of the orientation day.

Airmen work on a C-130H Hercules, spraying it with deicing fluid during a snow storm, Feb. 07, 2020, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. Deicing fluid is a mixture of heated chemical called propylene glycol and water. It is sprayed on hot, over 150 degrees farenheit, at high pressure to melt or remove ice and snow. (Ohio Air National Guard

Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1) and Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) train during an Urban Search and Rescue Task Force exercise, at Montgomery County Airpark and Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA), Feb. 15, 2024. The training represents a new partnership for members of the D.C. National Guards Aviation Detachment, nicknamed District Dustoff, designed to improve interoperability and familiarity between partners involved in disaster response in the DMV. Air National Guard

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Abban, currently deployed on USCGC Bear (WMEC 901) for its patrol, waves to his shipmates from a Royal Danish Navy MH-60R helicopter during a photo exercise in Operation Nanook, North Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 6, 2022. Abban is a public affairs specialist for the Coast Guard.

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-128. USA aircraft and military helicopters on ATC ramp. Hurricane Katrina

051014-A-1327A-010. Base: Chaklala Air Base State: Islamabad Country: Pakistan (PAK) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

A U.S. Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), loads up into an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, after being in the field on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 28, 2022. While conducting and air delivery operation, the flight crew of Osprey #12 were able to land and collect personnel returning to base. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cesar Ronaldo Alarcon)

010911-F-0628J-003. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Army Soldiers from 3-25 General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), 25th Infantry Division, prepare to fly during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) on Schofield Barracks, Hi., Nov. 1, 2022. The 3-25 GSAB is tasked to refuel AH-64 Apaches during the JPMRC.

Aviation Structural Mechanic(s) First Class Melvin Carter, Amy Leach, Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class AIRMAN Jason Severson, and Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Matthew Burcham work together to prepare a SH-60F from Carrier-Based Antisubmarine Warfare Helicopter Squadron Seven (HS-7), "Dusty Dogs", for flight in the hangar bay of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW). OSW is the mission that enforces the coalition imposed southern "no-fly zone" over Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Arrival ceremonies for Saud bin Abdul Aziz, King of Saudi Arabia, 3:00PM. President John F. Kennedy, King of Saudi Arabia Saud bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud (stepping into helicopter), and Secretary of State Dean Rusk (standing behind President Kennedy) prepare to board a United States Army helicopter to the White House. All others unidentified. Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks takes off on his last flight in a UH-60 Blackhawk at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

011204-A-6788L-003. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Southeast

060723-N-8591H-205. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

DN-SC-05-07450. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

111213-N-HW704-001 SAN DIEGO (Dec. 13, 2011) Two MH60R Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 take off from Naval Air Station North Island to embark aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

U.S. Marines and local Pakistan civilians help each other load a 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter with food and supplies at Pano Aqil Airfield, Pakistan, in support of flood relief efforts Sept. 5, 2010.

A CV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft gets ready to land after a Weapons School Integration (WSINT) mission at Nellis AFB, Nevada, May 18, 2022. WSINT tests the capabilities of pilots and crew members to increase efficiency and strengthen teamwork.

An CH-53E Super Stallion flies above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, armor, artillery and infantry forces and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

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