Military Helicopter Operations

Various images of military helicopters in flight, including UH-60 Black Hawks and CH-47 Chinooks engaged in training and support missions.

Czech Air Force Mi-171 Hips training for service with ISAF, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.

EAST CHINA SEA (May 30, 2022) An SA-330J Puma helicopter flies toward Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) while conducting a vertical replenishment with Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-06). Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. - U.S. Army Soldiers in a Blackhawk MEDEVAC helicopter, about to hoist a mannequin for an air rescue training mission at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, in support of Guardian Response 22. Guardian Response provides realistic training for a large number of National Guardsmen, Army Reservists, and Active Duty Soldiers to train and evaluate CBRN response in a realistic training environment.

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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 24, 2022) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, conducts banking maneuvers during flight operations aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Two military helicopters Two military helicopters on maneuvers, protect troops Copyright: xZoonar.com/GENNADIYxIOTKOVSKIYx 11541361

AH-64E Apache Helicopter pilots assigned to 5-17 Air Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, fires several Hydra 70 missiles during aerial gunnery qualification July 21, 2022, Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea.

220824-N-EV253-1588 An MH-60S Sea Hawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 deploys an Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) in Pyramid Cove during a mine countermeasure (MCM) live fire training exercise off the coast of San Clemente Island, Aug. 24, 2022. The MCM live fire is realistic, relevant training that enables our joint, multi-domain forces to integrate and rehearse a critical capability and complex skillset.

A ground-to-air view of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 147th Aviation Company, 25th Combat Aviation Battalion, as it airlifts an M-102 105 mm howitzer during a training exercise at the US Army's Pohakuloa Training Area. State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron conducts a real-world rescue operation at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. After a Christen A-1 Husky crashed into a marsh, National Guardsmen rappelled and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring the aircraft was safely vacated.

070313-M-0948M-024. Base: Camp Blue Diamond State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 7TH IRAQI ARMY DIVISION

U.S. Soldiers from the 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG), and elements of the S.C. Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (SC-HART) participate in a training and certification event, Eastover, South Carolina, March 9, 2016. SC-HART is a collaborative effort between the State Rescue Task Force (SC-TF1) and the SCARNG. The 59th Aviation Troop Command commits year-round aviation and training support through its subordinate units, F Co. 1-171st MED, A Co. 1-111th, HHC 2151st SSABN, 59th ATC, and 1-151st ARB. (US Army National Guard

An aircrew guides a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft in for a landing July 13, 2022, at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis. In a rare training event at Fort McCoy, aircrew with the Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., flew a pair of MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft July 12-14 at the installation for aerial gunnery training at the impact area on North Post.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies over Mabank, Texas, July 2, 2022. Fullam flew a capability demonstration of the A-10 Thunderbolt II as part of an airshow. During the performance, Fullam showcased different aerial maneuvers, including simulated weapons delivery, highlighting the combat capabilities of the A-10.

Air to air view of a U.S. Air Force, OV-10 Bronco participating in REFORGER '82, the multi-national military training exercise, silhouetted against the dusk sky. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '82 Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Service members from the Air Force, Army and Marine Corps participate in sustainment training at Grand Bara, Djibouti, Jan. 5, 2017. During the exercise Air Force joint terminal attack controllers, along with Soldiers from the 101st Infantry Battalion and Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted training utilizing MV-22 Ospreys and F-16 Fighting Falcons.

Air Assault candidates rappel out of a UH-60, February 22, 2024. After successfully rappeling from the UH-60, candidates must complete the 12-mile ruck in under 3 hours the following morning. Army

DN-ST-89-02840. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aircrew with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment of the Wisconsin National Guard operates a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for live-hoist training at Big Sandy Lake on June 7, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy, and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. This training included hoisting up simulated victims treading water with a basket into the helicopter. The unit completed the training for three hours at the lake on June 7 and Wisconsin National Guard troops complete their annual training at Fort McCoy for 2022.

USCG mock rescue mission. Blurry window shot

The Red Bull Air Force Team conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The Red Bull Air Force Team is comprised of accomplished and experienced aviation experts who specialize in highly-coordinated aerial jump demonstrations. 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.

DEU, Germany, Muenster : SWAT team of NRW Police special forces at a fastroping training from a EC 155 helicopter. |, Europe

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

NASA's Orion spacecraft floats in the Pacific Ocean after splashdown from its first flight test in Earth orbit. An H60-S Seahawk helicopter hovers above to communicate the spacecraft's location back to the USS Anchorage. NASA, the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin are coordinating efforts to recover Orion and secure the spacecraft in the well deck of the USS Anchorage. Orion completed a two-orbit, four-and-a-half hour mission, to test systems critical to crew safety, including the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is leading the recovery efforts.

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Lowe with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation conducts a medical evacuation near Slade, Ky., May 18, 2019. The MEDEVAC helicopter transported the patient to Lexington, Ky., where civilian EMS was waiting.

Air Force tactical air control party (TACP) specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, jump from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter during airborne training over Geronimo Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 31, 2022. Air Force special warfare Airmen from Detachment 1, 3rd ASOS, and Detachment 3, 1st Combat Weather Squadron, supported by Alaska Army National Guard aircrew from the 207th Aviation Troop Command, conducted the training to demonstrate airborne and mission-readiness skills in austere conditions.

020514-F-0193C-023. Country: Unknown

NAS Lemoore Search and Rescue kicked off the festivities by circling Tailhook Tavern. Looks fun, doesn't it!The NAS Lemoore's 60th Anniversary celebration was a resounding success due to great cooperation and hard work from so many. Congratulations and Bravo Zulu!!

A U.S. Marine MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, approaches the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton helipad as part of a mass casualty drill during Steel Knight 23 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 7, 2022. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st Marine Division is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 171 Aviation Regiment, conduct Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) training at the Wheeler Army Airfield, Wahiawa, Hawaii, June 13, 2019. The 1-171 Aviation Regiment, the Voyagers,” recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan.

View from Below of a US Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra During a Close Air Support Mission Over Barwana, Iraq

A DRF air rescue helicopter pulls to Emergency Doctor with an injured person on board emergency services Rehearse An Emergency Major Earthquake Exercise in Bad

Coast Guard on Scene Damages - 26-HK-82-49. CG On Scene Damages--helicopter in flight with sand bag, dated 9 3 2005. Hurricane Katrina

AN air-to-air left side view of a Norwegian Sea King helicopter. AN F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prepares for take-off in the foreground. Base: Flesland Air Station Country: Norway (NOR)

An aircrew with the Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Oct. 18, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Members of the unit regularly complete training operations at Fort McCoy and the unit also supports numerous training events at the installation each year. 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.

A U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk prepares to receive fuel from a HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group during a night time Helicopter Air-to-Air Refueling (HAAR) mission within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 7, 2022. The primary mission of the Pave Hawk is to conduct day and night personnel recovery operations in hostile environments enabling the recovery of isolated personnel during conflict. HAAR operations act as a force extender, keeping rescue assets in the air longer.

DN-SC-04-09291. Base: San Clemente State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Green Berets with 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), cast a military inflatable boat from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Key West, Florida, May 3, 2022. Helocast, or free-drop from a helicopter, is a means of inserting combat swimmers/divers and maritime mobility craft into a waterborne environment.

AN H-46 helicopter from the Japanese Air Self Defense Force picks up a "survivor" from the water during Operation Cope Angel. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ANGEL Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducts 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)

SSGT James Norton, a pararescueman from the 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, and a "downed" pilot are hoisted aboard an HH-53 Super Jolly helicopter during pararescue training. Country: United Kingdom (UK)

An HH-60 Pavehawk from the 55th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., flies over Tucson during alternate insertion and extraction training with the pararescuemen of the 48th Rescue Squadron, Nov. 13, 2013.

US ARMY RAH-66 COMANCHE HELICOPTER FLYING OVER LAND BLURRED MOTION ACTION

An HH-60 Pavehawk with the 101st Rescue Squadron, 106th Rescue Wing conducts training around Westhampton Beach, Nov. 25, 2014. During this time the aircrew tested the aircraft's defensive systems and conducted a simulated rescue of a downed airman. (N.Y. Air National Guard / Senior Airman Christopher S Muncy / released)

An aerial view of an HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Field refueling from the refueling hose and drag chute of an aircraft over the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Northern California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Silhouette of a U.S. Army National Guard OH-58 Kiowa above Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

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

A Louisiana National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk drops a load of upcycled Christmas trees to help slow coastal erosion in Bayou Sauvage in New Orleans, March 28, 2019.

DN-ST-87-03820. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Katrina - General - 26-HK-402-30. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook Helicopter from Bravo Company 2-227th General Support Aviation Battalion along with Soldiers from Delta Company 2-227 GSAB flying to Latvia, stop in Poland for cold refuel in support of Swift Response May 2, 2022. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. It aims 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 partnerships.

220413-N-EV253-1315 EL CENTRO, Calif. (Apr. 13, 2022) - An MQ-8B Firescout, assigned to the Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, is recovered following a personnel recovery exercise in a simulated contested environment, April 13. HSC-21 participated in a dynamic proof-of-concept event in which two MH-60S helicopters conducted search and rescue operations alongside an MQ-8B Firescout unmanned aircraft system. Also during the event, two CH-53E Super Stallions assigned to the Flying Tigers” of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) conducted aerial refueling of the MH-60Ss. The event demonstrated the advanced capabilities and capacity inherent in operations that incorporate manned-unmanned teaming.

Coast Guard on Scene Damages - 26-HK-82-52. CG On Scene Damages--military helicopter picking up sand bag from pile, dated 9 2 2005. Hurricane Katrina

030403-M-9124R-086. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369 fly and operate AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y Venom helicopters during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 29, 2022. HMLA-369 successfully launched multiple aircraft for a single flight as a display of appreciation for the hard work of the squadron.

Utah National Guard members repel with the help of their civilian counterparts during a Utah National Guard FEMA Region VIII Homeland Response Force training exercise on Camp Williams, Utah, Nov. 5, 2022. The event featured multiagency interoperability training for the Utah National Guard and civilian partner agencies to provide initial and follow-on care to stranded and injured citizens in the event of a natural or human-caused emergency.

A CH-46E SEA Knight helicopter of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM-163) carries supplies on a sling during the joint Thai/U.S. exercise Thalay Thai '89. Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Country: Thailand (THA)

Blackhawk helicopters fly to Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2012.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369 fly and operate AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y Venom helicopters during a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, April 29, 2022. HMLA-369 successfully launched multiple aircraft for a single flight as a display of appreciation for the hard work of the squadron.

Sgt. Bruce Brickleff, Kennel Master and Military Working Dog Handler for the 131st Military Working Dog Detachment, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade out of Grafenwoehr, Germany, gets hoisted up by a Medevac Helicopter with Staff Sgt. Buri, his Military Working Dog, during K9 hoist training August 1, 2017 on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.

040324-M-5523R-021. Base: Camp Mu Juk Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 23, 2022) - Sailors and their families and friends observe as air department Sailors direct a UH-1N Huey to land and take off from the flight deck of amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during a family day cruise. Friends and family members were invited aboard Anchorage to experience a day in the life of a Sailor at sea first-hand. Anchorage is currently home ported in San Diego as part of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, along with USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Makin Island (LHD 8).

A rainbow is formed in the mist rising from the ocean as a Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter conducts mine countermeasures operations near Naval Air Station, Alameda, Calif. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

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.

060521-N-4772B-033. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

An SH-3 Sea King helicopter assigned to the Southern Most Search and Rescue (SAR) unit at Naval Air Station Key West hoists a simulated victim swimmer during training operations. Base: Gulf Of Mexico State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An AH-64 Apache helicopter takes off in front of the Capitol building before the National Victory Celebration parade honoring the coalition forces from Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Capitol Building, Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ENGLISH CHANNEL (Oct. 12, 2022) A MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, attached to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79, flies away from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Oct. 12, 2022. Roosevelt 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.

An MH-60S Seahawk assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 simulates recovering personnel strapped into a litter stretcher during maritime recovery training in San Diego Bay, Feb. 14, 2024. Sailors attached to amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 1 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Wildcards trained alongside NASA ahead of Underway Recovery Test 11. In preparation for NASAs Artemis II crewed mission, which will send four astronauts in Orion beyond the Moon, NASA and the Department of Defense will conduct a series of tests to demonstrate and evaluate the processes, procedures and hardware used in recovery operations for crewed lunar missions. Amphibious transport docks, like USS San Diego, have unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner to support NASA, including embarking helicopters, launching and recovering small boats, three dimensional air search radar and advanced medical faci

ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 23, 2020) Sailors assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 participate in a search-and-rescue swimmer exercise, Feb. 23, 2020. HSC-28 is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

The Baltimore County Police Department showcased their abilities by conducting a staged water rescue during Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore, Sept. 8, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week is an annual public event that provides the opportunity for the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard to engage with each other and civilians. More than 2,300 service members are participating, engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and community service events.

An AH-64E Apache Helicopter assigned to 5-17 Air Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, hovers down range preparing to fire weapon systems during aerial gunnery qualifications, July 21, 2022, Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Republic of Korea.

Helicopter flying over old ruins

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-437-17. Hurricane Katrina

030420-M-5607A-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Nu'Maniyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A pair of U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters assigned to the 129th Rescue Squadron, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, fly over CEFCU Stadium, Sept. 1, 2022, at San Jose State University in San Jose, California, before the Spartans home football game against Portland State. The flyover was conducted in coordination with routine training operations and held in conjunction with the schools military appreciation night coordinated by U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 045.

U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter flies over one of the Great Pyramids near Cairo during BRIGHT STAR '83. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Egypt (EGY)

Military show, helicopters of the United Arab Emirates army presenting a large national flag, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Middle East, Asia

An UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter flies over the Capitol during the National Victory Celebration parade in honor of the coalition forces of Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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