Military Helicopter Operations

Black and white images of military helicopters in action, preparing for missions or during operations across various terrains and conditions.

National Test Exercise - Operation Ivy , Nuclear weapons testing, Helicopters, Civil defense, Operation Ivy, Marshall Islands, 1952. Records of the Office of Civil Defense and Defense Mobilization

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter warms up its engines on the aft flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) in preparation for a flight in support of NATO Exercise Teamwork '92. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK '92 Base: Trondheim Fjord Country: Norway (NOR)

A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter lift a howitzer off the ground during an air show celebrating the 75th anniversary of naval aviation. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A UH-1N Iroquois helicopter takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS TRIPOLI (LPH-10). The TRIPOLI is serving as a platform for helicopter mine-clearing operations in the Gulf following the cease-fire that ended Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

National Test Exercise - Operation Ivy , Nuclear weapons testing, Helicopters, Civil defense, Operation Ivy, Marshall Islands, 1952. Records of the Office of Civil Defense and Defense Mobilization

DM-SN-86-07474. Base: Marine Corps Air Station

Okinawa helicopter Simulates Sea Rescue -- Hovering over the calm,shallow waters off Okinawa, a U. S. Air Force H-19 rescue helicopter of the 2nd Air Rescue Group prepares to pick up a "crash victim" in a simulated rescue attempt. The The giant-rotored aircraft Is handled skillfully by well- trained pilots in all rescue operations, for the helicopters are costly and tricky winds at low altitudes could cause the loss of both pilot and aircraft. In addition to flying and maintaining H-19 type helicopters, the 2nd Air Rescue Group, always on the alert for emergencies involving rescues, also flies SA-16 amphibians, life-boat carrying SB-29s and SC-47 converted cargo aircraft. With the motto "That others May Live," the 2nd Rescue Group, like other rescue units throughout the Far East, remains constantly prepared to answer any distress calls. September 18, 1953. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Photo).

DA-SN-85-13502. Country: Unknown

President Kennedy Departs Andrews Air Force Base for the White House, 5:00PM. President John F. Kennedy looks out the open door of a United States Army helicopter toward photographers before take-off at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. A crowd looks on.

An SH-2F Seasprite light airborne multi-purpose system (LAMPS) helicopter undergoes in-flight refueling while hovering over aft deck of the guided missile destroyer USS DEWEY (DDG-45) during exercise Unitas XX. The helicopter is assigned to Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 36 (HSL-36). Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XX Base: Rio De Janeiro Country: Brazil (BRA)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter lifts off from the fantail of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) while taking part in NATO Exercise Teamwork '92. A SH-2F Sea Sprite helicopter of Light Helicopter Squadron 32 (HSL-32) is parked forward on the flight deck. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK '92 Base: Trondheim Fjord Country: Norway (NOR)

Assault helicopters are the ultimate in mobility for troops. But so far, *****their capacity is rather small and they may prove to be vulnerable to ground fire. September 13, 1955. (Photo by Look Magazine).

A UH-1N Iroquois "Huey" helicopter parked on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) at the close of NATO Exercise Teamwork '92. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK '92 Country: Norwegian Coast

An MGM Grand Hotel fire survivor is reeled into a hovering CH-53 Jolly Green Giant helicopter. Base: Las Vegas State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220517-N-PC065-1034 SKYROS ISLAND, Greece (May 17, 2022) - Two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Rein.), hover at low altitude to conduct helo casting operations during a joint training raid on Skyros Island, Greece, with the U.S. Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and Hellenic Armed Forces, May 17, 2022. Arlington, with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is participating in exercise Alexander the Great 2022 under the command and control of Task Force 61/2. Alexander the Great 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Greece, and Allied nations, enhancing strategic defense and partnership while promoting security and stability in the region.

Three CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) depart the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA 2) during a rehearsal for Operation Sharp Edge. The SAIPAN is on station off the coast of Liberia. Subject Operation/Series: SHARP EDGE Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A Marine connects a refueling hose as a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter awaits refueling during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

An SH-3H Sea King helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7) prepares to land during flight operations aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Static--And Active -- A tiny H-5 helicopter of the 3rd Air rescue Squadron sits silently at the ready, while a Far East Air forces C-47 Skytrain of the 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo) is loaded with troops bound for Japan for a well earned rest and recuperation leave. May 8, 1951. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Photo).

Flight deck crewmen watch as a Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 2 (HS-2) SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter takes off from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter touches down behind another Super Stallion on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) during Operation Provide Comfort, an Allied effort to aid Kurdish refugees who fled from the forces of Saddam Hussein in northern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Iskenderum Country: Turkey (TUR)

DN-SN-85-11082. Country: Unknown

Crewmen aboard the guided missile frigate USS HALYBURTON (FFG 40) service a Helicopter Light Anti-Submarine Squadron 42 SH-60B Seahawk helicopter during Exercise BALTOPS '85. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS '85 Base: USS Halyburton (FFG 40) Country: Baltic Sea

A Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter prepares to land aboard the amphibious transport dock USS DENVER (LPD-9) off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia. Country: Somalia (SOM)

DN-SN-89-05216. Country: Unknown

Dutch soldiers travel for exercises from Oirschot to La Courtine. Pay attention! The above description is a generic series description based on the information stated by the army film and photo service. In the long term, this global description will be specified.

DN-SN-88-01777. Base: USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7)

The Commander-General of the British Royal Marines General Sir Malcolm C. Cartwright-Taylor visits the Dutch Marines Corps. Arrival at the Amphibious Practice camp Texel (AOK) per agusta bell (i) UH-1 helicopter of the Royal Navy.

An air-to-air left front view of an SH-3 Sea King helicopter from Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5). Country: Philippines (PHL)

Visit of Muhammad Ayub Khan, President of Pakistan, Newport, Rhode Island. President John F. Kennedy (descending stairs of a United States Marines helicopter) arrives at Quonset Point Naval Air Station, North Kingstown, Rhode Island, for an arrival ceremony in honor of President Muhammad Ayub Khan of Pakistan; U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs, Richard N. Goodwin, stands in doorway of helicopter.

A chief petty officer signals a Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (HC-1) CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter to lift off with a damaged Attack Squadron 52 (VA-52) A-6E Intruder aircraft. The helicopter will carry the aircraft to the Naval Air Rework Facility, Alameda, California, for repairs. The Intruder was damaged when a hydraulic failure forced it to land with its landing gear retracted. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Exercise people pick up from the water through the Westland SH-14D Navy Lynx helicopter with registration 283 (1981-approx. 2012) in May 1990 ..

A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter lifts off the Marine compound at Beirut International Airport. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

A Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4 (HC-4) CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter hovers over the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2) as another HC-4 Sea Stallion is parked on the flight deck. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A flight deck crew member signals to the pilot of a Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4 (HC-4) CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter as he prepares to land on the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

US servicemen walk beside the runway at Point Salines Airfield as a flight of US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters land to offload more troops during the multiservice, multinational Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Z.K.H. Prince Bernhard visits as an Inspector General of the Royal Netherlands Air Force visits the Group of Technology and Material Led Weapons (GTMGW) in Hesepe (Germany) .links Commodore-Vlieger Holtz of the Staff of the Inspector General.GGW.

DA-SN-88-00652. Subject Operation/Series: ARDENT GROUND '87 Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Left side view of a UH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 (HC-3) practicing vertical replenishment operations. Country: Unknown

Crewmen aboard a U.S. naval ship escort Iranian detainees from the mine-laying ship IRAN AJR to an awaiting CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. Country: Unknown

A view of an SH-2F Seasprite helicopter from Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 34 (HAL-34) in flight during exercise Unitas XXI. The Seasprite is equipped with the light airborne multi-purpose system (LAMPS). Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXI Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Marine CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter sets down a net full of supplies that are being returned from an exercise in Australia. The supplies are placed on the elevator of the amphibious assault ship USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA-3). The CH-53 is from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (HMM-165). Country: Australia (AUS)

A right side view of a Brazilian helicopter participating in exercise Unitas XX. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XX Base: Rio De Janeiro Country: Brazil (BRA)

United States Marine unload supplies from a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter during rescue and recovery efforts in an area which sustained earthquake damage. Base: Cabanatuan City Country: Philippines

The Navy's first operational Mark III LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) SH-60B Seahawk helicopter to a landing on the flight deck of the guided missile frigate USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37), during flight deck landing qualifications off the coast of San Clemente, California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Anefo photo collection. Dutch army exercises in La Courtine, France; practice. August 7, 1970. France, La Courtine

JSC2007-E-046478 (5 May 1961) --- Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. is rescued by a U.S. Marine helicopter at the termination of his suborbital flight May 5, 1961, down range from the Florida eastern coast. Original photo number was 61-MR3-76A.

Underside view of a UH-46 Sea Knight helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 (HC-3) approaching the landing pad during practice vertical replenishment operations. Country: Unknown

Launch of exercise properedo from a Lynx helicopter.

Soldiers of the Blue Forces who are participating in exercise Reforger-Carbine Fortress, head for a UH-60A Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter to be airlifted out of their objective. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER-CARBINE FORTRESS Base: Allfeld Country: West Germany (FRG)

A Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter lifts off the deck of the amphibious transport dock USS NASHVILLE (LPD-13) during exercises conducted by Mine Countermeasures Task Group 1-81 (MCMTG 1-81). The task group, consisting of navy units from seven NATO countries, was formed to increase their mine countermeasures capabilities. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-SN-85-08885. Country: Unknown

Maintenance crewmen work on an AH-1 Sea Cobra helicopter on the ramp at Landing Zone 32 (LZ-32) Site Alpha during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 36 (HSL-36) SH-2F Seasprite light airborne multi-purpose system (LAMPS) helicopter is refueled in flight as a crewman guides it from the flight deck of the guided missile destroyer USS DEWEY (DDG-45), during exercise Unitas XX. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XX Base: Rio De Janeiro Country: Brazil (BRA)

DN-SN-85-02079. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Caribbean Sea

DN-SN-90-08604. Subject Operation/Series: DRAGON HAMMER 90 Country: Italy (ITA)

The Westland Wasp Mk.1 (AH-12A) Subdue boat control and on-board helicopter (registration 235, 1966-1978) of the frigate Hr.Ms. Isaac Sweers (1968-1990) during goods issue to a submarine.

Z.K.H. Prince Bernhard visits as an Inspector General of the Royal Netherlands Air Force visits the Group of Technology and Material Guided Weapons (GTMGW) in Hesepe (Germany). The prince leaves per Alouette II.ggw.

For the Westland Lynx mk.27 (SH-14B) with registration number 271, on the right lieutenant at sea of the 1st class A. van Dijk, commander of airplane quadron 7 and links lieutenant at sea of trade departments of 2nd class oldest category F.W. Gonggrijp, head of fly instruction.

Men of Marine Helicopter Squadron Heavy 463 use a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter to practice airlifting a vehicle (gama goat). Base: Kaneohe Bay State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Anefo photo collection. Royal family in Middelburg (REPORTAGE). May 8, 1962. Middelburg, Zeeland

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. is hoisted up in a body harness by a U.S. Marine helicopter recovery team following the first Project Mercury suborbital space flight. Astronaut Shepard, along with his spacecraft, was then taken to the U.S. Navy Carrier Chaplain.

DN-SN-86-00498. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Point Salines Country: Grenada (GRD)

A right front view of the Navy's first operational Mark III LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) SH-60B Seahawk helicopter hovering over the flight deck of the guided missile frigate USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37). The helicopter is undergoing flight deck landing qualifications off the coast of San Clemente, California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SN-90-00517. Country: Persian Gulf

Agusta-Bell 204Bs (including the 227) of the Royal Netherlands Marine, settle soldiers during the exercise on November 18, 1965.

A right front view of a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH 9), as a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter lands behind it during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Base: USS Guam (LPH 9) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

The Navy's first operational Mark III LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) SH-60B Seahawk helicopter conducts an in-flight refueling, while hovering off the port side of the guided missile frigate USS CROMMELIN (FFG 37). The helicopter is undergoing flight deck landing qualifications off the coast of San Clemente, California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A UH-1N Iroquois "Huey" helicopter sits on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) during a snow storm. The USS GUADALCANAL is taking part in NATO Exercise Teamwork '92. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK '92 Base: Trondheim Fjord Country: Norway (NOR)

A left side view of an SH-2 Seasprite light airborne multi-purpose system (LAMPS) helicopter from Light Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 34 (HSL-34) as it prepares to land aboard the destroyer USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD-981). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DM-SN-87-10971. Subject Operation/Series: NEZ ROUGE Country: Canada (CAN)

Vietnam: c. 1967 A flight of Hueys moves into the landing zone to disembark its troops. Each one hovers less than six seconds as the troops hit the ground running and disappear among the trees.

Troops are offloaded from US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters onto the runway at Point Salines Airfield during the multiservice, multinational Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Korea, US Marine Corps, soldiers exiting military helicopter

An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 10 (HS-10) retracts its dipping sonar from the waters off Point Loma, Calif. HS-10 provides readiness/transition training for West Coast helicopter anti-submarine squadrons. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Fire exercise with a Westland Lynx helicopter at the Marine Vliegkamp de Kooy.

A pair of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) RH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters are positioned on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7). Country: Gulf Of Oman

A UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, nicknamed Stinger 1, prepares to take off from the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1). The Stinger 1 is the ship's helicopter, permanently assigned to the WASP. Base: USS Wasp (LHD 1) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A right side view of a Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force HSS-2B Sea King helicopter as it flies over ships participating in Fleet Exercise '89. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EXERCISE '89 Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Members of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) service a CH-46E Sea Knight Helicopter on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH-9). Country: Adriatic Sea

Fulled out of 18 November 1965 a soldier the Agusta-Bell 204B (registration number 227) of the Royal Netherlands Marine.

Marines disembark from a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter at Beirut International Airport. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

Rescued From ***** Sea -- A 'Guinea-Pig' is lifted from his dinghy by the helicopter winch and then flown to be landed on the nearby lifeboat. Eleven men were ***** dinghies in the bleak ***** North Sea recently. The rescued men were not however genuine but human guinea-pigs in a helicopter rescue demonstration, 15 miles off Tayport. The exercise was performed by members of 275 search and rescue squadron, one of the only two rescue squadrons in Great Britain, and based near middlesbrough. Decemb

A ground-to-air right side view of a CH-54A Tarhe (Skycrane) helicopter airlifting bridge building equipment to Lake Stillwell for a training exercise of the 724th Combat Engineer Battalion. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Admiral Mountbatten Uses The Modern Method - Admiral the Earl Mountbatten, C-In-C. Mediterranean Fleet, being hauled up into a helicopter when he left the cruiser H.M.S. "Glasgow" recently for a journey ashore. Transfer from ship to ship or ship to shore by mean of helicopters is rapidly becoming the routine in the Royal Navy. Because of the speed and efficiency of this method, many senior officers prefer the helicopter to the Admiral's "Barge". June 26, 1953. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency, Limited)

Two crewmen discuss their duties on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUAM (LPH 9), as two CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters are prepared for takeoff during operations off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. Base: USS Guam (LPH 9) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A right rear view of an SH-3A Sea King helicopter from Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) as it airlifts bodies from the beached and overturned Filipino frigate RPS DATU KALANTIAW (PS-76) during search and rescue (SAR) operations. The ship was overtaken by Typhoon Clara. Base: Calayan Island Country: Philippines

A Navy SH-3H Sea King helicopter hovers off the port side of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) as another SH-3H prepares for takeoff during Fleet Exercise 85. The helicopters are from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 8. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A member of Helicopter Light Anti-submarine Squadron 94 (HSL 94) directs the pilot of an SH-2F Seasprite helicopter as it hovers above the flight deck of the guided missile frigate USS CLARK (FFG 11) prior to refueling. Base: USS Clark (FFG 11)

Five CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters from Marine Helicopter Squadron, Medium 262, return home from a Western Pacific deployment. Base: Kaneohe Bay State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An SH-3 Sea King helicopter takes off from the flight deck during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The SH-3 is assigned to Helicopter Squadron 5 (HS-5). Note: Second view in a series of five. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

S71-19476 (9 Feb. 1971) --- Astronaut Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot, is hoisted inside a Billy Pugh net to a U.S. Navy helicopter assisting in Apollo 14 recovery operations in the South Pacific Ocean. Visible in a life raft beside the Command Module (CM) are astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander, back to camera; and Edgar D. Mitchell (partially obscured by the spacecraft), lunar module pilot. Three U.S. Navy underwater demolition team swimmers who assisted in the recovery operations are pictured in and around the life raft. Apollo 14 splashdown occurred at 3 04 39 p.m. (CST), Feb. 9, 1971, approximately 765 nautical miles south of American Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean.

A U.S. Army UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter is used to airlift an M-102 Howitzer to a new operation area. This activity is a part of Exercise Reforger-Carbine Fortress. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '82CARBINE FORTRESS Base: Bofshein Country: West Germany (FRG)

US servicemen arrive at Point Salines Airfield aboard US Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters during the multiservice, multinational Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Snow once again covers the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) as the ship sails through another storm front while taking part in winter operations in support of NATO Exercise Teamwork '92. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK '92 Base: Trondheim Fjord Country: Norway (NOR)

A Marine CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter lifts off from the deck of the amphibious assault ship USS SAIPAN (LHA-2). Four other Sea Knights are also visible. Country: Unknown

of 3