Military Parachute Operations

Dynamic images of paratroopers descending from aircraft during training exercises, demonstrating airborne operations and military coordination in various environments.

January 24, 2013 - U.S. Soldiers descend through the sky after exiting a C-23 Sherpa aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
January 24, 2013 - U.S. Soldiers descend through the sky after exiting a C-23 Sherpa aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
155 assets in this story
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A pararescueman lands on the ground after jumping from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during exercise Sentry Castle '81. The airman is assigned to the 106th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: SENTRY CASTLE '81 Base: Hancock Field State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Service members of U.S. Army 1-10 Special Forces Group, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, and U.S. Special Operations Command Africa descend during a military free fall operation at Le Mont Saint Michel, France, June 8, 2022. Airborne operations during this time of year honor past Ally paratroopers who descended along the Cotentin Peninsula during World War II.
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U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Support Battalion, descend onto Juliet Drop Zone in Pordenone, Italy, June 9, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.
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U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, descends onto Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy after exiting U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 86th Air Wing during airborne operationon Aug. 10, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.
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A group of U.S. Army and European Paratroopers descends onto the Drop Zone from a C-130 aircraft using European and T-11 parachutes during Exercise Falcon Leap at Ginkelse Heide Drop Zone, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 17, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise
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JACKSONVILLE, FL. (Oct. 21, 2022) The Para-Commandos aerial parachute demonstration team lands at the NAS Jacksonville Airshow while flying the POW MIA flag to kick off the festivities. 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.
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Paratroopers from the U.S., Belize, Mexico, Guyana, and Colombia conducted a freefall jump from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in to the Manatee training site to begin two weeks of jungle training May 8, 2022 during TRADEWINDS22. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures; enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones; and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.
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U.S. Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Battalion land after completing freefall parachute training from a UH-1Y Venom helicopter with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 6, 2022. UNITAS LXIII air and parachute operations are part of an integrated, multinational event to enable interoperability and the sharing of knowledge between partner nation forces supporting the exercise. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.
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A member of the Red Bull Air Force team lands after conducting an aerial jump out of a BO-105 Redbull helicopter 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 a team assembled from 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.
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060909-N-6380D-137. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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SkyFest, airshow, USSOCOM, army paratrooper, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA
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U.S. Army paratroopersassignedtothe Brigade Support Battalion, 173rdAirborneBrigade, conduct an airborneoperation withU.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraftontoJuliet DZ, Pordenone, Italy, Jan. 11, 2024.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployableforces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployedacross Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships andstrengthen the alliance.
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The U.S. Army Parachute Team conducts a demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 23, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. 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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The U.S. Army Parachute Team conducts a demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 23, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. 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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An Air Force Air Liaison Officer (ALO) jumps out of a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a training exercise with members of the 82nd Airborne Division. Once on the ground, the ALO will direct air strikes in support of the ground forces. Country: Unknown
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A Belgian Jumpmaster assigned to the CE Para training center descends with his parachute during a sustainment training week with Belgian Special Operations Paratroopers, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, April 19, 2022.
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Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division (82nd Abn. Div.) preform a jump during the 82nd Abn. Div. 76th Convention in Orlando, Fl, Aug 11, 2022. Veterans of the 82nd Abn. Div., families, and Active Duty personnel were among the crowds watching the jump.
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A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J Eagle aircraft with the 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron soars overhead at JASDF Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. Under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 participates in the Aviation Training Relocation Program to improve operational readiness and interoperability with Japan Air Self-Defense Forces in the Indo-Pacific theater.
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A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conducts an airborne operation from a C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from Papa Air Base Hungary onto Juliet Drop Zone in Pordenone, Italy on July 7, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.
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U.S. Air Force members of the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron jump out of an MC-130J aircraft for a high altitude low opening jump during Exercise Cobra Gold in the Kingdom of Thailand Mar. 1, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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Two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey flies over during the Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.
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British Paratrooper makes a landing onto Glen Rock Drop Zone during Leapfest 2022 at Exeter, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.
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Ede,Holland,20-sept-2019:The airborne commemorations on Ginkel Heath with para drops with hundreds of parachutists dropped from hercules and dakota remebring the 75 year of operation market garden. operation market garden remembering
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Detachment 101, an enigmatic Allied intelligence and special operations unit during World War II, played a pivotal role in the Burmese theater. Operating deep in the jungles of Burma, their mission was multi-faceted, encompassing guerrilla warfare, espionage, and sabotage against Japanese forces. Comprising a diverse group of individuals, from OSS agents to indigenous fighters, they effectively disrupted Japanese supply lines, gathered critical intelligence, and supported resistance movements.
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A Pioneer remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) is recovered in a net aboard the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64). The WISCONSIN is deployed in the gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Persian Gulf
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A U.S. Special Operations Command parachute team member, Para-Commando, lands after a jump during the opening ceremony of the Ellsworth Air & Space Show - Raider Country Open House event, May 15, 2022. The two-day airshow showcased a variety of military and aerial acts with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team headlining the event.
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Tech. Sgt. Michael Valeich, 413th Flight Test Squadron Detachment 1 operator, opens his parachute while performing a High-Altitude High-Opening (HAHO) jump during a BLACK FLAG 22-1 training mission May 12, 2021, over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada. Black Flag 22-1 is focused on developing and validating large force tactics and integration required to deliver combat capability and tactical advantage for the Combat Air Force to build readiness that credibly deters and successfully defeats adversaries.
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A group of U.S. Army and European Paratroopers descends onto the Drop Zone from a C-130 aircraft using European and T-11 parachutes during Exercise Falcon Leap at Ginkelse Heide Drop Zone, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 17, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise
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Sgt. Daniel McKeon of the U.S. Army Parachute Team deploys his parachute at Selfridge Air National Guard Base on 10 July, 2022. The jump was part of the Selfridge Open House and Air Show.
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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Speros Koumparakis, right, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and Sgt. Maj. Lester Williams, left, sergeant major, MCBH, watch aerial performers during the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, MCBH, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for unique professionals to perform for the local community, service members and residents of MCBH. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.
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A family watch paratroopers land over Chièvres Air Base, Belgium during the Chièvres Air Fest June 25, 2022.
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120119-D-IQ655-091 JAMUL, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2012) Chief Warrant Officer (SEAL) Keith Pritchett, officer-in-charge of the U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, administers the oath of enlistment to Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michelle Turner, the Team public affairs officer, during an in-air reenlistment ceremony. The Leap Frogs perform aerial parachute demonstrations across America in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting.
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Britain Trains Her New Airborne Army -- Airborne Trainees jump 700 feet from a balloon at the upper Heyford training school, near Oxford. Though the glories of Arnhem have gone of brighten history's pages and most members of the war-time airborne forces have scattered to their civilian jobs, parachutists and other airborne troops will have a foremost place in Britain's army of the future.At the Airborne Forces Depot, Aldershot, and the Royal Air Force Parachute and glider Training school at Upper Heyford (Oxfordshire), volunteers are under strict training for the airborne units of the Regular and Territorial Army. May 26, 1948.
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DN-ST-87-02600. Base: Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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France, Calvados (14), Basse Normandie, Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mere-Eglise
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U.S. Air Force Academy Parachute Team jumps out of an aircraft over Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
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September 14, 2007 - A U.S. Air Force AC-130 Gunship aircraft executes an evasive maneuver and drops chaff and flares during a firepower demonstration at the Nevada Test and Training Range in Nevada.
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A pallet with supplies air drop from a C-17 Globemaster III on Forward Operating Base Lane, Afghanistan, July 21.
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Four police officers observing the Loveparade 2010, Duisburg, North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany, Europe
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040301-M-8011M-001. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An Air Force tactical air control (TACP) party specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, lands on Geronimo Drop Zone during airborne training at 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.
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Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Moyer, a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crew chief and an instructor at the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS), tells the pilot where to guide the water bucket during training April 5 at Fort Indiantown Gap. This joint training between EAATS and Conservation Wildland fire crews enhances their ability to use water buckets as a resource for wildfires or prescribed burns.
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Staff Sgt. Nicholas Orozco of the U.S. Army Parachute Team lands his parachute for a demonstration jump on the USS Midway in San Diego, California on 21 September, 2022. The U.S. Army Parachute Team is in San Diego in preparation for the Miramar Airshow 24- 25 September.
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A HALO (high altitude low opening) jumper prepares to land on the ground at the Opening Ceremony for RODEO 2009, July 19, at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. Air Mobility RODEO is an international combat skills and flying operations competition designed to develop and improve techniques and procedures with our international partners to enhance mobility operations.
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A group of U.S. Army and European Paratroopers descends onto the Drop Zone from a C-130 aircraft using European and T-11 parachutes during Exercise Falcon Leap at Ginkelse Heide Drop Zone, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 17, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise
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U.S. soldiers with Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) perform a free-fall jump in front of spectators at the Iron-Mike II drop zone, France, June 5, 2022, in honor of airborne operations conducted 78 years earlier by Allied paratroopers as part of D-Day. On June 6,1944, more than 150,000 troops from the Allied Forces invaded Normandy, France, from the sea and air. More than 23,000 paratroopers participated in the invasion. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)
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Air Force pararescuemen from 103rd Rescue Squadron, 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air National Guard, and West Coast-based Navy SEALs leap from the ramp of an Air Force C-17 transport aircraft during free-fall parachute training over Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2011. The pararescuemen and SEALs parachuted from an Air Force C-17 transport aircraft over Marine Corps Base Hawaii to fulfill specialty-based sustainment training requirements. They were joined by Marines from 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division.
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The 314th Marine Science Technician (MST) Weather Station, manned by four Air Force weather forcasters and two German reservists from Bushel AFB, Germany support personnel with hourly weather updates. One method of weather forcast is the use of the Helium weather balloon. STAFF SGT. Jon Hubble, Fort Carson, Colo, prepare a helium weather balloon. Subject Operation/Series: UNOSOM II Base: Modadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)
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A U.S. Navy HH-60 Seahawk stirs up debris while taking off.
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A U.S. Army Solider from the U.S. Army's Golden Knights descends into Atlantic City, N.J., in front of the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa to start the festivities of the 5th-annual Atlantic City air show Aug. 13, 2007.