Rotary Wing Roundup (Helos at work in Maritime Environment)

[HeyJoe]

091006-N-1688B-427 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 6, 2009) Sailors remove the chocks and chains from a British Royal Navy Lynx helicopter and clear the flight area aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67). Cole is participating in Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2, a United Kingdom-led, multinational and multi-warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies as well as to prepare for a role in combined operations during upcoming deployments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter/Released)

091006-N-1688B-184 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 30, 2009) Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Ryan Ratts, the flight deck safety officer aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67), observes a British civilian helicopter land during flight quarters. Cole is participating in Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2, a United Kingdom-led, multinational and multi-warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies as well as to prepare for a role in combined operations during upcoming deployments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter/Released)

091009-N-9123L-112 PADANG, Indonesia (Oct. 9, 2009) U.S. Air Force personnel and U.S. Marines unload a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assign to the Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 265 with relief supplies for remote areas of west Sumatra, Indonesia following two earthquakes. Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet is directing the U.S. military response to a request from the Indonesian government for assistance and support for humanitarian efforts. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder/Released)

Note the starboard sponson has become a zapper magnet

091008-N-6692A-078 MANILA BAY, Philippines (Oct. 8, 2009) Seaman Stephen Grande from Cranston, R.I., and Seaman Jeremy Lingle from West Frankfort, Ill., hook up a pendant to a SA-330 Puma helicopter assigned to the combat stores ship USNS San Jose (T-AFS 7), during a vertical supply replenishment aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino/Released)

091008-N-0807W-093 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 8, 2009) Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) conduct a vertical replenishment with an SA-330 Puma helicopter assigned to the Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS San Jose (TAFS 7). Harpers Ferry, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) are supporting humanitarian efforts at the request of the Republic of the Philippines after two major storms struck the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

091002-N-3165S-447 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 02, 2009) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) takes off from the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during routine flight operations as a UH-1N Huey helicopter prepares for take-off. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Steinhour/Released)

091002-N-7526R-090 LAKE ASSAL, Djibouti (Oct. 2, 2009) A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the Condors of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464 performs a confined area landing training mission over Lake Assal, Djibouti. At 515 feet below sea level, Lake Assal is the lowest point on the African continent as well as one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Rockwell-Pate/Released)

091006-N-0807W-102 MANILA BAY, Philippines (Oct. 6, 2009) Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) prepare to chalk and chain an incoming U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during flight operations. Harpers Ferry and embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are supporting humanitarian efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana at the request of the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl/Released)

091001-N-3038W-233 INDIAN OCEAN (Oct. 1, 2009) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HCS) 23 prepares to lift cargo from the flight deck of the military sealift command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) to the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a replenishment at sea. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

090930-N-2600H-244 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 30, 2009) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) stand by as an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, delivers supplies. Sampson is conducting a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Hepburn/Released)

090930-N-1688B-096 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept 30, 2009) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) use chocks and chains to secure an SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Vipers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48 to the deck during flight quarters. Cole is scheduled to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2, a United Kingdom-led, multi-national and multi-warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies as well as to prepare for a role in combined operations during upcoming deployments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter/Released)

090930-N-2218S-010 INDAIN OCEAN (Sept. 29, 2009) A Marine Corps CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter lands on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9). Denver is part of the Denver Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting Amphibious Integrated Training with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) off the coast of Japan in preparation for Fall Patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Smith/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

Going, but not gone yet!

090928-N-2218S-125 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2009) CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) land on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9). Denver is the lead ship of the Denver Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting Amphibious Integration Training with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) off the coast of Okinawa, Japan in preparation for Fall Patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Smith/Released)

090928-N-7241L-306 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2009) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts flight deck certification with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird/Released)

090926-N-8721D-031 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 26, 2009) A French helicopter approaches for a landing aboard the Amphibious Command Ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during helicopter take off and landing drills conducted with the French navy. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Devon Dow/Released)

090921-N-5126F-006 ADRIATIC SEA (September 21, 2009) An MH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) approaches the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) to conduct a fast-rope evolution during exercise Jackal Stone 2009. Jackal Stone is a series of training exercises in various locations throughout Croatia to promote cooperation and interoperability between the special operations forces of the 10 participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Intelligence Specialist Louis Fellerman/Released)

090917-D-0856O-001 NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2009) Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Sellars, commander of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, observes five UH-60M helicopters from the Massachusetts National Guard conduct flight-deck landing qualifications aboard the Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT IX-514) Baylander as part of a training evolution prior to their overseas deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mike O'Connor/Released)

090919-N-0468S-001 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 19, 2009) An HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Squadron (HS) 7 flies safety support during an integrated coalition operations exercise with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Battle Group and naval units from Italy, Canada and Brazil. This exercise is part of HS-7's final at-sea exercise prior to deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Christopher R. Shrank/Released)

090916-N-5685W-026 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 16, 2009) An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to the Vanguards of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway participating in Joint Task Force Exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Donald R. White Jr./Released)

090917-N-xxxxx-006 ALAMAGAN, Mariana Islands (Sept. 17, 2009) Crewmen assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 prepare to evacuate residents from the island of Alamagan onto an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter following the aftermath of Super Typhoon Choi-Wan. Residents were transported to the military sealift command dry cargo-ammunition ship USNS Alan Sheppard (T-AKE-3), for a medical assessment screening. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090910-N-3579D-039 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 10, 2009) Sailors assigned to the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) chock and chain an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter to the ship's deck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Dietrick /Released)

090907-N-7088A-038 PERSIAN GULF (Sept. 7, 2009) The visit, board, search and seizure team members, assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), exit a helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, during a training exercise. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Allen/Released)

090830-N-3165S-098 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Aug.30, 2009) An MH-53 Sea Dragon, assigned to the Blackhawks of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, tows a Mk-105 magnetic influence mine sweeping system during a routine training exercise with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Steinhour/Released)

090830-N-7647G-020 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2009) Two HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopters, assigned to the Indians of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, fly in formation to a live fire exercise on Oki Daito Jima range. HS-6 is a part of Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) and is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Graham/Released)

090828-N-2638R-001 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 28, 2009) An SH-60F Sea Hawk Helicopter assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 drops a MK-46 recoverable exercise torpedo (REXTORP) near the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) during a REXTORP exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Reckard/Released)

090826-N-4649B-095 PERSIAN GULF (Aug. 26, 2009) An MH-53 Sea Dragon assigned to the Blackhawks of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 prepares to land on the flight deck of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during routine flight operations. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Erin Boyce/Released)

090803-N-6138K-505: INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 3, 2009) A Mauritius National Coast Guard Alouette-class III helicopter lands aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) during flight operations training. Arleigh Burke is participating in Africa Partnership Station, an international initiative to improve maritime safety and security on the continent of Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gary Keen/Released)

090730-M-7825S-301 HELMAND PROVINCE (July 30, 2009) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Simon Trujillo runs for cover as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter prepares to take off during the air evacuation of an Afghan boy in the Nawa district of the Helmand Province of Afghanistan July 30, 2009. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg/Released)

090801-N-7881L-160 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2009) Marines board a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) for a long-range helicopter raid exercise. Bonhomme Richard, the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean later this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Wyatt Lehman/Released)

090730-N-5148B-099 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 30, 2009) An AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 166 flies over the Military Sealift Command USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). Rushmore is underway conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for a scheduled Pacific deployment later this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah E. Bitter/Released)

090725-N-0924R-020 RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (July 25, 2009) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Andrew Tabin waves a Brazilian Super Puma helicopter off the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during deck landing qualifications. Oak Hill is participating in Southern Partnership Station '09. Southern Partnership Station is a combined naval and amphibious operation with Oak Hill and maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Oak Hill is also supporting Southern Exchange 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cory Rose/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090819-N-5066C-003 MEDITERRANEAN OCEAN (Aug. 19, 2009) Sailors assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) direct a Turkish helicopter during a vertical replenishment for exercise Reliant Mermaid 2009. The annual exercise between Israeli, Turkish and U.S. forces are based on scripted humanitarian search and rescue scenarios and designed to enhance maritime interoperability between participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Nate Curtis/Released)

090815-N-3038W-189 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 15, 2009) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) attach an ordnance canister to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 23) during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). Nimitz and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are underway on a deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090720-N-2638R-001 CORAL SEA (July 20, 2009) An SH-3 Sea King helicopter from Squadron 817 of the Royal Australian Navy prepares to land on Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin's (DDG 89) flight deck for a refueling while Sailors wait to chock and chain the aircraft. Mustin is participating in Talisman Saber 2009, a joint exercise between the U.S. and Australian military forces that includes participation from more than 16, 000 U.S. and 8,000 Australian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Reckard/Released)

090717-N-4846W-024 CARIBBEAN SEA (July 17, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Della Smith, a landing signal enlisted (LSE) aboard the amphibious assault ship Pre-Commissioning Unit Makin Island (LHD 8), directs an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo to a landing aboard the ship. Makin Island departed Pascagoula, Miss., July 10 and is currently circumnavigating South America via the Strait of Magellan to its new homeport of San Diego. During its transit, the ship will make port visits in Brazil, Chile and Peru. Makin Island is the final amphibious assault ship built in the LHD-1 Wasp-class, but the first of the class built with Gas Turbine Engines and an electric drive. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned in October. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webb/Released)

090717-F-7478C-012 MOSUL, Iraq (July 17, 2009) Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Carmichael Yepez, assigned to Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Joint Combat Camera, moves to clear the helicopter pad after capturing video and photo of a UH-58 Delta helicopter refueling and reloading munitions at Forward Operating Base Diamondback, near Mosul, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kamaile Chan/Released)

090715-N-7783B-273 HAD KLOD, Thailand (July 15, 2009) U.S. Marines from the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and Royal Thai Marines load a simulated survivor on a Royal Thai Navy SH 60 Seahawk helicopter during a joint amphibious landing exercise. The Marines and Harpers Ferry are participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2009 Thailand. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Thomas J. Brennan/Released)

090714-N-7058E-022 GULF OF THAILAND (July 14, 2009) Members of the flight deck crew aboard the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) prepare a Royal Thai Navy S-70B helicopter for takeoff after deck landing qualifications during the at-sea phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2009. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

090707-N-3592S-008 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 7, 2009) An AH-1 Cobra helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 based in New River, N.C. lifts off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) during deck landing qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James R. Stilipec/Released)

090709-F-1333S-119 CORINTO, Nicaragua (July 9, 2009) Aviation Boastswain's Mate 3rd Class Matthew Shaw directs a UH-60 Army Blackhawk helicopter based out of Managua, Nicaragua during deck landing qualifications aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) near Corinto, Nicaragua. Comfort is participating in Continuing Promise 2009, a four-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission to Latin America and the Caribbean. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Snow)

 

[Dirty]

Great photos, love the zaps on the Puma!

 

[squorch2]

Hey, that's my LSE in that last picture!

Also: you've never seen a slower approach than an Army approach. Those guys are outside the single engine envelope about 2 miles out.

 

[BACONATOR]

Hey, that's my LSE in that last picture!

Also: you've never seen a slower approach than an Army approach. Those guys are outside the single engine envelope about 2 miles out.

Do they not operate off the same performance charts that are in our NATOPS, or do they just suck?

 

[phrogpilot73]

Do they not operate off the same performance charts that are in our NATOPS, or do they just suck?

They probably have same/similar performance charts, but just aren't as familiar with shipboard landings as we are.

 

[Feet Wet]

Do they not operate off the same performance charts that are in our NATOPS, or do they just suck?

Yeah, Army guys (160th guys included) just suck...how could they ever dream of attaining the level of aeronautical prowess that you have?:icon_smil

 

[Pags]

090928-N-7241L-306 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2009) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) conducts flight deck certification with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird/Released)

090921-N-5126F-006 ADRIATIC SEA (September 21, 2009) An MH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) approaches the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) to conduct a fast-rope evolution during exercise Jackal Stone 2009. Jackal Stone is a series of training exercises in various locations throughout Croatia to promote cooperation and interoperability between the special operations forces of the 10 participating nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Intelligence Specialist Louis Fellerman/Released)

To the top photo, where's Bevo at to lose his shit about a HSC(exp) squadron having a 3B?

To the second shot, I wonder if their crew chief is gonna stand outside on the probe for Night DLQs.

 

[HeyJoe]

Also: you've never seen a slower approach than an Army approach. Those guys are outside the single engine envelope about 2 miles out.

Maybe the Army aviators you've seen, but I've seen Army guys even at night be more aggressive (ie fast and low approach) than anything I've seen by Navy or Marines.

 

[Pags]

Maybe the Army aviators you've seen, but I've seen Army guys even at night be more aggressive (ie fast and low approach) than anything I've seen by Navy or Marines.

I flew by Army 60s doing DLQs to an LPD out in the VACAPES. Two things struck me: I was jealous they got the LPD, since I was on my way to do Night DLQs on a CG and they were flying what appeared to be very tight and fast level 50' patterns which was very different from what I was planning on flying that night.

 

[abracadabra11]

Quick note: USS Cole rocks.

Last time I did DLQs there, they provided fruit, coffee, and cookies while a few of us waited in the wardroom to hotseat.

Never seen anything like it before. Box lunches were pretty standard though.