Army aviators wear a special uniform to provide comfort and flash-fire protection during flights. This uniform, the A2CU, can be worn with a Microclimate Cooling Vest. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence)
For some Soldiers, flying a UH-60 Black Hawk is the highlight of their lives. ??e always wanted to fly helicopters and I?e always wanted to serve my country,?said Chief Warrant Office Mathew Rowley, a pilot with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Regiment (General Support). ?his is one of the most challenging things I?e ever done.?(U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence)
Soldiers of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division often have to fly out to the subordinate brigades and battalions throughout nine of Iraq?s 18 provinces. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. J.p. Lawrence)
A gunner on a UH-60 Blackhawk looks out his window at the ground below. Each UH-60 Blackhawk has two gunners. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. J.p. Lawrence)
A UH-60 Black Hawk pilot checks the tail rotor of his bird before flying. ?aintenance is always an ongoing thing,?says Chief Warrant Officer Mathew Rowley, a pilot with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion). ?We go through very rigorous checks.? (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence)
Before flying, UH-60 Black Hawk crewmembers must check each of the aircraft? three engines. Crewmembers inspect their machine many times a day to ensure the maintenance of their $14 million machines. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence)
Even though the UH-60 Black Hawk was specifically built for ruggedness, a Black Hawk? crew chiefs are constantly busy. ? have utmost respect for my crew chiefs,?said Chief Warrant Office Mathew Rowley, a pilot with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 189th Regiment (General Support). ?e go through very rigorous checks as soon as they?e done performing maintenance on top of the aircraft to make sure they have all their tools.?(U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence)
