MH-60S Knighthawk taking off from an Amphibious Assault Ship

This is one of my MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters taking off from the amphibious assault ship, the U.S.S. Essex (LHD-2). If you look closely, you'll see a small portion of the safety checks, processes and hand signals required before the bird can leave the deck.

At the time I was deployed with "Det. 6" (Detachment 6) to Japan and the Essex as part of my squadron HC-5 (Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Five, based on Andersen AFB in Guam).

Taken March 4th, 2003 @ 1630, somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean...
If you're interested to know more, feel free to ask.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• MH-60S
• Knighthawk
• HC-5
• U.S.S.
• Essex
• Japan
• Guam
• Helicopter
• Amphibious
• Assault
• Ship
• Flight
• Deck
• Military
• Aviation
• Launch

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Sweeeet!