Inter-Service Cooperation At Its Best!

The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) conducted flight operations with U.S. Army MH-47G Chinook helicopters from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 while operating in the Pacific Ocean.

Two MH-47G Chinooks, designed for Army Special Forces, were flown out to BHR for their pilots and maintenance personnel to practice launching and recovering at sea. The Chinook is a heavy assault helicopter, based on the CH-47 airframe, specifically designed and built for the special operations aviation mission.

In the photo flight deck personnel are preparing to launch a UH1-Yankee Super Cobra and an AH1-Zulu Super Huey from the port side of the flight deck aboard the BHR. The Super Cobra and Super Huey are experimental helicopters being tested aboard Bonhomme Richard.

“For the second time, we have been able to operate with different kinds of helicopters,” said BHR Commanding Officer, Capt. Steve Greene, referring to BHR’s operational tests with the UH-1Y "Super Huey" and AH-1Z "Super Cobra" helicopters during the same timeframe. “Chinooks are very large and capable aircraft, and we were happy to welcome our fellow warriors from the U.S. Army aboard the BHR.”

Equipped with aerial refueling capability, a fast-rope rappelling system and other upgrades, the all-weather MH-47G can deliver Special Operations forces and their equipment to otherwise inaccessible areas.

“It was a great opportunity for our crew and the Army to operate these Chinooks in the maritime environment,” said Greene, a helicopter pilot from Haddonfield, N.J. “Built for joint operations with the U.S. Marines Corps, Bonhomme Richard is a versatile warship that can support a wide variety of joint missions. BHR brings responsiveness, agility and precision to any theater of operations.”

Aero-News salutes Seaman Daniel Taylor (photo) and Seaman Apprentice Jeffery J. Gabriel Jr., USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

FMI: www.news.navy.mil