550th Helicopter Squadron begins MH-139A initial operational tests and evaluations

A group of tactical response force Airmen assigned to the 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron board an MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter during an MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter Initial Operational Test and Evaluation exercise at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 28, 2025. The exercise simulated a nuclear launch facility recapture and recovery mission, testing the Grey Wolf’s capability to insert and extract tactical response force Airmen while ensuring seamless air-to-ground communication. Concurrently, Defenders from the weapons and tactics department assessed the TRF teams' performance. The scenario unfolded with TRF and Grey Wolf alert forces receiving a simulated emergency notification from a launch facility. Upon arrival, Grey Wolf crews executed multiple flyovers to assess the situation before landing at a secure distance to deploy TRF teams. The aircraft then returned to the air, providing overwatch as TRF teams engaged the simulated enemy. Utilizing their shoot, move, and communication tactics, the teams neutralized the threat and successfully regained control of the launch facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)