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

A tactical response force Airman assigned to the 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron aims his weapon towards a simulated enemy during an MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter Initial Operational Test and Evaluation exercise at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 28, 2025. Designed to evaluate the Grey Wolf’s ability to transport tactical response force Airmen and maintain critical air-to-ground coordination, the exercise simulated a nuclear launch facility recapture and recovery mission. While the Grey Wolf focused on insertion and extraction, TRF teams were independently assessed by Security Forces Airmen specializing in weapons and tactics. The mission commenced with TRF and Grey Wolf alert forces responding to a simulated emergency at a launch facility. As the Grey Wolf crews arrived, they conducted multiple flyovers to gather intelligence before safely landing to deploy TRF teams. Once deployed, the helicopters lifted off to provide aerial support. Using coordinated movements, the TRF teams eliminated the simulated enemy threat and secured the launch facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)