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

An MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron performs an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission over Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 28, 2025. IOT&E is a critical phase in the development and fielding of new military systems. It's a rigorous testing and evaluation process that assesses the system's operational effectiveness, suitability and survivability in a realistic and operational environment. Three MH-139 IOT&E flights took place during the week of Jan. 27, 2025, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities. One test evaluated the aircraft’s ability to support a convoy, assessing communication systems and general convoy support operations. The other two tests focused on emergency response, specifically launch facility recapture and recovery - measuring response times from idle to airborne. The helicopters responded to a simulated threat with a full tactical response force loadout and onboard weapons. Congress mandates IOT&E to ensure the aircraft can successfully perform its assigned missions, as well as to provide evidence confirming the MH-139 can seamlessly assume the UH-1N Huey’s mission without any lapse in capability. Once IOT&E is complete, a report will be compiled to inform the 550th Helicopter Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command of the aircraft’s performance. At that point, AFGSC can formally assign the nuclear security mission to the MH-139, allowing the UH-1N Huey to be retired from duty at Malmstrom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

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

Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 550th Helicopter Squadron perform an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation mission over Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Jan. 28, 2025. IOT&E is a critical phase in the development and fielding of new military systems. It's a rigorous testing and evaluation process that assesses the system's operational effectiveness, suitability and survivability in a realistic and operational environment. Three MH-139 IOT&E flights took place during the week of Jan. 27, 2025, demonstrating the aircraft’s capabilities. One test evaluated the aircraft’s ability to support a convoy, assessing communication systems and general convoy support operations. The other two tests focused on emergency response, specifically launch facility recapture and recovery - measuring response times from idle to airborne. The helicopters responded to a simulated threat with a full tactical response force loadout and onboard weapons. Congress mandates IOT&E to ensure the aircraft can successfully perform its assigned missions, as well as to provide evidence confirming the MH-139 can seamlessly assume the UH-1N Huey’s mission without any lapse in capability. Once IOT&E is complete, a report will be compiled to inform the 550th Helicopter Squadron and Air Force Global Strike Command of the aircraft’s performance. At that point, AFGSC can formally assign the nuclear security mission to the MH-139, allowing the UH-1N Huey to be retired from duty at Malmstrom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Bowers)

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250206-F-ST571-1366

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, inspects C-4 with Senior Airman Jason Rhoads, 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airman, during a field demonstration of EOD capabilities at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. This C-4 was later used during an EOD detonation demo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1198

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, marks a demo explosive for detonation with Tech. Sgt. Todd Wycoff, 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airman, during a demonstration at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. Power visited the EOD team to witness their warfighting capability, participate in detonation demos and learn the challenges and achievements of the EOD career field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1466

The 377th Air Base Wing Explosive Ordinance Disposal team detonates a C-4 explosive during a demonstration at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. The EOD Airmen set up several training demonstrations to showcase their warfighting capabilities to Col. Michael Power, 377 ABW and installation commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1375

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, inspects C-4 during a field demonstration of 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal capabilities at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. This C-4 was later used during an EOD detonation demo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1160

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, wears a bomb-resistant suit during a field demonstration of 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal capabilities at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. Explosive Ordnance Disposal is a mission that involves neutralizing hazards associated with explosives that are beyond the capabilities of other specialties. EOD technicians protect and save lives by analyzing and handling foreign, domestic, and home-made explosive material and weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1142

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, wears a bomb-resistant suit during a field demonstration of 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal capabilities at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. The EOD Airmen set up several training demonstrations to showcase their warfighting capabilities, such as their bomb-resistant suit, disposal and detection equipment and a small, controlled demolition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1100

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, views internal x-ray images of an explosive with Senior Airman Breckan Hager, 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airman, during a demonstration by the EOD team at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. Explosive Ordnance Disposal is a mission that involves neutralizing hazards associated with explosives that are beyond the capabilities of other specialties. EOD technicians protect and save lives by analyzing and handling foreign, domestic, and home-made explosive material and weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1035

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, learns about 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal equipment and technology during a field demonstration of EOD capabilities at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. Explosive Ordnance Disposal is a mission that involves neutralizing hazards associated with explosives that are beyond the capabilities of other specialties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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250206-F-ST571-1010

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, attends a safety briefing with the 377 ABW Explosive Ordinance Disposal team at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 6. Power visited the EOD team to witness their warfighting capability, participate in detonation demos and learn the challenges and achievements of the EOD career field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Karissa Dick.)

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Col. Power Gives Remarks at Four Chaplains Luncheon

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing command and installation commander, speaks at the Four Chaplains Luncheon, Feb. 3 on Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The luncheon honored the four chaplains who gave their lives in the line of service, so that others may live during the sinking of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester on February 3, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donnell Schroeter)

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Capt. Stephen Ogden Lights Candle In Remebrance.

Capt. Stephen Ogden, 377th Air Base Wing chaplain, lights a candle in remembrance of Chaplain Clark Poling, Feb. 3 on Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The luncheon honored the four chaplains who gave their lives in the line of service, so that others may live during the sinking of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester on February 3, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donnell Schroeter)

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Capt. Trevor Stitt Commemorates Chaplain John Washington

Capt. Trevor Stitt, 58th Special Operations Wing chaplain, commemorates Chaplain John Washington during the Four Chaplains Luncheon, Feb. 3 on Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The luncheon honored the four chaplains who gave their lives in the line of service, so that others may live during the sinking of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester on February 3, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donnell Schroeter)

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Team Kirtland Celebrates Fourth Quarter Awards

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing command and installation commander, U.S. Air Force Chief MSgt. Antionio Cooper, 377th Air Base Wing command chief master sergeant, pose with fourth quarter awards winners, Jan. 31 on Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. Power and Cooper recognized top-performing Airmen and Civilians of the fourth quarter, those who set the standard and drive mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Donnell Schroeter)

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250203-F-TV976-1255

Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing commander and installation commander, along with members of Team Kirtland, examine the East Side Fitness Center’s new equipment at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 3.The Fitness Center offers facilities and equipment for Airmen to maintain physical readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Spencer Kanar)

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250203-F-TV976-1128

Members of Team Kirtland register at the East Side Fitness Center during a tour at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 3. The Fitness Center offers facilities and equipment for Airmen to maintain physical readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Spencer Kanar)

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250203-F-TV976-1045

Col. Michael Power (middle right), 377th Air Base Wing commander, and members of Team Kirtland learn about the East Side Fitness Center’s new camera system from Tech. Sgt. Michael Berish (middle) during a demonstration at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 3. The new cameras are part of an equipment refresh to provide Airmen with updated equipment to maintain physical readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Spencer Kanar)

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Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band Boost Airmen’s Morale at Kirtland AFB

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band perform for service members and their families during a concert at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 2. For the Airmen and families, the concert reinforces the Air Force's commitment to taking care of its people while ensuring mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Spencer Kanar)

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Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band Boost Airmen’s Morale at Kirtland AFB

Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band perform for service members and their families during a concert at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 2. For the Airmen and families, the concert reinforces the Air Force's commitment to taking care of its people while ensuring mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Spencer Kanar)

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