BALAD BLAZE - U.S. Air Force firefighters battle to control a blaze that destroyed six metal-framed buildings used as workspace, storage and living quarters at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, July 22, 2008. No injuries were reported from the fire, but a high temperature of 117 degrees forced three firemen to be treated at the Air Force Theater Hospital for heat -related injuries. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gary Hawkins

Labels: Balad, Iraq, Joint Base Balad, photos, USAF

U.S. Army Maj. Robert A. Kneeland (right), 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) commanding officer and Chief Warrant Officer Kevin W. Jordan, both UH-60A Black Hawk pilots, prepare to do a run up aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. Run ups for the UH-60A Black Hawk are done to ensure that all the equipment, and the helicopter itself, is working properly before going out on missions. The company is deployed as part of Multi National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction, Aug. 6, 2007. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone


U.S. Army Maj. Robert A. Kneeland, commanding officer of 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) also a UH-60A Black Hawk pilot writes down information after landing aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. After landing, pilots will write down information about the flight, equipment problems inside or outside, and other pertinent information that other pilots need to know. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone


U.S. Army Spc. Bryan J. Lowney, a crew chief assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) sits atop a UH-60A Black Hawk as he checks the main rotor blades while stopped at Al Taqqadum, Iraq, Aug 6, 2007. These checks are done to ensure that the UH-60A Black Hawks have not sustained any damages and that they are ready at any moment to take off. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone



U.S. Army Spc. Megan M. McKinzie, a crew chief assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) straps her helmet in preparation for a run up aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone


U.S. Army Spc. Megan M. McKinzie, a crew chief assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) stands by in preparation for a run up aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone


U.S. Army Spc. Megan M. McKinzie, a crew chief assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) looks out the window of a UH-60A Black Hawk as they take off during a run up aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Aug, 6, 2007. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone


U.S. Army Spc. Bryan J. Lowney, a crew chief assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) sits atop a UH-60A Black Hawk as he checks the main rotor blades while stopped at Al Taqqadum, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. These checks are done to ensure that the UH-60A Black Hawks have not sustained any damages and that they are ready at any moment to take off. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone



U.S. Army Sgt. Ryan P. Zimmerman, a crew chief assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) checks the engine hoses of a UH-60A Black Hawk while at Al Taqqadum, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. Equipment checks are done often on UH-60A Black Hawks to ensure that they are ready at any time to take off for a mission. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone



A flight medic assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) stands by as a UH-60A Black Hawk shuts down on the flight line in Balad, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. The flight medic will standby until the aircraft is entirely shut down to ensure that the area around the Blackhawk is clear, and that the main and tail rotor are slowing down properly. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone



U.S. Army Sgt. George C. Young III, a crew chief assigned to the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) looks towards the rear of a UH-60A Black Hawk to ensure all clear before taking off from Balad, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2007. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Maryalice Leone



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Labels: 1st Cavalry Division photos, 45th Medical Company, Air Ambulance, Balad, Blackhawk, flight medics, helicopter, Iraq, photo essays, UH-60A, US Army

CHOPPER UPKEEP — U.S. Army Spc. Alan Palancle (left) and Pfc. Matthew Kearl make repairs to the infrared sensor of a Black Hawk helicopter nicknamed "Dr. Beatdown" in Balad, Iraq, July 13, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Michele R. Hammonds

Labels: Balad, Black Hawk, helicopter, Iraq, photos, US Army