HMM-365 pilots certify for naval operations

Marine helicopter pilots with the Air Combat Element of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit practice naval vessel landings and departures Aug. 25, 2007 with the help of Aviation

boatswain sailors.

The pilots certify to land and depart from ship and shore in various conditions including

inclement weather and night operations. Unlike landing and departing to and from shore,

the ship teeters up and down causing the pilots to carefully plan timing and maneuver of aircraft to land.

This is one of numerous training exercises planned to standardize and certify training and operational procedures for future operations.