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A U.S. AH-64 Apache fires missiles at targets during a training mission at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. Four AH-64 Apaches from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flew to a training area at Camp Adazi to demonstrate the aircraft’s precision and lethality to distinguished guests attending the training event. The U.S. remains committed to the NATO alliance and our Latvian allies. Latvia’s investment in its defense and cooperation with the U.S. strengthens deterrence and security along NATO’s eastern flank. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio)
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A U.S. AH-64 Apache fires missiles at a target during a training mission at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. Four AH-64 Apaches from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flew to a training area at Camp Adazi to demonstrate the aircraft's precision and lethality to distinguished guests attending the training event. The Apache missiles consist of 76 2.75-inch rockets and a 30 mm chain gun capable of firing 600-650 rounds per minute. The U.S. presence in Latvia enhances combat readiness, ensuring U.S. forces can operate effectively alongside Latvian and NATO allies in diverse conditions. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio)
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Four U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters, assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, supporting Task Force Iron, fly in formation above the treeline during a live-fire exercise at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. The training exercise demonstrated the AH-64’s precision and lethality by engaging with training targets near and far during an operational capabilities live-fire demonstration. Task Force Iron's mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent to increase lethality, while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners. The task force provides combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s only forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trevor Wilson)
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Four U.S. AH-64 Apaches fly above the tree line during a training mission at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. Four AH-64 Apaches from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flew to a training area at Camp Adazi to demonstrate the aircraft's precision and lethality for distinguished guests attending the training event. AH-64s offer longer-range weapons accuracy, all-weather and night fighting, and can detect moving or stationary objects without being detected. The Apache can also prioritize threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute. The U.S. remains committed to the NATO alliance and our Latvian allies. Latvia’s investment in its defense, coupled with U.S. cooperation, strengthens deterrence and security along NATO’s eastern flank. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio)
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A U.S. AH-64 Apache engages designated targets during a training mission at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. Four AH-64 Apaches from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flew to a training area at Camp Adazi to demonstrate the precision and lethality of the aircraft in front of a group of distinguished guests who attended the training event. Aviation assets from the Combat Aviation Brigade give Latvia and NATO a significant force multiplier while providing the capability to move troops quickly, deliver firepower precisely, and respond flexibly across varied terrain. In a high-threat environment, this agility is essential for deterring aggression and defending forward. U.S. presence in Latvia enhances combat readiness, ensuring U.S. forces can operate effectively alongside Latvian and NATO allies in diverse conditions. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio)
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A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache flies during a training mission at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. Four AH-64 Apaches from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flew to a training area at Camp Adazi to demonstrate the aircraft’s precision and lethality for distinguished guests attending the training event. AH-64s have a longer-range weapons accuracy with all-weather night fighting, can detect moving or stationary objects without being detected, and have a threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute. The U.S. remains committed to the NATO alliance and our Latvian allies. Latvia’s investment in its defense and cooperation with the U.S. strengthens deterrence and security along NATO’s eastern flank. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio)
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U.S. Army Col. Margaret Stick, commander of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, speaks with Latvian National Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Kaspars Pudāns during a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter live-fire exercise at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. The training exercise demonstrated the AH-64’s precision and lethality by engaging multiple targets during an operational capabilities demonstration. Task Force Iron's mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent to increase lethality, while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners. The task force provides combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s only forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trevor Wilson)
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A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter, assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, supporting Task Force Iron, demonstrates its mobility after engaging a target during a live-fire exercise at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. The training exercise demonstrated the AH-64’s precision and lethality by engaging multiple targets during an operational capabilities demonstration. Task Force Iron's mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent to increase lethality, while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners. The task force provides combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s only forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trevor Wilson)
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A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter, assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, supporting Task Force Iron, demonstrates its operational capabilities after engaging a target during a live-fire exercise at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. The training exercise demonstrated the AH-64’s precision and lethality by engaging multiple targets during an operational capabilities demonstration. Task Force Iron's mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent to increase lethality, while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners. The task force provides combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s only forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trevor Wilson)
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A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache flies above Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. Four AH-64 Apaches from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flew to a training area at Camp Adazi to demonstrate their precision and lethality to distinguished guests observing the event. The U.S. remains committed to the NATO alliance and our Latvian allies. Latvia’s investment in its defense and cooperation with the U.S. strengthens deterrence and security along NATO’s eastern flank. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rose Di Trolio)
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U.S. Army Col. Margaret Stick (left,) commander of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division. Latvian National Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Kaspars Pudāns (center left,) U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Christopher Robinson (center right,) and Michigan Air National Guard Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Alexander (right), watch as U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters, assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, supporting Task Force Iron, conduct a live-fire exercise at Camp Ādaži, Latvia, May 02, 2025. The training exercise demonstrated the AH-64’s precision and lethality by engaging multiple targets during an operational capabilities demonstration. Task Force Iron's mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent to increase lethality, while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners. The task force provides combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s only forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trevor Wilson)
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U.S. Army Sgt. Katleen Rocha, a motor transport operator and ammunition NCOIC, loads an AH-64D Apache helicopter with Hydra 70 2.75-inch rockets in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 2, 2025. Later, four Apache helicopters conducted a live-fire exercise demonstration in front of members of the Latvian media and U.S. Army leaders, including the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander, showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Charlie Duke)VIEW ORIGINAL13 / 20Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Shawn Weiler, a battalion standardization pilot with 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, conducts a pre-flight inspection of the main rotor head of an AH-64D Apache helicopter in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 2, 2025. Later, four Apache helicopters conducted a live-fire exercise demonstration in front of members of the Latvian media and U.S. Army leaders, including the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander, showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
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A U.S. Army Soldier walks past a line of AH-64D Apache helicopters after completing maintenance pre-checks in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 2, 2025. The aircraft, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, are preparing for a live-fire exercise showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
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U.S. Army Sgt. Katleen Rocha, a motor transport operator and ammunition NCOIC, fills fuel cans during arming and refueling operations in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 2, 2025. Later, four AH-64 Apache helicopters conducted a live-fire exercise demonstration in front of members of the Latvian media and U.S. Army leaders, including the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander, showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
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U.S. Army Sgt. Christen Shingler loads Hydra 70 2.75-inch rockets into an AH-64D Apache helicopter in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 2, 2025. Later, four Apache helicopters conducted a live-fire exercise demonstration in front of members of the Latvian media and U.S. Army leaders, including the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander, showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
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U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph Rogers, an AH-64D Attack Helicopter Repairer with the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, loads training rounds into an AH-64D Apache helicopter in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 5, 2025. Later, four Apache helicopters conducted a live-fire exercise demonstration in front of members of the Latvian media and U.S. Army leaders, including the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander, showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
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An AH-64D Apache helicopter prepares to take off after being armed and refueled in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 2, 2025. The aircraft, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, is part of a live-fire exercise showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
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U.S, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Benjamin Andersen, an AH-64D Apache pilot and the Headquarters and Headquarters Company brigade safety officer for Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, secures Hydra 70 2.75-inch rockets during fueling and arming operations in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 2, 2025. Later, four Apache helicopters conducted a live-fire exercise demonstration in front of members of the Latvian media and U.S. Army leaders, including the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander, showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
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U.S. Army Spc. Kyle Shea, an AH-64 attack helicopter repairer with 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, conducts pre-flight inspections on an AH-64D Apache helicopter in Lielvārde, Latvia, May 5, 2025. Later, four Apache helicopters conducted a live-fire exercise demonstration in front of members of the Latvian media and U.S. Army leaders, showcasing the Apache’s precision, lethality, and Task Force Iron’s commitment to multinational training and exercises across Europe to enhance readiness and strengthen relationships with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charlie Duke)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Charlie Duke)VIEW ORIGINAL
CAMP ADAZI, Latvia — U.S. Army AH-64 Apache aviators with the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, supporting Task Force Iron, and soldiers from the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia conducted a live-fire exercise on May 2, 2025.
During the exercise, the Apache crews received target information from NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controllers positioned on the ground, who transmitted real-time targeting information to the Apache crews. The JTAC allowed the crews to benefit from critical real-time information from a different vantage point. The interoperability and communication between the NATO JTACs and Apache crews during the exercise provided the advantage of gaining valuable experience that would prove lethal against adversaries on the battlefield.
“We conducted a live-fire exercise with a platoon of AH-64 Apache helicopters that were being guided in by Canadian, Italian, and Latvian JTACs, who are our Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. Demonstrating the live-fire capability of the AH-64, as well as our ability to conduct operations at a multinational level,” said Col. Margaret Stick, commander of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division.
JTACs are specially qualified service members who direct the action of military aircraft engaged in close air support and offensive operations from a forward position. Providing critical communications between the ground and air elements.
“These exercises are important because they build a foundation of communication and trust between us and our allies,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Howard, aviation mission survivability officer, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division.
Apache crews engaged targets on the range after receiving targeting data from the NATO JTACs, utilizing 30 mm cannons and 2.75-inch (70 mm) rocket fire. The Apache crews trained using a variety of weapons systems and flight approaches to ensure they maintained their ability to deliver accurate, lethal firepower on the battlefield.
The Apache can carry a combination of weapons of up to 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 2.75-inch rockets, and 1,200 30 mm chain gun rounds, making it one of the most formidable aerial weapons platforms.
“The Apache is an aerial weapons platform designed for killing. Tanks and armored vehicles primarily. We've also done reconnaissance, security operations, and expeditionary operations,” explained Howard.
Task Force Iron's mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent to increase lethality while strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies and regional security partners.
“We are here, forward-positioned on the eastern flank of NATO, to ensure that any adversaries out there know that the US is committed to its deterrence mission and that we are here to assure our NATO allies that we stand committed,” said Stick.
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