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    Ancient Ascent | National Guard aviators from Utah and Nevada take on mission of prehistoric proportions [Image 11 of 42]

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    A U.S. Army soldier identified by name tape as 'WENZL' is handling a large plaster-jacketed fossil specimen in an outdoor, arid mountainous environment. A second soldier wearing a red cap is visible in the background. The white plaster jacket has anatomical labels written on it including 'Tibia', 'Rib Cage', 'Here', and 'Foot', indicating this is a paleontological field recovery operation.

    UNITED STATES

    06.13.2026

    Photo by Staff Sgt. Alejandro Lucero 

    Utah National Guard Public Affairs

    Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Wenzl, a Soldier assigned to 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), positions encased dinosaur fossils for an airlift in southern Utah, June 13, 2026. The Utah National Guard trains on aerial hoist missions to maintain the proficiency needed to operate in areas inaccessible by traditional means. This capability supports search and rescue and disaster response efforts, while also enabling Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) missions that provide essential services to communities and strengthen military readiness. Regular training ensures aircrews and ground personnel remain ready whenever they are called upon. (Utah National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Alejandro Lucero)

    IMAGE INFO

    Date Taken: 06.13.2026
    Date Posted: 06.29.2026 13:32
    Photo ID: 9780364
    VIRIN: 260613-A-JU983-9423
    Resolution: 4000x5000
    Size: 4.13 MB
    Location: US
    Web Views: 41
    Downloads: 6

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    This work, Ancient Ascent | National Guard aviators from Utah and Nevada take on mission of prehistoric proportions [Image 42 of 42], by SSG Alejandro Lucero, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    GALLERY

    The image is taken from inside one helicopter looking out through an open door at a second military helicopter flying in formation. The exterior helicopter appears to be a UH-60 Black Hawk in olive drab/tan military livery, flying over a vast forested and mountainous landscape. A silhouetted figure is visible in the foreground on the right side of the frame.
    A military helicopter, consistent with a UH-60 Black Hawk, flies over a dramatic desert canyon landscape with red and white sandstone formations. The terrain below features deeply eroded canyon systems typical of the American Southwest, with distant mountains visible on the horizon. The image is a high-quality aerial photograph taken from another aircraft or elevated vantage point.
    The image shows the interior cockpit view of a military helicopter in flight, with two crew members in full flight gear and helmets visible. Through the windshield, a second military helicopter (likely a UH-60 Black Hawk) is visible flying in formation ahead. The terrain below consists of green forested landscape with mountains visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
    Two U.S. Army soldiers in MultiCam/OCP camouflage uniforms are working together on a task involving straps and a large rock or concrete object outdoors. One soldier wears sunglasses and has a name tape reading 'BICHBONGER' with 'U.S. ARMY' visible, while the second soldier wears a red baseball cap and a tactical watch. They appear to be securing or rigging equipment in a field training or operational environment.
    The image is taken from directly below a military helicopter, showing its underside against a clear blue sky. A cable or tether extends from the helicopter's belly, connected to a piece of equipment or payload on the left side. The rotor blades are visible as blurred arcs due to their rotation speed.
    Two or three individuals are working with a cargo net and sling load equipment in a mountainous, wooded terrain under a clear blue sky. One person is wearing military camouflage (OCP pattern) while another is in civilian attire with a green shirt and brown cap. A helicopter, visible in the upper background, appears to be connected via a line, suggesting an active sling load or hoist operation.
    A man in a green t-shirt and cap is working with large white plaster field jackets, which are used to protect and transport fossil specimens during paleontological excavations. The jackets are labeled with handwritten annotations including the word 'Tibia', indicating the enclosed fossil bone type. Dark ropes are visible in the foreground, likely used for rigging or moving the heavy plaster-encased specimens.
    Military personnel in camouflage uniforms and helmets are working with equipment in a rocky, arid terrain surrounded by sparse trees. In the foreground, a bundled supply package secured with netting and straps is visible, with handwritten markings on it. The soldiers appear to be operating or positioning a weapon system or heavy equipment amid dust and rocky ground.
    A man wearing a green t-shirt, cap, and sunglasses sits on a rocky outcrop in an arid, semi-desert landscape with juniper trees in the background. In the foreground, there is a large white-painted rock with handwritten markings and a pile of dark climbing ropes, along with a yellow storage container. The setting suggests a rock climbing or rappelling site.
    Four individuals, three in military camouflage uniforms and one in civilian clothing, are gathered outdoors in a rocky, arid terrain. They appear to be engaged in a discussion or planning activity around a large white boulder, with rope netting visible in the foreground. The setting suggests a military training exercise or field operation in a desert or semi-arid environment.
    A U.S. Army soldier identified by name tape as 'WENZL' is handling a large plaster-jacketed fossil specimen in an outdoor, arid mountainous environment. A second soldier wearing a red cap is visible in the background. The white plaster jacket has anatomical labels written on it including 'Tibia', 'Rib Cage', 'Here', and 'Foot', indicating this is a paleontological field recovery operation.
    A helicopter is captured from a low-angle ground perspective transporting a large cargo load suspended by a sling beneath it. The load appears to be a bulky item wrapped in netting, consistent with a helicopter external lift operation. Coniferous trees are silhouetted in the foreground against a bright blue sky with the sun visible.
    A close-up photograph of a weathered white surface, likely a buoy or marine equipment, with handwritten text reading 'Tail Black Here from 24' written in black marker. The object is partially covered by dark twisted ropes or cables, and shows signs of wear, dirt, and salt residue consistent with marine or coastal use. The image appears to document a marking or instruction left on fishing or maritime equipment.
    Three military personnel in MultiCam/OCP camouflage uniforms are positioned on rocky terrain in a high-desert or mountainous environment with sparse vegetation. They appear to be conducting a field training exercise or operational activity, with ropes, packs, and equipment visible on the ground. One soldier is using binoculars while the others observe or monitor the surrounding area.
    Military personnel in U.S. Army OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) uniforms are handling a large bundle of dark ropes or cordage in an arid, rocky desert environment. The group appears to be conducting a training exercise involving rope management or rigging equipment. The setting features sparse desert vegetation, rocky terrain, and clear blue skies consistent with a southwestern U.S. location.
    Three individuals in military camouflage uniforms are working with ropes in a rocky, arid outdoor terrain. The central figure wearing a red cap is handling a white rope, likely preparing for a rappelling or climbing exercise. The setting appears to be a desert or semi-arid mountainous environment with sparse vegetation.
    Three military personnel in US Army MultiCam/OCP camouflage uniforms are working together on a rocky, mountainous terrain to secure or lift a large white rock or object using yellow straps and a rigging apparatus. A cargo net is visible to the right, and coiled ropes are scattered on the ground nearby. A fourth individual in civilian clothing is partially visible in the background near dense vegetation.
    Three military personnel in US Army MultiCam/OCP camouflage uniforms are working together on a rocky, mountainous terrain to secure or lift a large white rock using straps and a rigging apparatus. The scene appears to be a training exercise or recovery operation involving rope systems and cargo netting visible in the surrounding area. A fourth individual in civilian clothing is partially visible in the background near the tree line.
    A military helicopter, appearing to be a UH-72 Lakota or similar Airbus H145 variant, is captured in flight against a clear blue sky. The aircraft is painted in a gray/olive military finish and has its doors open with armed personnel visible inside. The rotor blades show motion blur, indicating active flight.
    Two military personnel in U.S. Army camouflage uniforms are working with black rope or cable equipment in a rocky, arid desert terrain. One soldier wears a tan boonie hat while the other wears a red baseball cap with an insignia. They appear to be handling or organizing a bundle of black cordage or rigging equipment during what appears to be a field training exercise.
    A dark military-style helicopter is performing a sling load operation over a vast, arid mountainous landscape. The helicopter has a long cable or line extending beneath it, possibly carrying or retrieving a load. The terrain below features rolling hills, sparse vegetation, rocky formations, and a green valley, consistent with the American Southwest.
    A military helicopter, identifiable as a UH-60 Black Hawk, is performing a sling-load or hoist operation over rugged, arid terrain. A long cable extends from the helicopter down toward the rocky, scrub-covered hillside below. The landscape features eroded badland-style geology with scattered juniper or pinyon trees and pale sedimentary rock formations.
    A scientific or meteorological payload package has landed in a grassy field, wrapped in a gray cargo net. The package consists of a white foam (styrofoam) base with handwritten markings and an equipment payload on top containing electronic instruments. A dark parachute or drogue is visible to the left, suggesting this is a recovered high-altitude balloon payload.
    A military helicopter, appearing to be a UH-60 Black Hawk, hovers over a semi-arid, scrubland landscape with a sling line or cable hanging beneath it. The terrain features rolling hills covered with sparse juniper or pinyon trees and dry grasses, consistent with high desert regions of the American Southwest. The helicopter appears to be conducting a sling-load or hoist operation.
    An aerial photograph shows a helicopter performing a sling-load or hoist operation over an open semi-arid grassland area. On the ground below, a white pickup truck with a flatbed trailer and several personnel are visible, suggesting a coordinated ground-and-air operation. The helicopter's shadow is clearly cast on the terrain, and a long cable or line extends from the aircraft toward the ground.
    A man wearing a green t-shirt, cap, and sunglasses sits on a sandstone rock ledge in an arid, high-desert environment. In the foreground are large white plaster-jacketed fossil specimens wrapped in black netting, along with ropes and a yellow equipment case, suggesting an active paleontological field excavation. The surrounding landscape features desert shrubs, juniper trees, and rounded sandstone boulders.
    An aerial photograph shows a group of approximately 6-8 people gathered on a rocky hillside or badlands formation in an arid, semi-desert landscape. The terrain features dark, layered sedimentary rock outcroppings surrounded by sparse shrubby vegetation and pale sandy soil. The activity appears to be a geological survey, fossil excavation, or field research expedition based on the equipment and positioning of the individuals.
    A military-style helicopter, likely a UH-60 Black Hawk, is flying over an arid, scrub-covered hillside while suspending a long sling line with a small load attached. The photo is taken from inside or alongside a vehicle, with part of a door frame visible in the foreground. The terrain appears to be high desert with sparse vegetation under a mostly clear blue sky.
    A military-style helicopter is flying over a rugged, arid desert landscape with a long cable or sling line extending beneath it toward the terrain below. The terrain consists of dry, rocky hills covered with sparse desert scrub vegetation, with a winding dirt road visible in the middle distance. The sky is partly cloudy with cumulus clouds, and distant red rock formations are visible on the horizon.
    A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter hovers over rugged, arid terrain featuring rocky outcroppings and sparse juniper/pinyon pine vegetation. A long rope or cable extends downward from the aircraft toward the ground, suggesting a fast-rope or rappelling operation in progress. The setting appears to be a high-desert or semi-arid mountainous region, consistent with training environments in the American West.
    A black military helicopter, consistent with a UH-60 Black Hawk, is flying low over an arid, semi-desert landscape with scattered juniper or pinyon trees. The helicopter has a long cable or sling line extending downward toward the ground, suggesting a sling-load or rappelling operation. The terrain below is dry and rocky, characteristic of the American Southwest.
    Two military personnel in camouflage uniforms and helmets are operating in a rocky, arid terrain surrounded by sparse trees and dust. A large cargo bundle secured with a cargo net and cushioned air delivery platform is visible in the foreground, consistent with a parachute airdrop recovery operation. The dust and disturbed ground suggest recent activity, likely from a supply drop landing.
    A military personnel in camouflage uniform is climbing the tail section of a military helicopter, appearing to perform maintenance or inspection work. The aircraft's tail boom displays the serial number '0-26057' and a 'DANGER' warning label. The scene is set in an arid, desert-scrub environment under clear blue skies.
    A group of people on a rocky, arid hillside look upward at a military-style helicopter hovering overhead with a long line and hook suspended beneath it. The individuals are shielding their faces and heads from rotor wash and dust kicked up by the aircraft. The setting appears to be a remote, rugged terrain with sparse conifer trees, suggesting a sling-load or supply operation.
    A group of individuals, some in military camouflage uniforms with red berets, are working on a rocky hillside terrain handling what appears to be a cargo net or sling load with white containers. Several civilians are seated on the rocky slope observing the activity, while supplies and equipment including tape rolls and cans are scattered on the ground. The setting appears to be an arid, high-desert environment with sparse vegetation.
    Two military personnel wearing flight helmets and multicam camouflage uniforms are handling large black hoses or cables connected to a yellow wheeled cart in an open grassy field. A helicopter, appearing to be a UH-60 Black Hawk, is visible in the background departing or hovering near a hillside. The scene appears to depict a forward area refueling point (FARP) or similar aviation ground support operation.
    A mixed group of approximately 14 individuals, including several in military camouflage uniforms and civilians in casual outdoor attire, pose together in an arid, rocky desert landscape with sparse juniper vegetation. In the foreground, two people crouch near a large cargo net or sling load bundle, suggesting a military-civilian collaborative field operation. The setting appears to be a remote desert location, possibly in the American Southwest.
    A group of spectators is watching and photographing an off-road racing or riding event in a dusty, arid desert landscape with scrub vegetation. A prominent figure in the foreground holds a smartphone overhead to capture the action, while others use cameras and binoculars. Dust clouds are visible in the mid-ground where vehicles or riders are passing through a trail.
    A military UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is on the ground in an arid, semi-desert terrain with rotors spinning. Several personnel in military combat uniforms and flight helmets are conducting what appears to be a forward area refueling point (FARP) operation or ground servicing activity. The setting appears to be a training exercise in a southwestern U.S. desert/scrubland environment.
    Several military personnel in camouflage uniforms are working with a large cargo bundle wrapped in a cargo net in a rocky, arid terrain. The soldiers appear to be rigging or preparing a sling-load bundle, likely for helicopter extraction or delivery. The setting suggests a training exercise or field operation in a desert or high-desert environment.
    Military personnel in camouflage uniforms are walking across a tarmac toward an old rustic log building at Bryce Canyon Airport, as identified by large white lettering painted on the metal roof. The scene appears to depict a military operation or training exercise at this small regional airport in Utah. Several vehicles including trucks are parked near the building alongside modern metal utility structures.
    A military helicopter, appearing to be a UH-60 Black Hawk variant, is captured in flight against a clear blue sky. A rope or cable hangs from the underside of the aircraft, and at least one person appears to be rappelling or fast-roping from the open side door. The image captures an active military training or operational insertion exercise.

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    Ancient Ascent | National Guard aviators from Utah and Nevada take on mission of prehistoric proportions

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    IRT, Utah Natural History Museum, dinosaur, fossil, Innovative Readiness Training (IRT)

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