10 Years of Effort: 40 HS Clears Restricted Airspace for Crucial Aerial Gunnery Training

U.S. Air Force Huey helicopters roar over Montana’s Limestone Hills as the 40th Helicopter Squadron unleashes its first-ever aerial gunnery training in newly established, restricted airspace. After a decade of planning, this historic achievement inaugurates Montana’s inaugural aerial gunnery range, revolutionizing mission readiness for the 40th HS.

This groundbreaking facility promises to significantly boost training frequency and lethality for the squadron. By establishing this local training option, the 40th HS eliminates costly and time-consuming out-of-state deployments, saving nearly $300,000 per week-long mission. This strategic move sharpens weapons proficiency and solidifies the squadron’s combat effectiveness.

The successful creation of this range was a testament to extensive collaboration. The project involved critical partnerships with the Montana Army National Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration, Fort Harrison Range Control, and multiple air traffic control centers across Montana.

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(U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)