Flares are discharged from a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 (HMH-363) during a routine flight operation, Helmand River Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Jan. 5, 2012. Marine pilots of HMH-363 utilize flares ensuring the safety of the crew onboard and safe guarding the aircraft while in flight during poor visibility weather. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Robert R. Carrasco/Released).

Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert R. Carrasco

Marine heavy lift helicopters in action over Afghanistan

10 Jan 2012 | Lance Cpl. Robert R. Carrasco Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 is currently deployed to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, from Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay.

The squadron uses Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters to provide troop and cargo transport as well as other aviation support for U.S. Marines and their coalition and Afghan partners in Afghanistan.

To connect with the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan, visit http://www.facebook.com/regionalcommandsouthwest.