Acquiring their own restricted air space saves the 40 HS approximately $300K in temporary duty costs.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell.
A U.S. Air Force (USAF) UH-1N Huey helicopter aircrew assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron (40 HS) conduct aerial gunnery training in Limestone Hills, Montana, November 19, 2025.
After 10 years of planning and coordination, the 40 HS conducted their first aerial gunnery training in their very own restricted air space – the first aerial gunnery range in the state of Montana. This milestone gives the 40 HS a local training option, eliminating the need to send up to 40 personnel on a week-long, out-of-state temporary duty that costed upwards of $290K in per diem, aircraft maintenance and contractor support.
The project involved coordination with the Montana Army National Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Fort Harrison Range Control and multiple air traffic control centers throughout Montana.
Aircrew for the flight included U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Eckard and Capt. Will Neikirk, 40th Helicopter Squadron pilots, Tech. Sgt. Jake Seibel, Staff Sgt. James Roberts, and Senior Airmen Niko Marquez, Luke Spradling, Owen Anderson, Josh Kirkman and Corbin Dietrich, 40 HS flight engineers. Range control was provided by 1st Lt. Rachel Church, Montana Army National Guard range manager in authority, Sgt. 1st Class Clint Feight, Montana Army National Guard range operations specialist, and Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Murdock, MTARNG range control specialist.
United States Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell, 341st Missile Wing.
40th Helicopter Squadron.
Malmstrom Air Force Base.
Montana Army National Guard.
U.S. Army.
Army National Guard.
U.S. National Guard.
The acquisition of the range will increase training frequency, sharpen weapons proficiency and strengthen the 40th Helicopter Squadron’s overall lethality while establishing a permanent, cost-effective capability.
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