After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Luke Spradling, 40th Helicopter Squadron flight engineer, conducts aerial gunnery training in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. The live-fire training provided hands-on experience for the aircrew in place of their simulated virtual reality weapons training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)

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After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conduct aerial gunnery training in a UH-1N Huey helicopter in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. 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)

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After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conduct aerial gunnery training in a UH-1N Huey helicopter in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. Establishing their own restricted air space eliminates the squadrons need for costly temporary duty assignments to Canada, Wyoming or Utah to conduct their training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)

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After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conduct aerial gunnery training in a UH-1N Huey helicopter in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. Owning their own restricted air space enhances the combat readiness of the 40 HS, allowing them to conduct joint operations with the Montana Army National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)

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After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

From left, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Murdock, Montana Army National Guard range control specialist, 1st Lt. Rachel Church, MTARNG range manager in authority, Lt. Col. Tory Lodmell, 40th Helicopter Squadron MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter integration officer, Senior Airman Owen Anderson, 40 HS flight engineer, and Sergeant 1st Class Clint Feight, MTARNG range operations specialist, pose for a photo after conducting aerial gunnery training in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. The training occurred in the 40 HSs newly approved restricted airspace following the signing of a letter of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration, Montana Army National Guard, and local air traffic control centers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)

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After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Luke Spradling, 40th Helicopter Squadron flight engineer, conducts aerial gunnery training in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. In addition to conducting aerial gunnery training, the flight provided an opportunity to recertify three special missions aviators. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)

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After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

From left, U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Eckard and Capt. Will Neikirk, 40th Helicopter Squadron pilots, Senior Airmen Niko Marquez and Luke Spradling, Tech. Sgt. Jake Seibel and Staff Sgt. James Roberts, 40 HS flight engineers, pose for a photo after an aerial gunnery training in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. This training marked the culmination of a decade-long effort to establish a restricted air space and subsequent aerial gunnery range for the 40 HS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)

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After 10 years 40 HS secures restricted air space for aerial gunnery training

Published Nov. 26, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

LIMESTONE HILLS, Mont. -- U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Luke Spradling, 40th Helicopter Squadron flight engineer, conducts aerial gunnery training in Limestone Hills, Montana, Nov. 19, 2025. The live-fire training provided hands-on experience for the aircrew in place of their simulated virtual reality weapons training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teniya Caldwell)