The US Army Task Force Thunder and members of the Kandahar Air Wing have conducted the first joint air-assault mission exercise, Operation Sand Hill Crane at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.

During the mission, the air force crews exercised to increase their capabilities and interoperability in the unit before conducting any operational missions.

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The mission aimed to insert specialised teams into strategic locations where reintegration leaflets would target Taliban fighters making their way out of Kandahar province

The Task Force Thunder OH-58D Kiowa Warriors and AH-64 Apaches as well as two UH-60 Blackhawks and an Afghan air force Mi-17 participated in the two-day mission.

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