An AH-64 Apache operated by the U.S. Army's 4th Battalion, 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade, and Royal Saudi Land Forces personnel from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Group, takes off at the start of a practice air assault during Exercise Friendship and Iron Hawk 14 on April 12, 2014, near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Iron Hawk and Friendship 14 involved U.S. Army forces from the 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Saudi Arabian ground and aviation forces. Over weeks of practice the two militaries focused on improving their joint operating capabilities, integrating infantry, armor and aviation assets from both countries in the final event on April 13, 2014. The 42nd CAB, composed of National Guardsmen from New York, Michigan, Delaware, Indiana, and Kentucky, and soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, are currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and conducting joint partnerships and exchanges with nations from across the region. (N.Y. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Harley Jelis)