The Army’s CH-47F helicopter is officially known as the “Chinook.” Unofficially, some refer to the CH-47F as “freedom’s workhorse.” When the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) saw CH-47F helicopters arriving at Taji Military Complex, Iraq, this week, they certainly felt like fresh horses had finally arrived.

The incoming CH-47Fs are the first in a series of deliveries that will continue through the fall. The 29th CAB’s outgoing CH-47Fs have endured nearly three years of hard work in the harsh desert environments of Kuwait and Iraq.

“These aircraft are ready to head home for reset [maintenance],” said the 29th CAB’s aviation maintenance officer, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Albert Isennock.

The newly arriving CH-47Fs will improve 29th CAB’s operational readiness and enable aircrews to fly critical missions for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve in the campaign to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.