Viper attack helicopters give Marines new weapon for Pacific arsenal
An AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter lifts off at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Feb. 3, 2017.
MATTHEW M. BURKE/STARS AND STRIPES
By MATTHEW M. BURKE | STARS AND STRIPES Published: February 26, 2017
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa — The next time Marines hit a Pacific beach, they will have the most advanced attack helicopter in the world at their backs.
Eight AH-1Z Vipers began arriving at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in late November to permanently replace the service’s aging fleet of AH-1W Super Cobras, Marine officials said, and more are on the way.
Though they have made sporadic appearances in the region over the past few years, this is the Vipers’ first permanent deployment to the Pacific.
http://www.stripes.com/news/viper-attack-helicopters-give-marines-new-weapon-for-pacific-arsenal-1.456129#.WLauDX9SKg2
