U.S. Marines Conduct UH-1Y Venom Helicopter Rooftop Insertions to Train for Urban Combat.

A UH-1Y Venom helicopter assigned to U.S. Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 conducted simulated rooftop insertion training on January 21, 2026, at Deuce Village within the Berry M. Goldwater Range near Yuma, Arizona. The exercise underscored the Marine Corps’ emphasis on preparing rotary-wing crews for precision access and vertical maneuver in dense urban combat environments.

The U.S. Marine Corps continued refining its urban aviation capabilities this week as a UH-1Y Venom helicopter from Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 executed simulated rooftop insertion operations at Deuce Village in Arizona’s Berry M. Goldwater Range. Conducted as part of an advanced aviation training and evaluation event, the January 21, 206, exercise focused on testing aircrew proficiency, aircraft handling, and mission coordination in scenarios designed to mirror the challenges of modern urban warfare, according to Marine Corps training officials.
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A UH-1Y Venom helicopter from the U.S. Marine Corps, operated by Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, practices simulated rooftop insertion maneuvers at Deuce Village within the Berry M. Goldwater Range Complex near Yuma, Arizona, on January 21, 2026. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)

The exercise centered on rooftop insertions, a demanding aviation task that requires exceptional aircraft control, crew coordination, and situational awareness. Such missions are increasingly relevant as modern conflicts shift toward urban terrain, where forces must operate among complex infrastructure and limited landing zones. Rooftop insertions enable rapid deployment of small units, command elements, or specialized teams directly into elevated positions.

U.S. Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 is responsible for assessing aircraft performance and validating tactics, techniques, and procedures before they are adopted across the Marine Corps. By operating in a realistic urban training environment, the squadron evaluated the UH-1Y Venom's performance in confined conditions that simulate real-world operational challenges.

The UH-1Y Venom represents the backbone of the U.S. Marine Corps’ light utility helicopter fleet and is a critical enabler for Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. Designed to operate in austere and expeditionary conditions, the aircraft provides direct support to ground forces through troop transport, casualty evacuation, command and control, reconnaissance, and security missions. Its ability to rapidly insert Marines into contested or inaccessible terrain makes it an essential platform for crisis response, forward presence, and combat operations across diverse theaters.

The UH-1Y Venom is a key platform within U.S. Marine Corps aviation, supporting assault support, reconnaissance, command and control, and security missions. The aircraft features advanced avionics, enhanced communications systems, and improved survivability compared to earlier variants. Its maneuverability and reliability make it well-suited for operations in restricted airspace and complex terrain.

U.S.Marine Corps Air Station Yuma played a central role in enabling the training. Deuce Village is a purpose-built urban training facility designed to replicate modern city layouts, allowing aircrews to practice realistic mission profiles. The surrounding Berry M. Goldwater Range Complex provides controlled airspace and range infrastructure that support high-end aviation training and evaluation.

From an operational standpoint, the exercise reinforced the U.S. Marine Corps’ emphasis on expeditionary and distributed operations. Aviation units must be capable of supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Forces across a wide range of scenarios, including crisis response, forward presence, and combat operations in urban and littoral environments.

Strategically, validating rooftop insertion capabilities aligns with broader U.S. military modernization efforts focused on urban warfare readiness and force agility. As potential adversaries increasingly leverage urban terrain to offset conventional advantages, the ability to insert forces precisely and rapidly from the air enhances mission effectiveness and force protection.

The training event demonstrated how U.S. Marine Corps aviation continues to adapt through rigorous testing and realistic exercises, ensuring that platforms like the UH-1Y Venom helicopter remain effective in future joint and coalition operations.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.