MI-17 at Pensacola IAP, FL

[careyvan208]

While on vacation went by the Pensacola IAP. There was a Mi-17 marked 13-7308 parked ny a hanger right behind the UPS cargo area.
It was in a tan/brown camo colors. Any ideas?

Thanks

[pilotman6012]

Might be one of the new Army ones,they just got 8-9,they had them in Huntsville at Redstone for prelimanary work and moved them to Fort Rucker.Did not get numbers on any at the time as they were giving a good go over,maintanance and for re-paint.

[careyvan208]

Are they for the Afghan Air Force?

Thanks

[pilotman6012]

Yes but they are for the Special Task Force Wing used for Counter-Intelligence,Narcotics and Special mission like the US SOS units.
They do also have a few of them at Fort Rucker with the 1-223Rd Avn.

[jreijmer]

Yes but they are for the Special Task Force Wing used for Counter-Intelligence,Narcotics and Special mission like the US SOS units.
They do also have a few of them at Fort Rucker with the 1-223Rd Avn.

It's a misty world! See also the "Afghan/Pakistan" Mi-17s at Eindhoven last year. Or should we say US Army... In this case it's DynCorp. Could be one of the below mentioned:

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – (July 26, 2013) – DynCorp International’s (DI) DynAviation unit today announced that it is in the process of reconditioning, upgrading and modifying eight aircraft to enhance the Company’s future global operations and offering. The upgrade work on six UH-1 and two Mil Mi-17 helicopters that were previously used in various global locations, including the company’s operations in Afghanistan, is being done at DI facilities in Huntsville, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla.

Funny to read their pressreleases; they also formed a stategic alliance with SN. Our civilian AFSOC friends. Also not to forget the US Army recently acquired 30 Mi-17 helicopters for use in high and hot areas of Afghanistan.

BR,
Jeroen

[careyvan208]

Thanks so much for thr info. I did not realize that there was so Mi-8/17 activity in the USA.