Developed from the venerable AH-1J "Sea Cobra," the AH-1W "Super Cobra" retained the familiar twin-bladed sound that bolstered Marine resolve and incited terror in those they faced. Since 1986, the AH-1W participated in a wide variety of campaigns, from Marine Expeditionary Unit peacekeeping operations in Kosovo to combat operations in the Hindu Kush. Designed in peacetime, it quickly sharpened its fangs by supporting Marines with a wide variety of ordnance. During Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, it fired 928 AGM-114 "Hellfire" missiles, 705 BGM-71E "TOW" missiles, 336,316 linked 20mm rounds, and countless 2.75-inch rockets in direct support of Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors. This aircraft, Bureau Number 165369, was piloted by Marines from every Light Attack squadron in Marine Aircraft Group 39 conducting operations in "clime and place" since 24 Oct 1997.
