United States Army Alaska soldiers parachute from a C-23 Sherpa aircraft during airborne operations at Malamute Drop Zone, June 12, 2013. Nearly 300 soldiers jumped at 1,500 feet with both full combat equipment and “Hollywood,” or no load, from aircraft piloted by members of the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Alaska Army National Guard. Capable of increased speed, higher altitude, and the ability to cover longer distances than military helicopters, the C-23 can be configured to carry out missions from troop transport to surveillance.