The thumping sound of helicopter rotors echoed across Cesar Basa Air Base.
Ryan stepped out of the command center building with Jake and Noah walking beside him. The late afternoon sun hung low over the runway, casting long shadows across the concrete.
Ahead of them, the CH-47F Chinook sat on the apron.
Its twin rotors were already spinning slowly, the blades slicing through the air as the engines warmed up. The rear cargo ramp remained lowered while several crewmen stood near the aircraft performing final checks.
Beside the large transport helicopter sat the escort aircraft.
An AH-64E Apache.
Its narrow fuselage rested low on its landing gear while the long rotor blades above it slowly began turning. The helicopter's sensor turret moved slightly as its systems came online.
Jake glanced at the aircraft.
"Looks like they're ready."
Ryan nodded.
"About time."
