Heavily armed and seemingly ready for battle, two US Army Apache Attack helicopters were hovering over west El Paso.

Seeing military helicopters is not uncommon around El Paso, Blackhawks especially are often seen monitoring the US border with Mexico. Apaches don't monitor though, they attack.

While these two were absolutely preparing for an operation, fortunately, it will be a peaceful one.

Apache's are the most feared attack helicopters out there and, you have to admit, they look pretty scary. They even sound scary, cranking out a low rumble as they hovered and circled above the Q studios, towards Mt. Christo Rey yesterday.

Assuming something was about to go down on the border wasn't a crazy suspicion but it seemed pretty clear they were just practicing for something. I still don't know exactly what but I know when and where.

The two helicopters are part of a demonstration that will take place December 31st during the Sun Bowl. Whew ... no enemy forces invading through Mexico or Cartel related combat.

Apache Helicopter Fun Facts

Apaches aren't the only military helicopters named after Indian tribes or chiefs, they all are.

According to AR 70-28, Army aircraft were specifically categorized as requiring “Indian terms and names of American Indian tribes and chiefs.” Names to choose from were provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. - jbsa.mil

Army Air Corps Demonstrate Celebrated Apache Helicopter
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Apaches are no joke. They carry 16 Hellfire missiles, up to 38 Hydra rockets for ground or airborne targets and their machine gun is a beast. M230's are 30mm chain guns, also known as auto cannons, that can fire up to 650 rounds of explosive, incendiary or armor piercing rounds per minute.

  • Apaches are fast. They top out at almost 200mph and they can climb at a rate of 1,775 feet per minute.
  • Apaches can fly, briefly, upside down.
  • If you have an Apache on your Christmas list, you're going to set Santa back about $52 million bucks.

10 Abandoned Military Bases in Texas

Texas is a big state and over the years many military bases have been scattered all over. However, many of those military bases have been closed and either crumbled to the ground with their skeletal remains or have been transformed into other uses.


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Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford

Own This Former Military Base and Town in New Mexico

Have you ever thought about owning a town? Why not? Johnny Depp bought one. This former military base is on the market for the low, low price of $11,000,000. You'll find it roughly 120 miles south of the Colorado/New Mexico state line. Take a quick tour.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan

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