TABUK, Saudi Arabia--NewYork Army National Guard Col. Albert J. Ricci Sr., commander of the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), speaks to Royal Saudi Land Forces commanders after a practice air assault during Exercise Friendship and Iron Hawk 14 on April 10th, 2014, near Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Iron Hawk and Friendship 14 involved U.S. Army forces from the 42nd CAB, New York Army National Guard, and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Saudi Arabian ground and aviation forces. Over weeks of practice the two militaries focused on improving their joint operating capabilities, integrating infantry, armor, and aviation assets from both countries in the final event on April 13th, 2014. The 42nd CAB, composed of National Guardsmen from New York, Michigan, Delaware, Indiana, and Kentucky, and soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, is currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and conducts joint partnerships and exchanges with nations from across the region.