The rhythmic thrum of the ten MH-70 and fifty MD-35 helicopters filled the night sky over Tilghman Island, their rotors slicing through the dense fog that rolled off the Chesapeake Bay. The MH-70 was a derivative of Lockheed Boeing’s Raider XX attack helicopter with both attack and troop configurations. The MD-35 drone helicopters could act as command-tethered or autonomous in either reconnaissance or attack missions. Seven of the stealthy MH-70 aircraft hovered briefly before deploying squads of elite soldiers who rappelled down, landing silently amid the sandy shore and riprap of Paw Paw Cove. Three attack versions guarded from overhead. Gunny Court Franklin moved like a shadow among his men, his eyes sharp and his movements deliberate.
“Perimeter secure,” came the hushed voice of Sergeant Lopez through the WAS. Franklin nodded, signaling for the ground team to move in.