The Bermuda Regiment gives you wings — courtesy of the US Marines’ own air force.

Troops who had spent days in the field flew into action by helicopter to a special combat town for the final phase of their two weeks in a purpose-built combat town.

Private Marcus Iris-Simmons, 20, from Sandys, said after the Monday flight: “It was a great experience, something I can tell my future children about.”

And Pte Philip Dyer added: “It was my first time on a military helicopter; it was an interesting experience.

“It was like riding waves in the middle of the ocean, except you were in the middle of the sky. I even took a video because I wanted to capture the moment and the expressions on the guys’ faces.”

The 26-year-old from Pembroke, who works at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, added: “The troops really enjoyed it — and it’s a lot better than walking.”

Corporal Zelipha Mbugwa, 30, from Warwick, said: “It was an exciting trip for the younger soldiers. It’s not something you get to do every day.”

The three were speaking after the US Marines laid on a Sea Stallion transport helicopter to transport them from field operations to the combat town. The Sea Stallion, which cost $35 million when commissioned in 1980, ran a shuttle service to deliver the troops to a serious public order exercise — the climax of two weeks’ intensive training.

Soldiers endured heavy rain and high winds last Sunday and Monday as Subtropical Storm Ana passed over North Carolina, sleeping in the field in improvised shelters made using regiment-issued rain ponchos.

“It takes a lot of mental toughness,” Pte Dyer said. “You need heart and a never-give-up attitude, which you can take into your personal life. It really gives you a sense of pride.”

Full-time soldier Sergeant Major Peter Ramm said the combat town exercise was designed to test everything the troops had learnt over the first week of training.

“There will be a number of different scenarios from basic patrolling, vehicle checkpoints and dealing with minor disturbances to major riots,” he said.

Sgt Maj Ramm added that a six-strong team of Bermuda Police Service officers, who travelled with the regiment for specialised firearms training in a hi-tech live fire house, would take part in the public order exercise and observe the troops in action.

“In the first week, the troops had a massive learning curve, but they’ve dealt with it very well and put into practice what they’ve learnt,” he said. “All the instructors are very happy with the regiment when it comes to internal security operations. That will be confirmed over the next few days.”