Aerial Missions and Combat Readiness

Captures pilots preparing for missions with aircraft, emphasizing readiness and coordination for combat sorties.

Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 555th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy, waits as Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron complete a final check of the aircrafts weapons before taking off on a combat sortie from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 14, 2015. The F-16 is a multirole fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Members of the 555th EFS are deployed in support of Operation Freedoms Sentinel and NATOs Resolute Support mission.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 23rd Special Operations Weather Squadron discuss the details of the bi-annual Nightstalker Weather Field Skills course at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Sept. 22, 2022. The 23rd SOWS participates in numerous trainings to guarantee they are an asset when supporting the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

120206-N-KB666-034CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2012) An amphibious assault vehicle is offloaded from a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) during a Bold Alligator 2012 amphibious landing exercise. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina.

220802-F-LN908-0234DJIBOUTI, Djibouti (Aug. 2, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) prepare the ship for departure, Aug. 2, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Sgt. Seamus Redmond and Spc. Joseph Page stand guard at the National Training Center as the sunsets in Fort Irwin, California, May 8, 2018. (Minnesota National Guard

Silhouette of a US Marine Light Machine Gunner at Sunrise

The sun sets at Forward Operating Base Apache, Afghanistan, while a soldier of Task Force Gunfighter, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, checks the tail rotor of an AH-64 Apache helicopter, Oct. 17, 2013.

Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk

060629-N-0499M-012. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

001029-M-6514O-053. Base: USS Cole (DDG 67)

a Soldier Sits on A Tank, Taken During an Exercise of the Bundeswehr with Armed Forces From Norway and the Czech Republic During the Wettiner Schwert Exercise As part of the Quadriga 2024 in the training Town of Schnoeggersburg, 08 04 2024 Schnoeggersburg Germany

DF-ST-87-12703. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-3 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Airmen assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing discuss cargo loading operations during Phase 1 of ROCKI 22-03 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 11, 2022. Designed to validate the full spectrum readiness capabilities of the airlift wing, ROCKI exercises are typically divided into distinct phases, each deliberately intended to assess the wing in various warfighting functions. Phase 1 of ROCKI 22-03 tested the wing's ability to assemble and rapidly deploy more than 300 personnel.

Senior Airman Ty Sarno, 66th Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, looks out the window of a HH-60G Pave Hawk before conducting a training mission 2, 2022, April 28, 2022, in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The 66 RQS SMAs are highly trained specialists whom have multiple integral roles and monitor all functions for the aircraft, while providing weapon defense when necessary, in order for the team to successfully complete their missions.

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, await transport with an ultra-light tactical vehicle, during Marine Air-Ground Task Force Distributed Exercise (MDMX) at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 10, 2024. The Marines with 1st Recon began MDMX by conducting a tactical night insertion into an austere environment. MDMX is a maneuver exercise that incorporates ground, air, and logistics operations over several days. Marine Corps

A Team Dover member stands guard at sunset during Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 13, 2022. The 436th and 512th Airlift Wings tested their ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a contested and degraded operational environment.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division conduct Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations on February 21, 2024. FARP provides fuel and ordnance necessary for fixed-wing operations. Army

Members of the public tour a C-5M Super Galaxy during the California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport in Sacramento, California, Oct. 1, 2022. Airmen representing various units from Travis Air Force Base participated in the event to educate, inspire and share the mission of Air Mobility Command and displayed a static KC-10 Extender, C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III.

A Marine assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fast-ropes from the back of a CH-46 Seaknight helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 268 aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LPD 8) in the Arabian Sea Jan. 8, 2012. Makin Island and embarked Marines with the 11th MEU were deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), returns from a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation exercise (NEO) during Assault Support Tactics (AST-3), Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 near Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 21, 2022. AST-3 is a multi-mission evolution consisting of a NEO as well as Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) operations. This evolution allows the prospective WTIs to plan, brief and execute both missions while shifting their focus towards an in-depth review and dissection of rules of engagement, military authorities and civil considerations.

A U.S. Marine with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducts preflight checks aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), in the Atlantic Ocean, July 25, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

030124-F-1443F-026. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040115-N-6213R-006. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors on cruise ship at sunset

U.S. Army Pfc. Ali Hargis, 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), photographs a nighttime live fire training exercise with the 37 Canadian Brigade Group at Fort Pickett, Va., March 3, 2009. The training exercise is part of Exercise Maritime Raider 09, a joint exercise preparing soldiers for deployment.

interior detail Sikorsky Military Helicopters Aviat UH-60A Black Hawk cockpit silhouette sky US Army

Providers assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division discuss and prepare for convoy on Fort Bragg, NC, March 28, 2022. The Field Training Exercise ensures Paratroopers stand ready to fight, win, and meet the 18 hour deployment standard.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief assigned to the 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit marshals and HH-60G Pave Hawk onto the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 29, 2023. 33rd HMU Airmen work to ensure the aircraft in their care are ready to fly at a moments notice so the 33rd Rescue Squadron can safely and effectively complete their mission.

A Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced)(VMM-163 REIN, secures the blades of an AH-1Z Super Cobra after flight quarters on the flight deck of amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), Nov. 20. The 11th MEU is embarked with the San Diego as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. military personnel assigned to United States Central Command load critical supplies into a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft in support of a USAID-led humanitarian mission to Pakistan from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Sep. 14, 2022. USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance, helping people emerge from humanitarian crises, such as the catastrophic flooding currently plaguing Pakistan.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 26, 2022. The ACFT was one of several events during the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition that tested each competitors physical fitness and endurance.

A CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 2-501st General Support Aviation Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, flies towards a load to conduct sling load operations during DV Day Rehearsal on Oct. 20, 2022, at Petrochori Training Area, Greece. The United States commitment to defending NATO territory is ironclad and the United States will continue to bolster our posture to better defend our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

120207-N-VA840-038 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 7, 2012) Sailors conduct security reaction force-basic training in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

A U.S. Marine 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conducts a tactical patrol during Marine Warfighting Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 3, 2022. This exercise is the culminating event of the Service Level Training Exercise, challenging the MAGTF to fight against a free thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force-on-force environment.

A United Kingdom Royal Marine from 45 Commando mans an M2 .50 caliber machine gun on top of a M1288 GMV 1.1 light utility vehicle during a live-fire exercise at Grafenwöhr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 22, 2022. This Special Forces-led exercise is designed to improve their ability to work with allied conventional forces in a time of crisis.

MAYPORT, Fla. (March 28, 2023) Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Victor Chidi, assigned to Arleigh Burke-Class guided missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), ports in Mayport, Fla. March 28, 2023. McFaul, as part of the Ford Carrier Strike Group, is underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing its Composite Training Units Exercise (COMPTUEX), an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.

U.S. Airmen from the 633d Security Forces Squadron begin the 5k Ruck on the ACC Trailhead at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The 5k Ruck was done in conjunction with a candlelight vigil ceremony as part of JBLEs National Police Week events.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines serving with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, cool off after filling hundreds of sandbags to prepare targets and objectives for live-fire training on Range 800 here, Aug. 12, 2013. The company conducted day and night platoon attacks reinforced by a combined anti-armor team, mortar fire and machine gun fire as one of their last training exercises before deploying in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU is Americas expeditionary force-in-readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

230218-N-XK462-1029 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 18, 2023) U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Samuel Chadwick, from Springfield, Ill., left, and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Marcus Moreno, from Fairfield, Calif., stand watch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Katherine Dy, left, and Nathan Meyer, right, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron weather forecasters, use weather instruments at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 30, 2022. Weather forecasters utilize the latest technology to predict weather patterns, prepare forecasts and communicate weather information to squadrons on base.

An MV-22 Osprey flies over Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 25, 2013. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, his wife Bonnie, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Micheal P. Barrett and Sgt. Dakota Meyer traveled around Regional Command (Southwest) to visit troops for the holiday season.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruits with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) techniques during a MCMAP test at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 1, 2022. The purpose of the MCMAP test is to ensure recruits' accuracy and proficiency in tan belt techniques - the first of five belts a Marine can earn.

A silhouetted view of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter passing close aboard the amphibious assault ship USS TRIPOLI (LPH-10). A flight deck crewman operates an MD-3A tow tractor in the foreground. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Royal Air Force Operations in the Middle East and North Africa, 1939-1943. Operation HUSKY: an Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Mark I of No. 296 Squadron RAF takes of in the evening light from Goubrine II, Tunisia, during the airborne landings on Sicily; possibly carrying a team from No. 2 Special Air Service on Operation CHESTNUT, (12 July 1943).

Silhouetted against the setting sun a security police mans a Browning M-2, 50 Cal machine gun. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

Firefighters from the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron perform live fire training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Sept. 19, 2022. The exercise provided firsthand experience with tools and techniques required for fighting aircraft fires.

Silhouetted aircraft maintenance personnel work on a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Charleston AFB, SC.

220623-N-NR343-2014 FAJAIRUH, United Arab Emirates (June 23, 2022) Sailors handle line during a sea and anchor evolution aboard littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11), in the port of Fujairah, June 23,. Sioux City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

060523-N-9742R-121. Base: Souda Harbor State: Crete Country: Greece (GRC)

A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), signals during a sparrowhawk rehearsal aboard USS Green Bay (LPD 20) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 28, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Danny Gonzalez)

Senior Airman Michael Bytell-Lancer, a crew chief assigned to the 336th Fighter Generation Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, waits to launch out an F-15E Strike Eagle for a Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 18, 2022. RF-N 22-3 provides realistic combat training that saves lives while increasing combat effectiveness.

220808-F-LN908-0260INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2022) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jalen Stewart, from Belleville, Ill., watches as a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) is lowered into the water aboard the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Aug. 8, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

A pararescueman assigned to the 57th Rescue Squadron repels at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 4, 2022. Their training consists of rope techniques, hoisting and vehicle extraction.

Air Commandos, assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron, participate in a flight on a CV-22 Osprey July 27, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The primary mission of the 8th SOS is to provide rapid global response supporting long-range infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of Special Operations Forces in hostile or denied territories.

The Blue Angels are currently conducting winter training at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 air show season.

A United States Marine Corps aircraft maintainer wipes dew from inside the canopy of an F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

Airmen assigned to the 77th Fighter Generation Squadron practice Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) procedures at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 7, 2022. With FARP support, any accessible landing zone can be used to refuel aircraft and get them back to the fight, enhancing the U.S. militarys adaptive capabilities to deliver airpower lethality more effectively and efficiently anywhere in the world.

091203-N-5685W-009 NORFOLK (Dec. 3, 2009) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) salute the American Flag during morning colors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Donald R. White Jr./Released)

A pair of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters approach their landing during sunset at Victory Pad, Baghdad, Iraq

U.S. Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division conduct pre-jump mock door training during a joint forcible entry exercise on Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Oct. 21, 2008. JFEX provides U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division with training on real-world contingency operations.

U.S. Marines with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion attached to Task Group 61/2.4, march to their outpost near Saaremaa, Estonia, May 22, 2022. Task Group 61/2.4 provides naval and joint force commanders with dedicated multi-domain reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance (RXR) capabilities. Task Group 61/2.4, under Task Force 61/2, is executing the Commandant of the Marine Corps Concept for Stand-in Forces (SIF) to generate small, highly versatile units that integrate Marine Corps and Navy forces. Task Force 61/2 is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

STAFF Sergeant (SSgt) Pete Tice and SSgt Fred Jones, from the 31st RED HORSE Flight, Camp Darby, Italy, load a tracked excavator with impactor attachments onto a trailer. The 31st RED HORSE Flight provides a highly mobile civil engineer response force to support contingency and special operations worldwide. The primary mission is to set-up field and contingency operations to support large-scale missions. Activities include heavy damage repair, barebase development and heavy engineering operations. The 31st RED HORSE Flight possess special capabilities, such as water-well drilling, explosive demolition, quarry operations, concrete mobile operations, material testing, expedient facility .... Complete Scene Caption: Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Pete Tice and SSgt Fred Jones, from the 31st RED HORSE Flight, Camp Darby, Italy, load a tracked excavator with impactor attachments onto a trailer. The 31st RED HORSE Flight provides a highly mobile civil engineer response force to support contingency

U.S. Army Spc. Kimberly Nicholls, from Durham, N.C., a UH 60 M Black Hawk crew chief assigned to 1st Flight, Bravo Company, 2-82 TF Corsair, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C., mans her M240 Bravo machine gun during sunset while flying over Logar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2011. Nicholl's mission is to help escort passengers from FOB Salerno to Kabul International Airport.

DN-SN-88-07079. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics One (MAWTS-1), conduct pre-flight checks before an aerial delivery exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 over Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 7, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics One (MAWTS-1), conduct pre-flight checks before an aerial delivery exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 over Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 7, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marines and sailors with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion attached to Task Force 61/2 and sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 board a CV-22 Osprey with 7th Special Operations Squadron near Mildenhall, England, United Kingdom, June 16, 2022. Task Force 61/2 is executing the Commandant of the Marine Corps Concept for Stand-in Forces (SIF) to generate small, highly versatile units that integrate Marine Corps and Navy forces. Task Force 61/2 is deployed in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

A U.S. Marine Corps Recruit with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, climbs a rope at the end of the obstacle course (O-course) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Oct. 27, 2022. The O-course is a series of obstacles the recruits must overcome, which help build strength, agility, endurance and confidence.

110613-N-QP268-004MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 13, 2011) Operations Specialist Kyle Taylor, from Edison, N.J., observes passing ships through the Òbig eyesÓ during sunset aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Local workers deliver soil to a water screening station during a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recovery mission in Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Oct. 3, 2022. Wet screening is a process that runs soil through wire mesh with high-pressure hoses in order to identify any potential remains, life support equipment or material evidence. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Members from Idahos Joint Forces Headquarters and the 124th Fighter Wing tour the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy, Oct. 21, 2022 in Pierce, Idaho. IDYCA is a state-run, quasi-military, in-residence, alternative highschool program focused on rehabilitating at-risk youth.

Firefighters with the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Fire and Emergency Services hose a simulated structure fire during Exercise Active Shield at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Active Shield is an annual training exercise that is critical to the air stations ability to maintain mission readiness and enhance bilateral collaboration in order to sustain military operations in support of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

061215-F-0193C-010. Base: Pentagon Parade Field State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force maintenance Airmen assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, conduct a routine visual inspection on a 356th EFS F-35A Lightning II aircraft during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 29, 2022. ACE operations and exercises are designed to teach and validate new ways to deploy and maneuver assets during a crisis or conflict to operate in contested environments.

Silhouettes of United States Marines during a combat operation in Afghanistan's Helmand Province

TOKYO BAY (September 17, 2022) A Sailor aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) guides a MH-60S helicopter assigned to the Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 during a deck landing qualification (DLQ) evolution while operating in Tokyo Bay, Sept. 17. Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force.

A member of Team Misawa participates in a Norwegian Foot March at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 25, 2022. The Norwegian Foot March is an 18.6-mile march where participants carry a minimum of a 25-pound rucksack. Physical fitness is important throughout all the military branches and ruck marches, such as the Norwegian Foot March, offer a good challenge.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Norma Garza, a pilot assigned to Company A Vulteres’, Task Force Lobos, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as the sun rises May 2.

Syria, Bauda, ruins of the dead city

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Otterbacher, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) mountaineer, shields himself from debris during a resupply in Santa Fe National Park, Panama, Sept. 28, 2022. DPAA personnel conducted recovery operations in Panama in hopes of finding missing naval aircrew members lost during a training flight in 1985. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

221209-N-LM220-1485 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2022) Sailors set up an aircraft emergency barricade during a barricade drill on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

A C-130 maintenance technician walks the wing of a C-130 Hercules prior to a relief airdrop into Bosnia. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

040820-F-1740G-002. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

DN-ST-87-01175. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) wait for transportation to the humanitarian services support base set up in Silopi, Turkey. Marines of the 24th MEU are taking part in Operation Provide Comfort, the multinational effort to provide relief for Kurdish refugees fleeing from Iraqi government forces. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Inskenderun Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, taxi at a forward arming and refueling point during Assault Support Tactics (AST-4), Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23, near Twentynine Palms, California, Oct. 25, 2022. AST-4 provides prospective WTIs the opportunity to plan, brief, and execute a night, long range battalion air assault to multiple objectives simultaneously in a medium threat environment while conducting five of the six functions of Marine Aviation.

A U.S. Marine and U.S. Air Force personnel stand at attention as Vice President Kamala Harris aboard Marine Two prepares to land, Friday, June 25, 2021, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

DD-SP-01-00040. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, participate in a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, October 16, 2022. The purpose of a MCCRE is to formally evaluate the units combat readiness in preparation for deployment.

220714-N-TP544-1642 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 14, 2022) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Ronald Saunders prepares to direct an AH-1Z Viper helicopter, attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during night flight operations July 14, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220726-N-XH769-1282 ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 26, 2022) U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jayce Markham directs a U.S. Marine CorpsMV-22 Osprey, attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), during flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), July 26, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marines assigned to the rifle detail with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, participate in an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2024. This ceremony is an annual event to commemorate the life and legacy of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and is held every year on his birthday by presidential declaration. Marine Corps

Silhouette of the crew aboard a submarine rescue vehicle. (Substandard image). Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MARINE CORPS OUTLYING FIELD OAK GROVE, N.C. (Nov. 4, 2020) Marines and Sailors fill a crater during a base repair after attack training (BRAAT) event at Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, Nov. 4, 2020. Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271 partnered with Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 to conduct a BRAAT in order to maintain readiness by demonstrating the ability to rapidly restore an airfield to operational capability following a simulated attack.

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Aug. 10, 2022) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jared Stone, left, from Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Master-at-Arms Seaman Anekin Sosa, from Downey, California, both assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), stand gun quarters as the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment, Aug. 10, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Master Sgt. Damon Alberts, a loadmaster assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, guides a forklift operator while loading cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Gabreski Air National Guard Base, West Hampton Beach, New York Sept. 7, 2017. The 105th transported combat rescue equipment and Airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing to support relief efforts after Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Caribbean.

Tent and flags of the First Tactical Airlift Group from the Japan Air Self Defense Force, set up for RODEO 92. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO 92 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Dive gear is staged on the ground at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 3, 2022. The focus of Native Fury 22 is to execute a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload in a Western port of Saudi Arabia. MPF operations are the rapid deployment and assembly of a U.S. Marine Air Ground Task Force in a secure area using intertheater airlift and forwarddeployed maritime prepositioning ships.

A U.S. Airman assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base stands with a guidon during a change of command ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 24, 2022. The guidon bearer is a specially selected Airman designated to carry the guidon at change of command ceremonies and other occasions when prescribed by the commander.

Silhouette of a man playing taps on his bugle at a veterans funeral at Medical Lake Veterans Memorial in Washington.

of 2