Aerial Operations and Refueling

Cockpit views of aircraft during refueling operations, highlighting air force collaboration and logistics involved in military exercises.

History Art Architecture Technology Aviation War Symbolical Image Peace 29 12 2024 Duxford, Cambridgeshire Great Britain Imperial War Museum Duxford Military Museum on the Site of a Former Military Airf

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron in support of Exercise Sky Shield VI within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, October 6, 2022. Exercise Sky Shield VI is an agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

U.S. Air Force MSgt. Alex Narveson,168th Air Refueling Wing boom operator, feeds gas to an F-16 Fighting Falcon during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 20, 2022. Being able to participate in RED FLAG-Alaska allows me to work in a more dynamic environment with multiple scenarios going on at one time.

Pilot CPT Howard Steven and flight engineer SGT Clyde Gowdy from the 50th Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., fly cargo in and out of St. Thomas in the relief effort after Hurricane Marilyn devastated the Virgin Islands. Base: Saint Thomas State: Virgin Islands (VI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

History Art Architecture Technology Aviation War Symbolical Image Peace 29 12 2024 Duxford, Cambridgeshire Great Britain Imperial War Museum Duxford Military Museum on the Site of a Former Military Airf

DN-SC-90-02006. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Sergeant Wayne, USMC, Air Crewman, with the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-352), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) sits in the cockpit of a Marine KC-130 enroute to a forward area refueling point at a forward operating base in the ENDURING FREEDOM area of operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU

Army SPECIALIST 4 Mike Price of the 158th Aviation Battalion adjusts the tail rotor of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unloaded from the cargo ship LYRA for Exercise SHADOW HAWK. Shadow Hawk is the segment of the multiservice Exercise BRIGHT STAR '87 that tests joint Jordan-US operations. Subject Operation/Series: BIRGHT STARSHADOW HAWK Base: Aqaba Country: Jordan (JOR)

220404-N-RB149-1009 KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland (April 4, 2022) Lance Cpl. Arkangel Malave, a native of Hillsboro, Illinois, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, collects a sample of fuel during a fixed wing refueling operation as part of exercise Northern Viking 22 (NV22) on Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, April 4, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph Braus, an MV-22 tiltrotor crew chief attached with Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron (VMM) 265, scans the horizon out the back of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, July 17, 2022. Marine Aviation Support Activities 22-2 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Charles Dawe, 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron aerial refueling specialist, provides fuel to an AC-130J Ghostrider within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 4, 2023. The KC-135 provides core refueling capabilities in the CENTCOM AOR.

970409-F-7910D-505. Base: Pointe Noire Country: Congo (COG)

U.S. Air Force Major Nicholas McFadden and Lt. Col. Joshua Greenspan, pilots with the 167th Operations Group, use the aircrafts instrument panel to transfer fuel during specialized fueling operations training at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Feb. 4, 2023. The training prepares crew members on refueling the aircraft in austere and contested environments. Air National Guard

Senior Airman Reid Carter, a crew chief with the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, completes a preflight inspection on a KC-46 Pegasus Jan. 19, 2023 at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire. The mission was the first flight fully generated by all 64th ARS air and ground crews.

A U.S. Air Force Loadmaster assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing uses a color paddle to send light signals to an Armée de l'Air et de lEspace (French Air and Space Force) EC725 Caracal from a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II in preparation of a helicopter air-to-air refueling May 5, 2022. Both aircraft supported exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities. Exercises like Athena allow U.S. service members to train at the operational and tactical echelon as a combined, joint force with SOF setting the conditions for larger operations.

051101-F-6335P-556. Base: Camp Al Saqr (FALCON) State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, September 12, 2005 -- FEMA Urban Search and Rescue workers travel back to base of operations after working in neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 351st Air Refueling Squadron read through a pre-flight checklist in preparation for takeoff at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 29, 2024. Checklists are used to assist pilots with following procedures in a clear and correct manner ensuring the safety of the aircrew. Air Force

011204-F-7910D-002. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua Carto, power line mechanic, assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, signals to stop refueling during refueling operations of an AV-8B Harrier during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 17, 2024. Green Flag-West is a large force, live-fly, joint exercise that provides advanced, realistic and relevant air-to-surface integration warfighter training in a robust contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment. Air Force

Capt. Shane Davern, 36th Fighter Squadron pilot, performs pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a training sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 15, 2022. Pre-flight checks allow pilots to perform operations checks on the aircraft prior to a flight and have maintainers readily available if there are any issues that need to be fixed.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Mike Magill, KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, flies over the U.S. Central Command are of responsibility, May 3, 2022. The 50th EARS, deployed with Ninth Air Force, is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling airpower, deterrence, and stability.

Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 10775102

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 8, 2022) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Cheryl Sonderman, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, gives a thumbs-up as air crew personnel assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 prepare for the takeoff of an MH-60S helicopter from NSA Souda Bay. HSC-28 is at NSA Souda Bay participating in NIRIIS 2022 as part of a deployment to Naval Air Station Sigonella in support of Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

PETTY Officer 2nd Class Reginald S. Rowe, a Navy air traffic controller, talks with the pilot of a military helicopter operating in the vicinity of the humanitarian services support base set up for Operation Provide Comfort, a multinational effort to aid the refugees in northern Iraq and southern Turkey. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Silopi Country: Turkey (TUR)

011007-F-5772H-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: UNDISCLOSED

An interior view of the cockpit of a C-130E Hercules aircraft from the 157th Fighter Wing, 169th Operational Support Squadron "Swamp Fox", South Carolina Air National Guard. Flight Engineer, Technical Sergeant James C. McMillian (left) monitors the aircraft systems as the Pilot, Captain Matthew Weber, flies the aircraft. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close up of 1ST LT. Jeannie Flynn, the first F-15E female pilot, sits in the cockpit as she performs engine start. 1ST LT. Flynn will be assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron for six months of tactical training. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Airmen with Minot Air Force Bases 23d Bomb Squadron prepares a B-52H Stratofortress for take off during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 on Jan. 25, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Participants in Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air interdiction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

040704-F-1279W-080. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

221104-N-RT917-1027 BAB AL-MANDEB (Nov. 4, 2022) Electricians Mate Fireman Jarod Johnson, assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), mans the helm while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb, Nov. 4. The Sullivans is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Alouette III helicopter from the SAR. The crew exerts a wounded transport and picks up a patient who arrived at the helicopter landing place per ambulance.

A technician operates the acoustic detection equipment aboard an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter. Country: Unknown

060510-N-5330L-620. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S Air Force 1st Lt. James Summer, 25th Fighter Squadron pilot performs pre-flight checks on an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 7, 2022. Aircrew flight equipment personnel are vital in delivering safe and mission-ready support equipment for F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 pilots at Osan AB.

Dolphin Rescue - 26-HK-130-10. Hurricane Katrina

At the controls of his Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 (VAW-121) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, the co-pilot does a final check before launch from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

US Air Force Captain Marcus Smith, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 96th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, is currently deployed to the 100th Air Expeditionary Wing, Royal Air Force Base Mildenhall, completes his prefilght checks prior to a mission in support of Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

220712-N-YQ181-1144 BALABEC STRAIT (July 12, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Tyler Williamson, from Inola, Oklahoma, flies in an MH-60S Seahawk assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, embarked aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). HSC 12, originally established as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 2 on March 7, 1952, is the oldest active operational Navy helicopter squadron. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

220907-N-CR843-0023 U-TAPAO, Thailand (Sept. 7, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class, Joshua McFarland, assigned to the Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, taxis and directs a P-8A Poseidon aircraft in U-Tapao, Thailand, during Sea Surveillance Exercise 2022, Sept. 7. VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, Japan, conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. John McLaren, a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft co-pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, observes terrain during exercise Kodiak Mace 22 near Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, May 12, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness.

030417-N-4308O-048. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Simon Church, a power line mechanic with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, inspects a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft engine during exercise Kodiak Mace 22, at Elmendorf Air Force base, Alaska, May 10, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness.

Search and Rescue Operations - Helicopter - 26-HK-261-1. Hurricane Katrina

220502-N-KT659-1010 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 2, 2022) Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Alexander Rubio, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, powers on the Auxiliary Power Unit of a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft during a turnaround check, May 2. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

Search and Rescue Operations - 26-HK-260-10. Hurricane Katrina

Flyer and army airkeeper in a Bölkow B-105C Helicopter of 299 Squadron near Blomberg, West Germany. Flyer is second lieutenant H. (Hajo) Veenstra and the army airkeeper is reserve first lieutenant J.P.M. Filling.

Avionics technician Cpl. Michael I. Tan, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) conducts regularly scheduled maintenance on a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter during Operation Tomodachi here March 25. The government of Japan is leading the humanitarian assistance effort in Japan. The Marine Corps is ready and responding to requests by the Japanese government to support the humanitarian assistance.

Members of the 508th Airborne Division jump from a C-130 Hercules aircraft. Country: Panama (PAN)

CAPT. John E. Schumick (left), pilot, CAPT. Kent B. McKimmel, co-pilot, and MASTER SGT. Edgar E. McGaha, sit in the cockpit of a KC-10 Extender aircraft during a flight over Antarctica. They are assigned to the 79th Air Refueling Squadron. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ian MacDonald assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, conducts post-flight checks on an AV-8B Harrier during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 17, 2024. A typical Green Flag exercise involves at least one multi-role fighter and/or bomber squadron, unmanned aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Mitchell Brant, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, inspects an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 8, 2022. As a maintainer, Brant ensures aircraft are in top condition to prepare for and execute immediate air combat operations in defense of the ROK and regional stability.

A U.S. Air Force F-15D Eagle pilot assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, for aerial refueling, June 9, 2022. For decades, Kadena Air Base has served as the Keystone of the Pacific, enabling U.S. power projection.

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-316. Coast Guardsmen standing in aircraft4. Hurricane Katrina

041020-F-7552L-002. Base: Unknown

Senior Airman Isaac Cooper, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron integrated communication, navigation, electronic countermeasure journeyman, verifies navigational equipment is working in order at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 26, 2022. Integrated communication, navigation, electronic countermeasure specialists inspect, remove and install integrated avionics systems on aircraft. These systems include video displays and electronic warfare systems, flight instruments and traffic-collision avoidance systems.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Abbie Wendelken, 344th Air Refueling Squadron mission pilot, pilots a KC-46A Pegasus Sept. 3, 2022, in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility. Wendelken was participating in Air Mobility Commands multi-week Employment Concept Exercise 22-08 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

Pilots land a C-130 Hercules aircraft at the base during exercise Purple Duck, a deployment from Yokota Air Base, Japan, to Kwang Ju Air Base, Korea, for joint operation readiness maneuvers with Korean troopers. Subject Operation/Series: PURPLE DUCK Base: Kwang Ju Air Base Country: Korea

An interior view of the cockpit of a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) that was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on October 25 during Operation Urgent Fury. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Straight on medium shot as AIRMAN 1ST Class Cobb, a loadmaster assigned to the 17th Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, directs a forklift to offload pallets at Hoedspruit AFB, South Africa, from a C-17A Globemaster III. The equipment will be used during "Operation Atlas Response" to support aircraft (not shown) distributing relief supplies in Mozambique. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Hoedspruit Air Force Base Country: South Africa (ZAF)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Amante Allen, aerial refueling specialist assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, refuels a Royal Air Force of Oman F-16 Fighting Falcon over southwest Asia, May 18, 2022 in support of exercise Accurate Test 22. U.S. participation in exercises such as this, reassure our coalition and regional partners and allies of our commitment to the security and stability of the region.

DN-ST-85-04022. Subject Operation/Series: INTENSE LOOK Country: Gulf Of Suez

011126-F-4406B-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Maj. Peyton Eustis, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, gives a thumbs up at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Oct. 21, 2022. The 53rd WRS flies into storms to collect data during the Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons in support of the National Hurricane Operations Plan.

A U.S. naval officer from the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) sits in the pilot's seat of a Ka-27 Helix helicopter aboard the Russian guided missile destroyer Admiral Vinogradov (BPK-554). Both the RANGER and Vinogradov are part of a multinational naval force participating in exercises in the region. Country: Northern Arabian Sea

Staff Sgt. James Griffin, 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew team chief, inspects a load on an A-10 Thunderbolt II while the engines run at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 15, 2022. Loading the jet while the engines are on requires precision and care from all parties involved. The weapons load crew team performed the on-loading under the supervision of their leadership and peers. It is essential members properly load the jets not only for safety but also for mission success.

070131-N-9712C-008. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron Minot Air Force Base N.D., pre-flight their B-52 Stratofortress aircraft before an 8hr sortie going over bomb dropping sequences and air refueling, April 20, 2011. Pilots, Navigators, Radar, and Electronic Warfare Office make up the B-52 crew. Putting bombs on target and providing close air support are two of the several missions accomplished by the huge aircraft out of Minot AFB.

Sam Mathis (right), U.S. Air Force Academy cadet 2nd class, sits in the pilots chair next to a flight instructor inside the 36th Airlift Squadrons C-130J Super Hercules flight trainer as part of Operation Air Force at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Operation Air Force is a two week long academy summer program that sends cadets entering their third and fourth years of training to bases around the world to experience what active duty Airmen from all areas of expertise do to support the Department of Defense mission for U.S. Military Forces.

Interior straight on medium shot as US Air Force SRA Clint Boyett from the 605 Aircraft Generation Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, cleans the refueling pod window on McGuire's KC-10 Extender before the pre-flight maintenance inspection at Pope Air Force Base on May 7, 2000 during the Rodeo 2000 readiness competition. During the one week competition, more than 100 teams and 2,500 personnel from over 300 Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, U.S. Army units, and foreign nations will compete in airdrops, cargo loading, refueling, pre-flight, combat endurance, combat tactics, as well as other air and ground operations (Army units, foreign nations, airdrops, cargo .... Complete Scene Caption: Interior straight on medium shot as US Air Force SRA Clint Boyett from the 605 Aircraft Generation Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, cleans the refueling pod window on McGuire's KC-10 Extender before the pre-flight maintenance inspection at Pope Air Force Base on

U.S. Air Force Captains John Gouldelock, left, and Daison Batangan both KC-46A Pegasus pilots assigned to the 344th Aerial Refueling Squadron land following a sortie during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. July 29, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barrett Blunt, left, 9th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, shows Tech. Sgt. Justin Lynch, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron instrument and flight control system noncommissioned officer in charge, how to maneuver a boom during a refueling simulation over the Pacific Ocean, May 26, 2022. Aircrew members performed an Integrated Mission Sortie as part of a training to enhance refuel capabilities and increase global mobility.

DN-ST-89-08787. Base: Hercules

A U.S. Army Soldier with the U.S. Army Parachute Team prepares to jump during a demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 24, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

US Navy Fire Control Technician Second Class Tim Hartzog, acts as Weapons Control Officer aboard USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) during Exercise TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 off the coast of Chile. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 Base: USS Reuben James (FFG 57)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Shivers, a boom operator for the 117th Air Refueling Wing, refuels F-16 Falcons from the Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama, on July 22, 2022. The flight crew wore helmets during the refueling to simulate a need for oxygen situation. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Senior Airman Nicholas Faddis.)

From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Flores, 94th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, and Senior Airman Adam Liskey, 1st Maintenance Squadron weapons standardization specialist, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, observe a missile load during Weapons System Evaluation Program East 23.02 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. The unit participated in the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Groups Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 23.02. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

060726-N-8148A-018. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011126-F-4406B-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

DF-ST-88-04927. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

021225-F-0007M-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility, TACC

Captain Chris Kampsen, 63rd Airlift Wing, sits at the controls of a C-141B Starlifter aircraft after landing the plane at the Zagreb Airport. The Starlifter is carrying a portion of the 50,000 meals ready to eat (MREs) to be distributed as part of a humanitarian airlift to refugees displaced by war. Base: Zagreb Country: Croatia (CRO)

Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Charles W. Moore stands on a catwalk beside the flight deck after donning an MCU-2P protective mask during a general quarters drill aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). The KENNEDY is deployed to the Red Sea in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Red Sea

220525-N-XR893-1147 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 25, 2022) Gunner's Mate Seaman Hayden Barnett, from Minor Hill, Tenn., uses a rag to clean the barrel of the Mark 38 (Mod 1) 25mm machine gun system on a weather deck aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), May 25, 2022. Bainbridge 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.

AW3 Michael J. Zolyniak, a member of the Helo Anti Sub 4, also known as the Black Knights, plots a course for the survivors from a simulated fighter aircraft crash over the desert of New Mexico. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS 95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Robbins, a Parachutist from the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, locates the target before the team jumps into the San Antonio Country Club in San Antonio, Texas, April 3, 2022. The Golden Knights are one of the three of the Department of Defenses aerial demonstration teams, alongside the U.S Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

040816-F-4884R-003. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

020417-F-6020H-008. Base: Charleston Harbor State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pilots in the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III from the 17th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, South Carolina, are on their maiden flight to Kuwait City International Airport, Kuwait. Eight C-17s participated in the operation which marks the first full-scale exercise assignment for Air Mobility Command's newest aircraft. They completed a strenuous evaluation earlier in the month. Subject Operation/Series: INTRINSIC ACTION Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

England,London,Hendon,The Royal Airforce Museum,Cockpit of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

A 1st Special Operations Squadron loadmaster looks out the window of an MC-130J Commando II while preparing for a drop over the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 5, 2022. Loadmasters are in charge of securing cargo and personnel during a flight, ensuring safety operations aboard their assigned aircraft.

970626-N-5121B-008. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Uss Tarawa (LHA 1) Scene Major Command Shown: USS TARAWA (LHA 1)

DF-ST-87-11210. Base: Naval Air Facility, El Centro State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPT. Dave Hieden, left, SENIOR MASTER SGT. Rich Crousore and CAPT. Walter Maxim, all members of the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, practice landing procedures in a KC-10 Extender Simulator Center. Dozens of different airfield simulations are programmed into the simulator's computer. Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-26. CG air crew in helo talking to civilian in grassy area near waterfront, 050903. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Hartz, KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, conducts preflight checks prior to takeoff at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 21, 2022. The KC-135 delivers Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jack Halovich, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266, performs maintenance on the engine of an MV-22B Osprey during the French-Caribbean exercise Caraibes 22 at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, June 13, 2022. Caraibes 22 is a French-led, large-scale, joint-training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to simulated-natural disasters. During the exercise, the 156th Wing was the main operating hub in support of VMM-266 by providing fuel, aircraft marshaling, security, hangar and office space. VMM-266 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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