Aerial Operations in Military Aircraft

Pilots in action within military aircraft cockpits, engaged in flight operations and training exercises, highlighting precision and teamwork in aerial missions.

Lt. Col. Dave Gentile, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aircraft commander, and Maj. Alex Boykin, 53rd WRS pilot, steer a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft inside the eye of Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The WC-130J is specially equipped with a weather officer pallet, a dropsonde operator pallet, and a stepped frequency microwave radiometer allowing it to collect data in weather events and send it via satellite to forecasters and researches for use.

Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, 5th Air Force commander, adjusts controls in a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron over Osan Air Base, South Korea, June 28, 2022. Yokotas C-130Js conduct theater airlift in support of Pacific Command, which has been the 374th Airlift Wings primary mission since the mid-1970s.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Ludwig, 437th Operations Support Squadron pilot, flys a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft over Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 22, 2024. Ludwig and his crew flew a 4-hour sortie to train on low-level flying and test out a new magnetic navigation system. Air Force

The 37th Tactical Aircraft Squadron pilot, in his chemical warfare gear, looks over a map aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft, in flight to Wunstdorf German Air Force Base, West Germany, during exercise Reforger '80. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '80 Base: Luxembourg International Airport Country: Luxembourg (LUX)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 fly a KC-130J Super Hercules from Darwin, Australia to Queensland, Australia during a Transpacific (TRANSPAC) flight, Sept. 13, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

A Cheyenne Air National Guard pilot watches as a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies over Japan during a formation flight, July 7, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The guard units were at Yokota supporting routine training, allowing them to increase interoperability and familiarization within the Indo-Pacific to enhance our operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free-and-open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew Butler, 58th Airlift Squadron (AS) instructor pilot, goes through his preflight checklist before a large formation exercise (LFE) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Feb. 22, 2024. During the LFE, the aircrew from the 58th AS completed multiple airdrop and low level formations. Air Force

Kansas Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Trevor Dark, a 117th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Forbes Field, Kansas KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator, flies a sortie in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, August 2, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

(left to right) US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel "Hawkeye" Pierce and USAF Lieutenant Colonel Chuck Hanks, pilots; and SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Steve Bell, flight engineer fly a Project Trans-Am mission in a C-141C Starlifter aircraft, which features new "Glass Cockpit" technologies during a landing approach. The aircraft and crew are assigned to the 89th Airlift Squadron (USAFR), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. More than sixty aircraft in the current C-141 fleet will undergo major modification, each will receive the All Weather Flight Control System (AWFCS) consisting of a digital autopilot, advanced avionics display, and Ground Collision Avoidance System (GCAS). Other major .... Complete Scene Caption: (left to right) US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel "Hawkeye" Pierce and USAF Lieutenant Colonel Chuck Hanks, pilots; and Senior Master Sergeant Steve Bell, flight engineer fly a Project Trans-Am mission in a C-141C Starlifter aircraft, which features new "Glass Cockpit" technologies

US Air Force (USAF) Captain (CPT) Dave Lopez, (Pilot) and USAF CPT Scott Farnham (Co-Pilot), both assigned to the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), pictured in the cockpit of their C-130 Hercules aircraft as it taxies onto the runway at Shahbaz Air Base (AB), located near Jocobabad, Pakistan, during a mission flown in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0414260 or search 030129F7203T008). Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Shahbaz Air Base State: Jocobabad Country: Pakistan (PAK)

Lt. Col. Dave Gentile, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron aircraft commander, and Maj. Alex Boykin, 53rd WRS pilot, steer a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft inside the eye of Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The WC-130J is specially equipped with a weather officer pallet, a dropsonde operator pallet, and a stepped frequency microwave radiometer allowing it to collect data in weather events and send it via satellite to forecasters and researches for use.

A close up view from inside the cockpit of a US Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft as USAF Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kock from the 28th Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas maneuvers the aircraft into refueling position with a waiting KC-135 Stratotanker refueling boom. From AIRMAN Magazine, August 2000 article "One Hot Bomber.". A close up view from inside the cockpit of a US Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft as USAF Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kock from the 28th Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas maneuvers the aircraft into refueling position with a waiting KC-135 Stratotanker refueling boom. From Airman Magazine, August 2000 article "One Hot Bomber."

Lt. Col. Doug Soho flies co-pilot to Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke during the first flight of a C-17 Globemaster III Sept. 12, 2013, to Joint Base Charleston, S.C. This historical event comes more than 20 years after the 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing took delivery of the very first C-17 to enter the Air Force inventory June 14, 1993. It also marks the successful completion of C-17 production for the Air Force. Clarke is the Air National Guard director. Soho is the 437th Operations Group chief of standards and evaluations.

020513-F-8115W-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John McClaren, a pilot, left, and Cpl. Noah Isabell, a loadmaster, both with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, observe the countryside of Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 17, 2022. Marines with VMGR-152 assisted the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transporting personnel and a HIMARS, demonstrating the ability to rapidly relocate forces across the Indo-Pacific region.

Aircrafts - C-130 - 26-HK-51-19. CG C-130 pilot in flight3. Hurricane Katrina

Captain Don Maraska, USMC, co-pilot, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-352), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) 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

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kit Conn, and Capt. Christopher Slauson, C-17 Globemaster III pilots with the 21st Airlift Squadron, Travis Air Force Base (AFB), Calif., perform pre-flight checklists before loading U.S. Army equipment from Fort Bragg, N.C., in support of Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Jan. 27, 2010.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kristopher Johnson, Commander 137th Airlift Squadron, and U.S Air Force Maj. Daniel Dunbar, a pilot assigned to the 105th Airlift Wing, prepare for takeoff aboard a C-17 Globemaster at Stewart Air National Guard Base Newburgh, New York, Dec. 07, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Myles Berthold, left, and Capt. Dustin Alger, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilots, look out the window during a flight over the Pacific Ocean in support of exercise Keen Sword 23, Nov. 17, 2022. Bilateral exercises demonstrate the U.S. and Japans strong, shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Two C-130 Hercules with the Peoria Air National Guards 182nd Airlift Wing participate in integrated combat turns at the Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, MI, June 9, 2022. During Agile Rage 22, airmen from across the Air National Guard, to include the Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, came together to execute the Air Forces agile combat employment mission.

Colonel Mike Gullihur of the 152nd Air Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, pilots an Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft during a Scathe View Mission part of Exercise NORNTHERN EDGE 2001. The Scathe View program allows aircraft to acquire imagery up to 17,000 ft off the ground and can instantly transmit the imagery to ground forces. Subject Operation/Series: NORHTERN EDGE 2001 State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030331-F-1389C-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules pilot assigned to 37 Squadron, RAAF Base Richmond, Australia, flies a sortie in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint-Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 11, 2022. International participation is a traditional part of RF-A and includes allies from various countries such as New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and others.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelsey Warren, a KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, refuels an F-22 Raptor with the 325th Fighter Wing, during Sentry Savannah May 11, 2022, in a military operations area over Florida. Three air refueling units from across the Air National Guard provided in-flight refueling in support of Sentry Savannah 2022, the ANGs premier counter air exercise which encompasses 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Two 190th ARW members fly a KC-135 June 15. These guardsmen supported the Gunslinger exercise.

U.S Air Force Capt. Christian Allegood KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, left, Staff Sgt. Dmitri Mclntosh aerial refueling specialist, center, and 1st Lt. Mike Magill KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, right, all assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, fly within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 4, 2022. The KC-135 provides core refueling capabilities in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Pilot Capt. Ryan Clipper Reers monitors his B-52H Stratofortress instrument panel while piloting a B-52H over Germany during a Bomber Task Force mission, Aug. 24, 2022. The pre-planned Bomber Task Force operations are conducted with NATO partners and allies to demonstrate and strengthen our shared commitment to global security and stability.

030331-F-1389C-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Capt. Shelby Clark, a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, conducts pre-flight checks in the cockpit of a KC-135 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 14, 2022. Making sure the settings and readings on the dashboards are correct ensures the safety of the crew and the aircraft, allowing for pilots to prevent aerial mishaps before taking off.

The co-pilot studies a map in the cockpit of a C-12J as the pilot looks on just prior to take off. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

220705-N-CR843-0135KOROR, PALAU (July 5, 2022) Lt.j.g. Patrick Meagher, a pilot assigned to The Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 conducts flight operations during a mission over the international waters over Micronesia, Jul. 05. VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

Cmdr. Keith Blair, Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans commanding officer, and Lt. Travis Rhea, MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter pilot, conduct a post flight check after an overflight in a Jayhawk helicopter in New Orleans, May 2, 2022. The aircrew flew the MH-60 around the city of New Orleans as part of its first flight as an Air Station New Orleans asset.

KC-46A Pegasus pilots assigned to the 916th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, receive fuel from a KC-46 over North Carolina, June 6, 2022. The KC-46 can refuel through three option, the boom, drogue or wing aerial refueling pods.

220506-N-VH871-1063 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 6, 2022) Lt. Josh Schuh, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, pilots a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft during a training flight, May 6. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

1st Lt. Ronald Barnhart, 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron pilot, conducts preflight checks aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker bound for a refueling mission in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, May 8, 2011.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicolas Donnelly and 1st Lt. Sam Cepielik, 37th Airlift Squadron pilots, fly over Greece, May 6, 2022. Stolen Cerberus is a bilateral training deployment between the U.S. Air Force and Hellenic air force.

A U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress flies along the coast of Croatia over the Adriatic Sea during a Bomber Task Force mission on Aug. 22, 2022. This BTF mission integrated with Italian and Turkish Air Forces and a flyover in Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania, demonstrates the United States commitment and assurance to NATO allies and partners located in South Eastern Europe.

020806-F-7823A-008. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The pilot and co-pilot of this HH-53H Sea Stallion helicopter both have an infrared radar screen to monitor. This new system is called the Pave Low project. LT. COL. Frank Pehr, left, is the chief test pilot for this project. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 192nd Wing hosts a Boss Lift event on June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Airmen nominated supervisors from 14 civilian employers for exceptional support of their Virginia Air National Guard careers. The employers flew in an Ohio Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker and witnessed aerial refueling of F-22 Raptors. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented awards to the employers. ESGR is a U.S. Department of Defense program promoting cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their Guard and Reserve employees.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. J.J. Houck, crew chief, 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., checks controls in the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III during a pre-flight update, Jan. 22, 2022, here. The C-17 is the work horse of the Air Forces cargo, aeromedical evacuation, and transport fleet and requires frequent preventative maintenance to ensure mission success. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Brugge)

040510-F-2977M-019. Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

DN-ST-89-02764. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Holloway, 14th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, checks course heading prior to in-air refueling over Birmingham, Alabama, July 26, 2022. In-air refueling operations are vital to Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command, ensuring unmatched strategic airlift.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Simon Mohr, KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, flies over the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, June 22, 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.

Capt. Michael Viator and 1st Lt. Travis Pollet, pilots assigned to the 183rd Airlift Squadron look over plans in the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster III. The aircrew was a part of a U.S. Southern Command mission transporting 90 U.S. citizens from South America to the United States.

Chief Master Sgt. Douglas Cline, 151st Air Refueling wing boom operator, prepares a checklist before a refueling mission June 6, 2012. The 151st Air Refueling Wing routinely supports air operations across the western United States.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kevin Cabusora, 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender aircraft commander and Capt. Gavin Owens 908th EARS instructor pilot, connect to another KC-10 for aerial refueling over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 7, 2022. The sortie marked the last KC-10 flight flown by a crew deployed from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. McGuire AFB will cease KC-10 deployments as the base is transitioning to fly the KC-46 Pegasus.

U. S. Air Force Maj. Brad Anthony, aircraft copilot, completes his preflight checklist on Key Field Air National Guard Base, Meridian, Miss., Nov. 3, 2012. Anthony prepares to fly a U. S. Air Force C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft in support of hurricane Sandy relief for citizens of New York. (U. S. Air Force

Aftermath and Relief - 26-HK-295-116. C-130 Ride. Hurricane Katrina

Members of the Alaska Air National Guards 176th Wing transported equipment from Deadhorse, Alaska for the U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska, Oct. 14, by loading it aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 249th Airlift Squadron, and flying it back to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The equipment was deployed to the Coast Guards Forward Operating Location Deadhorse as part of Arctic Shield 2015, which was demobilized after approximately four months. The equipment is scheduled to continue on to Kodiak, where it will be used to support search and rescue missions in the Coast Guards area of responsibility there.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Rasmussen, 9th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, conducts preflight checks prior to a mission at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 4, 2022. The training flight provided an opportunity for aircrew to maintain proficiency and included a fly-over supporting two fourth of July parades.

A F-15 pilot from the 114th Fighter Squadron looks over at his wingman during a training mission over Central Oregon.

From left to right, Flight Engineer MASTER Sergeant Carlos DeJesus, Pilot Captain Chad Hinkle, and Co-Pilot Captain Wayne Christensen, all from the 730th Airlift Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, aboard a C-141 Starlifter aircraft enroute to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, to participate in Joint Task Force Force Exercise (JTFX) 98-1. Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air Force BGEN Donald A. Streater, A-10 recovery operations commander, takes his first look from a UH-1N helicopter at the A-10 crash site near the summit of Gold Dust Peak. Base: Eagle State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040303-F-6844O-001. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USMC MAJ Brad James (left) and MAJ Ted Wenry (right) of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), NAS Forth Worth, Texas, prepare to land their KC-130 during exercise RIMPAC 98. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC '98 Base: Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

OVER JAPAN -- Col. Otto Feather, 374th Airlift Wing commander, looks out the window of a C-130H Hercules in preparation to land at Sendai Airport, Japan, March 26, 2011. Colonel Feather flew five pallets of potable water to Sendai Airport to be distributed to Japanese citizens in need.

Test crew members work at their stations aboard an NKC-135 airborne laser laboratory during flight. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

During a Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics (DACT) Exercise over the islands of Hawaii, members of the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, prepare their KC-135 for refueling missions for the participants. State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MAJ Stephen R. Webber of the 2874th Test Squadron runs through a cockpit check before taking an F-111 aircraft on a night test flight. Base: Mcclellan Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Thompson, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, looks out the back of a KC-135 Stratotanker for an approaching aircraft prior to aerial refueling over the Sea of Japan, Jan. 22, 2024. With assistance from the KC-135, aircraft are able to stay in the air for longer durations, maximizing the capability to ensure regional security.

Kansas Air National Guard Maj. Sterling Scales, a 117th Aerial Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, Forbes Field, Kansas, executes a preflight inspection during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 2, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training essential to the continued development and improvement of combined and joint interoperability in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mark Lind, a pilot assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, waits for clearance to take-off during an Air Force Force Generation certification event at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Dec. 3, 2022. The 15th AS participated in AFFORGEN certification designed to enhance rapid global mobility capabilities and test the squadrons ability to communicate, navigate and maneuver in a contested environment.

U.S. Air Force Maj. William Hock, a 354th Operations Group, Detachment 1, C-17 Globemaster III pilot, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Ferrell, a 517th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, prepare to land during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 12, 2022. Approximately 2,200 service members from the U.S., Great Britain and Canada are expected to fly, maintain and support more than 90 aircraft from over 25 units during this iteration of the exercise.

May 7, 2006 - An F-16 Fighting Falcon flies past the window of a pilot. After refueling with the KC-135 Stratotanker, the F-16 continued its close-air-support mission over Iraq.

A cadet with Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 at the University of Central Florida observes Airmen from the 91st Air Refueling Squadron prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for take-off at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 11, 2022. The cadets were invited to fly as part of the Air Forces recruiting service Aviation Inspired Mentorship High program.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew Schubauer, a pilot with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, New York, flies a KC-135 Stratotanker August 31, 2022 over southeastern United States. The Stratotanker and crew were flying to meet and refuel F-15E Strike Eagles with the 335th Fighter Squadron, North Carolina.

A C-130 Hercules aircrew with the 169th Airlift Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, demonstrate proficiency in preflight instrument checks at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, April 1, 2023. Pre-flight instrument checks must be performed before every flight to ensure the safety of the crew and the quality of the aircraft.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Woodard, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, readies a HIMARS for live fire engagement as part of a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. The HIRAIN training demonstrated Marine Forces Reserves ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats in any environment, including harsh arctic environments. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Woodard is a native of Elgin, Oklahoma. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. James Royer, a KC-130J Super Hercules co-pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transportation Squadron-152 (VMGR-152), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, pilots a KC-130J Super Hercules during air-to-air refuel training over Darwin, NT, Australia, May 5, 2022. VMGR-152 conducted air-to-air refuel training in support of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22.

020611-F-9085B-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

030108-F-7203T-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Capt. Zachary McColgan, 22nd Airlift Squadron pilot, operates a C-5M Super Galaxy over Northern California, April 28, 2022. The 22nd AS aircrew trained with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington.

A1C Chris H. Luckie adjusts the throttle on the pump engine aboard an aircraft refueling truck during the NATO exercise Tactical Fighter Weaponry '89. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL FIGHTER WEAPONRY '89 Base: Karup Air Base Country: Denmark (DNK)

220514-N-VH871-1282 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 14, 2022) Lt. Will Parham, assigned to the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, pilots a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as the guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) sails below, May 14. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelsey Warren, a KC-135 Stratotanker boom operator with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, operates a boom to refuel aircraft during Sentry Savannah May 11, 2022, in a military operations area over Florida. Three air refueling units from across the Air National Guard provided in-flight refueling in support of Sentry Savannah 2022, the ANGs premier counter air exercise which encompasses 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

220414-N-NK931-986 PACIFIC OCEAN (April. 14, 2022) - Lt. Austin Gooder, left, and Lt. Cole Roberts, stand junior officer and officer of the deck aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) during routine underway operations in the Eastern Pacific. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

DF-ST-87-06777. Country: West Germany (FRG)

011010-F-4406B-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft with the 151st Air Refueling Wing prepares to refuel an HC-130J Combat King II with the 79th Recuse Squadron after a medevac mission over the Pacific Ocean Dec. 1, 2018. After a seven and a half hour flight, the HC-130 needed fuel to reach its destination of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

1st Lt. Jack Reis, a Pilot with the 185th Air Refueling Wingpreforms preflight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker in Des Moines, Iowa, May 18, 2022. The Aircraft originally diverted from Topeka Kansas to Des Moines to avoid sever weather.

Captains Kyle Underwood (left) and John Rudsenske from the 136th Air Refueling Group do pre-flight checks of their KC-135 Stratotanker as they prepare for an aerial refueling mission. Joint Task Force 95-3 involved each branch of the armed services and all major units of the US Atlantic Command.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

New York Air National Guard Airmen of the 106th Rescue Wing prepare to launch HC-130J Combat King search and reascue aircraft call sign Air Force Rescue 85879 on a mission to drop medical supplies to a sailboat in the Atlantic Ocean, from Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York on May 20, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Robbie Lei, left, a pilot and aircraft commander, and Capt. Ally Clonts, a co-pilot, both with the 7th Airlift Squadron, fly a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 5, 2022, as part of Exercise Rainier War 22B. Exercise Rainier War is the 62d Airlift Wings most expansive exercise, and is designed to evaluate and exercise Team McChords ability to generate, employ and sustain Rapid Global Mobility into and in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

The cockpit of a NASA Earth Resources Survey aircraft, U-2, prior to a photographic assignment across Florida. This is a joint effort between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to help combat the state`s diseased citrus problem. Base: Patrick Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LCOL Stephen Toles, pilot and CPT James Bouska, co-pilot at the controls of a March AFB, CA, 22nd Air Refueling Wing (SAC) KC-10 refueling aircraft. In the foreground MSGT Robert Pakney, engineer, after they completed a refueling a C-141 Starlifter returning from a paradrop mission to the Deep Freeze personnel who spend the winter darkness at McMurdo Base and South Pole station. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: MID-WINTER AIR DROP Country: New Zealand (NZL)

An MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing flies over New Zealands South Island during a dissimilar formation flight as part of exercise Teak Net 22, May 13, 2022. During TN22, U.S. and Royal New Zealand Air Forces planned and flew bilateral formation flights to better understand how to interoperate together.

DN-SN-89-03467. Country: Unknown

Edward Dela Cruz Jr. left, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting member, converses with U.S. Air Force Capt. Cameron Vickroy, 374th Operations Support Squadron pilot, in a C-130J Super Hercules cockpit at Saipan International Airport in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Nov. 7, 2022. The continued collaboration between the 23rd Wing and host-nation partners from Saipon exemplifies the Pacific Air Forces vision to ensure the Indo-Pacific is a free and open region comprised of nations adhering to the international rules-based order.

US Navy Commander Rick Scudder and US Navy Lieutenant Greg Leland execute systems checks on an SH-60F helicopter from Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron Seven (HS-7) prior to flight operations on board USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Truman is on its maiden deployment transiting to the Mediterranean Sea. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Oct. 15, 2018) Gunner's Mate Seaman Mason Mendiola tracks a small boat with a remote operating console for the Mark 38 25 mm machine gun system during a small boat attack drill aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109). Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

A Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules pilot, assigned to No. 47 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton, England, flies over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 May 10, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.

Kansas Air National Guard 1st Lt. Sydney Hultz, left, and Maj. Sterling Scales, both KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 117th Aerial Refueling Squadron based at Forbes Field, Kansas, fly a sortie in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 2, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training essential to the continued development and improvement of combined and joint interoperability in a simulated combat environment.

040520-F-1601R-002. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Digital

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-434-146. Hurricane Katrina

An interior view of the bombing-navigation console of a B-18 bomber aircraft as the crew prepares to depart for Phase II of exercise Proud Shield '88, in which KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and B-1B crews conduct navigation, bombing and refueling competitions. Country: Unknown

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