← Military & Defence

Aerial Refueling Operations

Images depict various military aircraft engaged in aerial refueling missions. The visuals highlight aircraft in flight, including NATO and U.S. air force models, against clear blue skies and cloud bac

A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Sea of Japan, Jan. 22, 2024. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real time on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 319th Air Refueling Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 542nd Fighter Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. A second F-16 ( in background) waits as the KC-135 tops off the fuel tanks of the F-16 before beginning a bombing mission. The F-16's bombing missions are part of the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise being held in the southwestern United States. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041301-F-7709A-005. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

000320-F-5772H-007. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Country: Mozambique (MOZ)

US Navy A-6E "Intruder" preforms an air refueling from a British Royal Air Force VC-10 Tanker Refueler (Partially seen at left). The aircraft are deployed to the region in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, jump from a Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules during airborne training over Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2022. Marine Corps aviators assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 out of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas supported the airborne training. The 2/11 IBCT (A) is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air.

A C-5A Galaxy aircraft comes in for a landing during exercise Bright Star '82. AN Egyptian Mi-8 helicopter is parked in the foreground. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Base: Cairo Country: Egypt (EGY)

950825-F-6293K-004. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen escorts a United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England April 5, 2022. The Czech Gripens escorted the 69th EBS on their way to the Mediterranean region a part of pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II departs after receiving fuel from a 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a flight in support of Operation Inherent Resolve April 19, 2017. The 340th EARS, part of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, is responsible for delivering fuel for U.S. and coalition forces, enabling a persistent 24/7 presence in the area of responsibility.

A silhouetted air-to-air view of an AC-130 Hercules from the 16th Special Operations Squadron. Country: Unknown

A pair of U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs from the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., performs an aerial demonstration over the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, Ky., April 23, 2022 as part of the Thunder Over Louisville air show. This years event celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force.

DA-ST-85-01500. Subject Operation/Series: PHOTO FINISH '81 Base: Gulfport Air National Guard Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Robert Clark directs anArmy M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System out of a C-17 Globemaster III, April 25, 2013, during Exercise Emerald Warrior, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The primary purpose of Emerald Warrior is to exercise special operations components in urban and irregular warfare settings to support combatant commanders. Clark is a C-17 loadmaster with the 8th Airlift Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash.

An air-to-air view of an MC-130E Hercules aircraft of the 8th Special Operations Squadron being refueled in-flight. The aircraft is equipped with the Fulton recovery system. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen assigned to the 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct maintenance on a C-17 Globemaster III engine at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Aug. 9, 2022. Maintenance Airmen conduct engine maintenance and clean the engines after aircraft perform semi-prepared runway operations.

A U.S. Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 176th Wing takes off during RED FLAG-ALASKA 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 13, 2022. In addition to providing a training location for RF-A 23-1, JBER provides air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and through output operations in support of worldwide contingencies.

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, flies over south Florida during Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023. During the operation, more than 150 aircraft flew above communities around the country and across the world to honor 100 years of air refueling excellence. With 100 years of experience, the U.S. Air Forces air refueling capabilities deliver unrivaled rapid global reach and meaningful maneuver for the Joint Force and our Allies and partners. Aerial refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility and versatility of combat aircraft. Tankers also carry cargo and passengers, perform aeromedical evacuations, and enable strategic deterrence for the United States.

An air-to-air left side view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the joint US/South Korean Exercise TEAM SPIRIT '84. The A-10 is equipped with a pylon-mounted AN/ALQ-119 electronic countermeasures pod. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '84 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Two U.S. Air Force A-10A "Warthogs", from the 52nd Fighter Wing, 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdhalem Air Base, Germany, in flight during a NATO Operation Allied Force combat mission. The A-10 "Tank Killer" munitions include 250 pound iron bombs, ALQ-131 electronic jamming pod, 2.75 inch "Zuni" rockets, AGM-65D "Maverick" missiles, and a 30mm cannon mounted in the nose. The A-10As, deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, are specially designed for close air support of ground forces. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-03102. Subject Operation/Series: SACI '84 Country: Brazil (BRA)

010901-N-0000L-001. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: C-2A from VRC 30 and F/A-18

An A-10 Thunderbolt II does a show of force maneuver after locating a simulated downed pilot during RED FLAG-Alaska 13-3, Aug. 22, 2013, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Two A-10s defended the pilotÕs position until members of the 210th Rescue Squadron could rescue him. The A-10 is assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron, Indiana Air National Guard, Ft. Wayne, Ind.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) jump from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III operated by the 517th Airlift Squadron over Malemute Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 20, 2022. Following the airborne training some of the paratroopers simulated jump casualties for 673d Medical Group Airmen participating in the Arctic Warrior Challenge 2022. The Arctic Warrior Challenge was a scenario-based field training exercise designed to hone the 673d Medical Group Airmens tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) skills, improve operational readiness, and foster unit cohesion. TCCC outlines prehospital combat medicine devised to provide lifesaving care to injured combatants, to limit the risk of further casualties, and to help achieve mission success.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 24, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team members showcase the professional qualities that the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain, and support these aircraft.

021402-F-8564A-001. State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An MC-130J aircraft from the 193rd Special Operations Wing aircraft follows closely behind a KC-135 aircraft from the 171st Air Refueling Wing as both fly over historic landmarks in Pennsylvania as they celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Air Refueling June 27, 2023. The 100 year anniversary followed the 75th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit in Pittsburgh now known as the 171st Air Refueling Wing.

High angle front view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, assigned to the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, being refueled in flight by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 306th Strategic Refueling Wing. Country: North Sea

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog with the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base conducts low-altitude flight maneuvers during a simulated close-air support exercise at Barry M. Goldwater Range, Gila Bend, Arizona, March 29, 2023. 1st ANGLICO uses the training to enhance their technical proficiency in close air support techniques in conjunction with pilot currency training.

An air-to-air front view of a B-1B bomber during refueling/envelope expansion. The aircraft is refueling from a KC-10 Extender aircraft, not visible in the picture. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey flies overhead a Blue Angles F/A-18 Super Hornet as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.

Northrop Grumman Military Jets Grumman Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes B-2A Spirit stealth bomber silhouette sky below underneath

VENTURA, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2012) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft assigned to the Wallbangers of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 fly over the Pacific Ocean near Ventura, Calif. VAW-117 is a command and control and airborne early Warning Squadron dedicated to deliver time critical situational awareness to warfare commanders and coalition partners.

B-2 Spirit soars through sky after refueling mission

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transportation Squadron-152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, Aviation Combat Element (ACE), Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, orient for an air-to-air refuel during long-range training in Darwin, NT, Australia, May 4, 2022. The ACE conducted air-to-air refuel training to maintain readiness during the MRF-D 22 rotation.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing line up to receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 134th Air Refueling Wing from McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn., during an aerial refueling mission and KC-135 Stratotanker orientation flight for Swamp Fox Airmen and their families, April 11, 2015. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., flew against U.S. Navy F-18 Hornets for the Strike Fighter Squadron 37 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., for dissimilar air combat training. The joint operation allows pilots valuable training and experience to enhance future flying operations. The KC-135s provided aerial refueling during the training.

Civilian employers of Reserve and National Guard service members took part in a local orientation flight aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 459th Air Refueling Wing at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Dec. 8, 2012. The flight provided a glimpse into missions carried out by Citizen Airmen from the 459th ARW.

041118-F-9528H-022. Base: Biggs Army Air Field State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle Illustration of a combat drone flying over barren mountains Copyright: xZoonar.com/PaulxFleetx 4005605

Airmen quickly remove the final pins from a U-2 before a flight. The sortie was Captain. Peter J. Gryn's first combat mission. The U-2 is the primary source of high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Captain Gryn is deployed from Beale Air Force Base, California. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)

C-130H Hercules sit on a cold flightline as heaters prepare the turbo prop engines for the day at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2015. The Ohio Air National Guard unit is always on mission to respond with highly qualified citizen-airmen to execute Federal, State and community missions.

DF-ST-85-11501. Country: Unknown

A C-130 Hercules aircraft passes over approach lights as it comes in for a landing during VOLANT RODEO '86, an annual, multi-national tactical airlift competition. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '86 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pacific Ocean, November 4, 2005 - An E-2C Hawkeye conducts a fly over during an airpower demonstration aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 stages in the early morning at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 22. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air space areas in the wor

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the Ohio Air National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, Swanton, Ohio, are parked on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 8, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

030416-F-9085B-004. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

An air-to-air right side view of the first C-5 Galaxy aircraft to be painted in a camouflage pattern. State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to air top front view of Special Operations Wing AC-130 Hercules gunship on a training mission over the Gulf of Mexico. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

070205-M-3968C-110. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-352

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

The Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex can be seen off the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Aerial Refueling Squadron during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. The strength of the JPARC is its expansive co-located air and land ranges as well as a significant potential for co-located air and sea ranges. The JPARC is the largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range in the world.

An air-to-air left side view of a KC-10 Extender aircraft refueling a C-141 Starlifter aircraft as it returns from a mass troop and equipment drop over Fort Irwin during exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-82-08092. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020416-F-8115W-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

KC-135 Stratotanker B-2 Spirit US Air Force

A USAF B-1 Lancer aircraft connects to the refueling probe of a KC-10 Extender aircraft from McGuire AFB, New Jersey during refueling operations, part of Exercise HORNETS NEST. Subject Operation/Series: HORNEST NEST Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 28, 2022. The A-10 is assigned to the A-10 Demonstration Team, which is a single-ship demonstration team that travels across the United States, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10 and the U.S. Air Force.

010809-F-1644L-012. Complete Scene Caption: Members of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division Fort Bragg, North Carolina, jump from a C-17 Globemaster III, 15th Airlift Squadron Charleston AFB, South Carolina. The jump was part of the 82nd Airborne Division Associations annual convention in downtown Charleston Aug. 8-12. 300 members of the 82nd exited from C-17s in six passes, 50 jumpers at a time. "The jump is the keystone event," said Captain Terrance McGraw, USA, event coordinator and commander, Headquarters Company, 82nd Airborne Division Support Command, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, "It is part nostalgia and here is how we do it today. We have the utmost respect for the World War II veterans who did this on D-Day, those who jumped in Korea, Vietnam and to this day. We do this to honor them." Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 82nd Airborne

041202-F-9126G-103. Base: Unknown

A member of the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assists in the removal of the temporary landing gear on a U-2 April 19, 2014, in Southwest Asia. The U-2 utilizes temporary landing gear to reduce weight in flight.

A B-52 Stratofortress with the 307th Bomb Wing, Louisiana, flies toward the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker, with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 9, 2022 over Southern United States. The KC-135 had spouses of the 307th Maintenance Group on board that were able to watch the refueling.

Crew chiefs assigned to the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to launch a B-2 Spirit at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Aug. 12, 2015. Three B-2s and about 225 Airmen from Whiteman AFB, Missouri, deployed to Guam to conduct familiarization training activities in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

German Messerschmitt 262 jetfighter planes attacking American B-17 Flying Fortress bombers over Nazi Germany during World War II.

220626-N-XN177-2053 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 26, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 lands aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 26, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Launching M2-F3 from B-52

A US Air Force C-141 Starlifter takes off from the air base for deployment. The aircraft will airlift US Army soldiers and cargo to the training area near L'viv, Ukraine, for humanitarian and peacekeeping exercises with the Ukrainian Army. Subject Operation/Series: PEACE SHIELD '95 Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A ground-to-air front side view of a C-130A Hercules aircraft flying over a lake during Sarex '81. Subject Operation/Series: SAREX '81 Base: Trenton, Ontario Country: Canada (CAN)

C-130 Hercules aircraft take off from the base flightline Oct. 18 to take part in a Joint Readiness Training Center exercise. In the joint exercise with the Army, 26 C-130s will fly to Alexandria International Airport in Alexandria, La., to pick up approximately 1,700 Army paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade and tons of cargo from Fort Bragg, N.C.

050220-N-5384B-047. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A C-17 Globemaster III prepares to land during Exercise Swift Response at Cerklje Air Base, Slovenia, May 10, 2022. Exercise Swift Response focuses on building airborne interoperability with Allies and partners, and the integration of joint service partners in a contested environment; testing the capability and operational reach to rapidly deploy and employ U.S. and Europe-based multi-national airborne forces with little to no warning from across the globe.

010828-F-2171A-010. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and the German Airborne Division file onto the ramp of a C-130 Hercules aircraft prior to a nighttime airborne operation, Jan. 13, 2014. The German Paratroopers were presented with American airborne wings following the operation. The German Paratroopers visited Fort Bragg, N.C., to gain a better understanding of the type of training the 82nd conducts in hopes of sending more German Soldiers to train with their American counterparts in the future.

Flood lights are used to illuminate the work area as US Air Force (USFA) maintenance personnel perform nighttime work on a F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, on the flight line at a forward deployed location in Southwest Asia, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Air-to-air, side view of a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-10A Extender from March AFB, California preparing to refuel a 60th Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifter over the High Sierra mountains in northern California. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041006-N-7559C-001. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A C-130 Hercules from the 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota, Japan, skims the tree tops. Exact Date Shot Unknown Published in AIRMAN Magazine August 1996. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '96 Country: Thailand (THA)

030812-F-6894B-003. Base: Fort Drum State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030327-F-9528H-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III crew assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron unloads armored trucks during a Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund cargo supply mission in Syria, Jan. 11, 2023. CTEF is a funded program that provides Partner Forces with resources designed to assist in the enduring defeat of ISIS under Operation Inherent Resolve.

120620-N-DI587-251 SUGARLOAF, S.C. (June 20, 2012) An Air Force KC-135 from the 171st Air Refueling Wing fuels an F/A-18 Hornet flown by Lt. C.J. Simonsen, a lead solo pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, over Sugarloaf, S.C. The Blue Angels were en-route to Latrobe, Penn., to perform at the Westmoreland County Air Show June 23-24.

AN air-to-air left side view of a KC-10A Extender refueling an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft (rear). State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airman 1st Class Reginald Hall, 961st Aircraft Maintenance Unit aerospace propulsion journeyman, communicates with his team for engine startups on an E-3 Sentry, assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, in preparation for readiness training at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 24, 2022. The E-3 Sentry provides necessary information for friendly forces to accomplish missions within the Indo-Pacific region, which is physically extensive and strategically complex.

030322-F-9528H-018. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

An MH-60S Seahawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 takes off Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 24, 2024. George Washington is conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP). TSTA prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission critical operations. Navy

Airmen from the 96th Airlift Squadron and 27th Aerial Port Squadron conducting heavy actual air drops on Warren drop zone at Fort McCoy WI. The units are part of the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis-St Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minnesota operating C-130 Hercules aircraft.

030406-F-2034C-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

020522-F-6911G-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon from the South Dakota Air National Guards 114th Fighter Wing flying with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the Iowa Air National Guards 185thAir Refueling Wing pass over the state capital of Pierre, S.D. on June 27, 2023. The aircraft are part of a nationwide aerial refueling demonstration, commemorating the 100thanniversary of air refueling.

021205-F-1663P-002. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: amc

041020-F-9072P-002. Base: RAF Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (UK)

A Bundeswehr Airbus A400M, photographed during the Bundeswehr exercise 'Fast Eagle' in Barth, 05.05.2022. The exercise 'Fast Eagle' simulates an evacuation of German citizens from a fictitious crisis country within a short time, Barth, Germany, Europe

A B-1B Lancer is refueled over Afghanistan during overseas contingency operations, August 4, 2012. The 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conducts missions out of the transit center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and plays an integral role in keeping air assets refueled in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces.

aviation bombs on a military bomber closeup

An MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing, is parked on the runway with the Northern Lights overhead during Arctic Edge 24 in Utqiagvik, Alaska, Feb. 29, 2024. Arctic Edge 24 provides Special Operations Command North the opportunity to test a range of capabilities and response options to deter, disrupt, degrade, and deny competitor activity in the Arctic in support of globally integrated layered defense and deterrence of the homeland. Air Force

220419-N-CR843-0063 MISAWA, Japan (April 19, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, prepares to land at Misawa Air Base following a mission in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, April 19. 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.

An air-to-air right side view of a 438th Airlift Wing, C-141 Starlifter flying over the autumn colored trees near McGuire AFB. The C-141, tail #40616 provides long range airlift capability for Air Mobility Command. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-15 Eagles fly over the wildland fires in Southern Ore. following a routine training mission. Oregon Air National Guards 173rd Fighter Wing is home to the premiere F-15C schoolhouse for the Air Force. (High-G Productions photo/Jim "Hazy" Hazeltine)

of 3