Air Force Operations and Aircraft

Photographs of military aircraft on the ground and in preparation, illustrating air force operations and maintenance activities.

An F/A-18D Hornet on the ramp at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Trey Cronau, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, signals to an F/A-18 Hornet pilot at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to enhance squadron readiness and conduct joint-level training as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, taxis after an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Incentive flights are periodically awarded to Marines and Sailors for meritorious actions and service.

041213-M-9529D-008. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Left side front view of a US Marine F/A-18 Hornet as it taxies. A US Marine ground crew member, back to camera, directs the aircraft during Brightstar 1999-2000 held in October and November in Egypt. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHTSTAR 1999-2000 Country: Egypt (EGY)

DF-ST-87-09772. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Base: Kwang Ju Air Base Country: Korea

A left side view of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft from the Navy Fighter Weapons School. The aircraft, bearing the fin flash of Iran, is being used in adversary training for Pacific Fleet-based squadrons. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet on the flight line of Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Queensland, Australia for training during exercise Crocodile '99. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE '99 Base: Raaf Amberley State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

030318-F-9448S-019. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DN-ST-89-05718. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepares an F/A-18D Hornet for takeoff during routine flight operations in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

031204-F-1545M-022. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

980319-F-7910D-022. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVCENT

U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, tours an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to conduct maintenance on an F-35B Lightning II during Realistic Urban Training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 9, 2022. The purpose of RUT is to enhance the integration and collective capability of the MEU's command, air, ground, and logistics elements and prepare the 13th MEU to meet the nation's crisis response needs during its upcoming overseas deployment.

Military Lockheed Martin Jets Fixed Wing Aviat F-16 Falcon runway

Technical Sgt. Jeff Hopper, a crew chief assigned to the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, salutes as an F-16 Block 52 D, as it taxis out to the runway. The 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, is sending F-16 fighter jets, pilots, maintenance specialists and support personnel overseas for its first major combat operation since 2003, when the unit deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and flew more than 400 combat missions. The 169th FW is now an "Active Associate" wing. This unprecedented agreement with the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw AFB Base embeds 150 active duty Airmen with the 169th FW to forge an even stronger, more mobile force. Elements of the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing began this historic deployment two weeks ago when airmen began departing for Iraq in support of OIF. About 300 169th FW airmen have reached Iraq and await the arrival of these F-16 fighters. (Air Force

031007-F-0703J-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An F/A-18 Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115) taxis on the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. July 26, 2022. The missiles used during VMFA-115 and Marine All Weather FIghter Attack Squadron 224's training were Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles and Tactical Air Launched Decoys.

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, watches an F-22 Raptor taxi during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron taxis an F-16 Fighting Falcon onto the runway during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-06 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. The 35th Fighter Wing conducted a readiness exercise to train and test the response and procedures for deployment and combat contingency operations.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Doug Ruggerio, a crew chief with the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to launch an F-15 Eagle aircraft during WILLIAM TELL '96, a biennial US Air Force air-to-air weapons competition being held at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '96 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), are visited by San Diego Padres pitchers, Sean Manaea and Joe Musgrove, on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 23, 2022. Manaea and Musgrove were able to operate the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft simulator, learn about aircraft equipment and flight operations, and meet with 3rd MAW Marines.

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron complete preflight checks on F-16 Fighting Falcons returning home to Aviano Air Base, Italy from 86th Air Base, Romania, July 20, 2022. The 510th EFS was deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace.

DF-ST-85-11493. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-3 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

041223-F-4858N-043. Base: Otis Air National Guard Base State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

1st Lt. Luke Dewalt, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, Mar. 30, 2023, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

German Air Force Mig-29 Fulcrum with ground crew members prepare the aircraft for a night mission at sunset Red Flag exercise Nellis AFB NV

011011-F-4500W-005. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Col. Chad Holesko, Maintenance Group Commander assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, discusses the 180FWs homeland defense mission with U.S. Senator Rob Portman during a visit to the wing, Oct. 7, 2022. Portman visited the 180FW as part of his Ohio defense tour aimed at increasing the range of capabilities for military installations throughout Ohio. The 180FW is the states only fighter unit, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 27, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Naomi Fisher, 56th Medical Group general dentist, steps out of an F-35 Lightning II after her familiarization flight on Sept. 1, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Fisher was named the U.S. Air Force Clinical Dentist of the Year for 2020, while stationed at MacDill AFB, Florida.

031212-F-4350W-005. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

AIRMAN Matt Simmons "hot fuels" an F/A-18 of VFA-125 as the pilot, Lieutenant A. P. Monson, waits in the cockpit. Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An RF-4C Phantom II aircraft prepares to take off on a mission during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

011017-F-0308N-291. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, 36th Fighter Squadron, taxis on the runway after landing during a training event at Daegu Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 30, 2023. The squadron and other Osan Airmen operated out of Daegu to test their ability to conduct operations from austere locations during a heightened state of readiness.

020325-F-9232S-010. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE 2002 Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 127TH Wing

Brig. Gen. Charles Corcoran, the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and F-22 Raptor pilot, taxis across a flightline after successfully completing 1,000 flight hours in the F-22 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Nov. 11, 2016. F-22s have conducted more than 700 sorties in support Operation Inherent Resolve.

The ground crew is standing by as the aircrew of a 7th Bomb Wing B-1B Lancer goes through pre-flight checks at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

U.S. Airmen with the Indiana Air National Guard load 2.75 inch rockets onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft while the pilot watches during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) maneuver at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, July 13, 2022. The ICT maneuver involves reloading and refueling the aircraft with the engines still running in preparation for another takeoff in order to maximize time in the air.

NASA test pilots Jim Clue” Less and Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg step to the F/A-18 research aircraft at Ellington Field and conduct pre-flight safety checks on the aircraft prior to a supersonic research flight for the QSF18 series.

030209-F-9528H-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

040302-F-3963C-169. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force Airmen watch F-35 Lightning IIs return to their hangars during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 17, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 demonstrated the ability of NATO nations to conduct multinational offensive and defensive air operations that integrated fourth and fifth-generation airpower.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cesar Arguello, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, performs preflight procedures of an F-22 Raptor at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, May 3, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 354th Fighter Squadron, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, taxis prior to taking off for a mission during Red Flag 23-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 25, 2023. Red Flag provides real-time war scenarios to test the readiness capabilities of U.S. military services and coalition forces.

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs perform pre-flight inspections on an F-15C Eagle at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2022. F-15 pilots utilize Agile Combat Employment, which is a key operating concept for how Pacific Air Forces will fight in a modern, contested environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)

U.S. Airmen and Marines refuel a Navy EA-18G Growler on Palau in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A damaged F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft stands on the tarmac in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, which struck the area on August 24th. Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220625-N-YD731-1054 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 25, 2022) Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles Corcoran, assistant deputy chief of staff, operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, flies in the backseat of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), June 25, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are VFA-143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform at the 2022 Sun N' Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 7, 2022. Sun N' Fun was the Thunderbirds' third show of the season and first civillian show of the year.

040811-F-1448M-002. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020118-F-5872L-003. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER '02 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron is parked on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 29, 2022. Kadena received its first F-15 C's in 1979. Since then, the tactical fighter has provided unmatched air superiority for the Indo-Pacific region.

Two U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, taxi to the runway to begin familiarization training of the UK in preparation for the Royal Air Forces Cobra Warrior 2022 exercise at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Aug. 30, 2022,. The partnerships created through recurring training events, like Cobra Warrior, better support NATOs ability to employ a strategic force in theater whenever called upon.

First Marine Expeditionary Force (1MEF) Commanding General, Lieutenant General (LGEN) James Conway and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3MAW) Commanding General, MGEN James Amos, walk out to meet the first Marine pilots to land at Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A left rear view of F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 7th and 8th Tactical Fighter Squadrons, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, parked on the runway apron. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet at Nellis Air Force Base.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chad Holesko, Maintenance Group Commander assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, discusses the 180FWs homeland defense mission with U.S. Senator Rob Portman during a visit to the wing, Oct. 7, 2022. Portman visited the 180FW as part of his Ohio defense tour aimed at increasing the range of capabilities for military installations throughout Ohio. The 180FW is the states only fighter unit, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 20, 2022) A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, lands on a flight line during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, July 20. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

010913-F-1279W-044. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 125 Fighter Wing

060724-N-2838C-009. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

110616-N-GO535-050ANCHORAGE, Alaska (June 16, 2011) An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 taxis into position at Elmendorf Air Force Base during Northern Edge 2011, the premier joint military training exercise throughout Alaska. Northern Edge provides capabilities-centered joint exercises that ensures service members are ready for deployment worldwide and adept in the detection and tracking of units at sea, in the air and on land.

A Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft armed with LAU-68 2.75-inch rocket pods and a CATM-88 HARM captive air training missile taxis out to the runway to begin a mission. The reserve squadron is at Fallon for two weeks of active duty training at the Naval Air Warfare Center target complex. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two A-10 Thunderbolt's from the 190th Fighter Squadron taxi to the runway on a training mission out of Boise, Idaho.

A Royal Air Force FGR-4 Typhoon returns from a familiarization flight, Jan. 11, 2024 for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 as a B-52 Stratofortress lands. Red Flag increases interoperability across the joint force as Airmen, Guardians, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors train together against high-end, realistic scenarios.

020511-F-9877S-072. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Point Mugu, Cailf. (Mar. 18, 2023) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and by the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, co-headline the 2023 Point Mugu Air Show March 18-19, at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 125th Fighter Squadron, Tulsa Air National Guard, Oklahoma, undergo preflight checks during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th-and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31- Nov. 10, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18s with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 link an ATM-84K SLAM-ER missile to an AN/AWW-13 Advanced Datalink pod during a hot loading exercise during a hot loading validation event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 24, 2023. Marines with VMFA-115 conducted the first ever hot load of an AGM-84D Harpoon missile during a validation event. The validation further enables loading of different types of ordnance while the aircraft is running, giving greater capability and increased sortie generation of tactical aircraft in the Indo-Pacific.

October 15, 2008 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off from the Salina, Kansas airport for an orientation flight over the nearby Smoky Hill bombing and gunnery range. Thirty A-10s from Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units across the country have converged on Salina for Hawgsmoke 2008, which will pit active-duty, Reserve and Guard pilots from 14 squadrons against each other in a bienniel bomb and gunnery competition.

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, sits on the flightline while a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, lands at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Oct. 3, 2022. The 100th ARW supports the Air Forces global reach mission by extending the range of U.S. Air Force aircraft.

DF-ST-86-11726. Subject Operation/Series: GREEN FLAG Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct pre-flight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Cameron Kindrick, plane captain assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, prepares to launch an AV-8B Harrier for a mission, during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 17, 2024. Green Flag-West is primarily executed in conjunction with US Army exercises at the National Training Center at Ft Irwin, CA, but also trains against sea-based threats in order to provide multi-domain air-to-surface fires training. Air Force

040121-F-4338B-005. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Cpl. Devon Schoff, a CH-53 crew chief at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), signals to the pilot as the aircrew prepares to return a recently overhauled CH-53 helicopter to the fleet. In order to provide the fleet with quality and capable aircraft, Marines working in FRCEs H-53 Military Branch oversee a range of critical functions including inspections and safety checks conducted during each phase of the maintenance, overhaul and repair process. (Photo by Joe Andes, Fleet Readiness Center East Public Affairs.)

Cadets from the Air Force Academy visit the 149th to see what being a Gunfighter is all about at the 149th Fighter Wing on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, 26 July, 2022. During their tour, they were able to see a wide range of career fields and gain valuable insights from our members' many years of experience.

A reservist from the 419th Fighter Wing approaches the F-35A Lightning II to prepare for the first flights of the day during exercise Sentry Savannah at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia on May 6, 2022. Exercises like Sentry Savannah, not only train and test the counter air capabilities of fighter pilots, but they provide critical experience and training to maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman David Curtis, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, marshals Col. Kevin Jamieson in an F-22 Raptor in preparation for take-off, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS, from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska is currently forward-deployed to the European Theater to support the NATO Air Shielding mission and enhance the defense posture on the eastern NATO flank. The 3rd Wing commander and command chief from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson recently visited the 90th EFS to support deployed Airmen and integrate with the squadron.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, await pre-flight checks at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 15, 2022. The Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, enabling the Liberty Wing to provide air dominance within the European theater.

021112-F-9032T-004. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, prepare to take-off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. Pilots with VMFA-312 departed for the Unit Deployment Program in order to provide forward presence and assist commanders around the globe.

020131-F-1631A-029. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An F-15E Strike Eagle prepares for takeoff at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, July 27, 2022. The 334th Fighter Squadron became part of Seymour Johnsons F-15E formal training unit on Jan. 1, 1996.

WATERS EAST OF OKINAWA (July 28, 2014) Pilots and plane captains make preparations for flight on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Three F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fight Squadron, taxi for takeoff at the break of dawn during an Operational Readiness Exercise at Buckley Air Force Base Colo., October 15, 2011. Buckley Air National Guard airmen are taking part in the Operational Readiness Exercise being held on base throughout the weekend. The ORE evaluates airmen with mission readiness in preparation for real world deployments as well as next years Operational Readiness Inspection.

Aerial team performer arrives for The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 21, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 22 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The performers perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire, whileshowcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess.

Three U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 149th Fighter Squadron, Virginia Air National Guard, arrive at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 May 12, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An F-15C Eagle taxis at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 27 June, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and con

040803-F-3431H-090. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

110704-N-GL340-102ARABIAN SEA (July 4, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting close-air support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing are parked on the flight line ahead of night flying exercises at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Nov. 9, 2022. Training during hours of darkness provides Liberty Wing personnel the experience needed to maintain a ready force and ensure NATOs collective defense.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dylan Hudson, 316th Training Squadron apprentice signals collection course noncommissioned officer in charge, poses for a photo at the MiG-29 static display, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 27, 2022. The MiG-29 is a Soviet era twin-engine fighter aircraft and is used as a static display to enhance training on base. (U.S. Air Force photo Airman 1st Class Zachary Heimbuch)

A Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) F-14A Tomcat aircraft lights its afterburners as it prepares for an early evening takeoff on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Persian Gulf

An A-10C Thunderbolt II sits on the flight line during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at Avon Park, Florida, July 25, 2022. Exercise Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 169th Fighter Wing (FW) of the South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Air National Guard Station, deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to participate in COMBAT HAMMER takes off. The 169th FW's flying squadron, the 157th Fighter Squadron, is one of several units operating in this 'live-fire' weapons testing mission. The 157th FS will fire AGM-88 Highspeed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) and AGM-65G Maverick missiles to test their pilots abilities, their unit tactics, and the effectiveness of missile systems. Subject Operation/Series: COMBAT HAMMER Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041028-F-2621S-007. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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