Air Force Personnel Activities

Images of U.S. Air Force personnel engaged in maintenance, briefings, and preparing for missions, highlighting teamwork and operational readiness.

Soldiers assigned to 330th Movement Control Battalion arrive at Fort Bragg N.C. Dec. 12th. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 328th Air Refueling Squadron and 914th Maintenance Squadron meet in front of a KC-135 Stratotanker July 8, 2022, on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. During this time, pilots and crew chiefs discuss the current condition and maintenance history of the Stratotanker; this is done before takeoff.

U.S. Air Force 1st Special Operations Wing from Hurlburt Field, Florida, Airmen offload cargo from an MC-130J Combat Talon II aircraft assigned after it temporarily relocates to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, during Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The 88th Air Base Wing Airmen provided strength through support as aircraft and aircrews from installations affected by the hurricane arrived seeking safety.

Airmen and commanders from across the 152nd Airlift Wing attend an assumption of command ceremony where Col. Evan J. Kirkwood took command of the 152 AW at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, October 15, 2022. Kirkwood is the 24th commander in the units 74-year history.

Members from the 151st Wing prepare the KC-135R to depart from Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base during Exercise PERSES on Feb. 3, 2024. The joint exercise challenges the tactics, techniques, and procedures of both Utah Air and Army National Guard units along with other component units, while testing innovative ideas and communication practices. (Utah Air National Guard

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade load a C-17 Globemaster III on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 7, 2022. The paratroopers used the nearby 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons Hangar Five to prepare equipment which allowed for closer proximity to the aircraft, expedited the airborne timeline, and mitigated jumper fatigue prior to follow-on Saber Junction 2022 operations. Saber Junction is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 refuel a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft with Patrol Squadron Eight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 22, 2022. MWSS-171 Marines cooperate with joint forces to support aerial operations in the Indo-Pacific through timely and efficient aircraft refueling.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 412th and 404th Civil Affairs Battalions conduct airborne operations during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 20, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

Army Airborne rigger team exit 136th Airlift Wings' C-130 J Model aircraft after airdrop onto Hechtselse Heide Drop Zone Sep. 13, 2022 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Exercise Falcon Leap 2022 is a part of the remembrance ceremonies for Operation Market Gardens anniversary and is currently NATOs largest technical airborne exercise.

A group of Alamo Wing Reserve Citizen Airmen simulate arriving at a deployedlocation as part of Exercise Dragons Den at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland,Texas on Feb. 6, 2024. The exercise, involving roughly 150 Airmen,demonstrated the 433rd Airlift Wings ability to conduct C-5M Super Galaxy airliftoperations in a deployed environment while under threat of hostile action. Air Force

Soldiers assigned to 330th Movement Control Battalion arrive at Fort Bragg N.C. Dec. 12th. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

Senior Airman David Thurman crew chief assigned to the 168th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, conducts routine maintenance checks while communicating with the KC-135 aircrew before sending off in support of Red Flag-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base. The Alaska Air National Guard, 168th Wing, leads and generates combat readiness training as the tanker task force refueling Red Flag-Alaska 22-1, providing combat interoperability opportunities to approximately 2,200 service members from three nations, maintaining and supporting more than 90 aircraft and over 25 units. Airmen of the 168th Wing provide critical support to allies through on-time rapid in-flight refueling allowing RF-A participants to train for full spectrum engagements. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed training exercise allowing forces unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

Airmen assigned to the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, exit a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 167 Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, after arriving at Lielvārde Air Base, located in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, May 14, 2022, for support and training while participating in DEFENDER-Europe 22. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises within U.S. European Command's Large Global Scale Exercise construct taking place in Eastern Europe. DEFENDER-Europe 22 demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africa's ability to conduct large scale ground combat operations across multiple theatres in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, prepare to board a C-17 Globemaster III during exercise Steel Knight, Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, Dec. 2, 2022. The 21st Airlift Squadron transported 15 Marines and approximately 68,000 pounds of equipment during their annual exercise which included live-fire training in controlled environments.

Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division based at Ft. Bragg, N.C., depart a Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., C-130J Hercules aircraft at Port-au-Prince International Airport, Haiti, Jan. 16, 2010. These soldiers will be providing security, medical support, and command for the troops and assisting in in Haitian relief efforts after a devastating earthquake struck the country Jan. 12, 2010. Little Rock AFB is a component of Air Mobility Command. Since relief operations began Jan. 13, 2010, AMC aircraft have deliver more than 323 tons of emergency tons of cargo to Haiti. (USAF

Senior Airman Nicholas Hawkins, a crew chief with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, carries a fuel hose prior to takeoff August 25, 2022 on Oahu, Hawaii. The Stratotanker and crew stopped in Oahu to refuel before heading to the INDO-PACOM Area of Responsibility.

Members of the Tennessee National Guard unload equipment from a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard, upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Md. Jan. 15, 2021. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to Washington D.C. to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

Col. Darren Hamilton, 179th Airlift Wing Commander, speaks to Ohio National Guard members joining friends, family and prior service members during the 179th Airlift Wing Flying Legacy ceremony at Mansfield Lahm ANGB, Ohio, April 23, 2022. After being selected to become the nation's first Air National Guard Cyber Wing, the unit is transitioning from flying a C-130H Hercules and honored their unit's historical heritage as a flying unit dating back to 1948 with lineage reaching back to 1942 including the 363rd Fighter Squadron of World War II.

DF-ST-88-03918. Base: Norton Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 107th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard, board a C-17 Globemaster III during the Niagara Warrior exercise on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls N.Y. April 7, 2022. The purpose of the excercise was to practice the ability of the 107th to deploy rapidly and face unexpected situations in the process. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Michael Janker.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron board a C-130 to return to Poland from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 19, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an arctic agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

Members of the Tinker Company Grade Officer Council visit the 507th Air Refueling Wing to learn about the Air Force Reserve, the KC-135 Stratotanker and wing's aerial refueling mission October 4, 2022, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

040417-F-0701S-003. Base: Lambert Iap, Saint Louis State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chapel members from Altus, Sheppard, and Vance Air Force Base enter a KC-46A Pegasus aircraft at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Jan. 19, 2024. The group toured the static display and witnessed the mission at the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

U.S. Air Force Airmen board a C-130J Hercules at Royal Australian Air Force Base Curtin, Western Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. USAF Airmen routinely work alongside international Allies and partners to continuously build and strengthen interoperability and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

030910-F-1342R-028. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Airmen of the 107th Attack Wing begin boarding a C-17 Globemaster III in preparation for a brief flight during a Readiness Exercise on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls NY, April 7, 2022. The purpose of the Readiness Exercise is to demonstrate the 107th Attack Wings capability to generate personnel and cargo under contested, degraded and operationally limited conditions.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Airborne Brigade soldiers line up on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, during a bilateral jump training with the 36th Airlift Squadron, April 19, 2022. A total of 50 personnel are planned to perform static line jumps throughout the three-day training event, with an expected total of 600.

Airmen wait to board a C-130J Hercules assigned to the 29th Weapons Squadron (WPS) for a training mission on San Clemente Island from Naval Air Station North Island, California, Nov. 7, 2022. The 29th WPS was responsible for resupplying the 66th WPS A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with standoff weapons.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing load a mobile air conditioning unit onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster in preparation for a departure flight during exercise Accurate Test 22 at Thumrait Air Base, Oman, May 22, 2022. The Airmen pictured steered the air conditioning unit from the back as a winch inside of the aircraft pulled the cargo up the ramp and into the plane.

Members of Task Force Tomahawk arrive at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, Feb. 23, 2024. Task Force Tomahawk returned from a nine-month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, where the Citizen-Soldiers provided security at multiple sites across the Horn of Africa as well as manned the East African Response Force. (Oklahoma National Guard

970217-F-5742K-002. Subject Operation/Series: EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

971119-F-0966E-002. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen depart a C-17 Globemaster III at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, to support missions within the region, Aug. 16, 2022. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces have the capacity to conduct training and exercises focused on the full spectrum of military operations anywhere within the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Hunter Rhoden, 86th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, marshals a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 14, 2024. Rhoden was one of multiple Airmen to earn their landing zone safety officer certification during the multi-day course. This special experience identifier allows them to perform the LZSO function in all environments. LZSOs are able to set up landing zones in austere locations and also land and launch aircraft from that location. Air Force

U. S. Air Force Airmen from the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, (SANGB) Mich. performs Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training while arming an A-10 Thunderbolt II also from SANGB during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) during Northern Agility 22-2/Northern Strike 22, at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Mich., Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Agility 22-2 and Northern Strike 22 executing currently demonstrate how the Air Forces new Agile Combat Employment concept can be integrated into the joint fight. Northern Strike provides the perfect backdrop for the Michigan Air National Guard to establish Michigan as a center of excellence for ACE.

040110-F-7359L-004. Base: Duluth International Airport State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Airmen with the Air Force Reserve Command aircrew for a C-17 Globemaster III work with Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment (1-147) of the Wisconsin National Guard on loading and unloading UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 10 at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy. The 1-147th was set up with numerous Black Hawks and support equipment and personnel at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport throughout the first two weeks of June for annual training. The 1-147th and its UH-60s regularly support training operations at Fort McCoy as well as supporting distinguished visitor flying operations. Photo by Kevin Clark/Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office

Members of the 445th AES and ASTS off-load a litter through the side door of a C-17 Globemaster III during a simulated cargo door malfunction scenario, Sept. 13, 2022. More than 180 Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing and members of the 5th Battalion, 159th Regiment General Support Aviation Battalion, Fort Knox, Kentucky, participated in an aeromedical patient movement exercise named Operation Merciful Valkyrie, Sept. 11-14, 2022. Four C-17 Globemaster IIIs conducted eight launches a day, three days in a row, for a total of 24 launches roundtrip from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The exercise focused on transporting patients from an austere environment (Fort Campbell) and bringing them to a more secure location (Wright-Patterson AFB) while providing en route medical care.

Airmen from 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, prepare to forward deploy aboard a C-130J Super Hercules from the 317th Air Lift Wing, Dyess, Texas, in support of exercise Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 20, 2022. Raging Gunfighter is an exercise taking place across Utah showcasing Agile Combat Employment concepts and requiring units to deploy as Air Expeditionary Wings to employ mission generation, command and control and base operating support elements from a main operating base while supporting a forward operating base, in a contested environment.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, and other Airmen board the 55th Electronic Combat Group's EC-130H Compass Call at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 14, 2022. Kennedy is the commander of the first Information Warfare Numbered Air Force. This convergence of IW forces synchronized cyberspace operations, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, electromagnetic spectrum operations such as the 55th ECG's mission, information operations, public affairs and weather.

041203-F-2034C-045. Base: Unknown

Tech. Sgt. Francisco Guerrero-Vasquez, flight engineer with the 312th Airlift Squadron, performs a pre-flight "walk around" inspection of a C-5B Galaxy Aug. 11, 2014, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The C-5 Galaxy is a heavy airlifter with intercontinental range. It is the largest U.S. military aircraft, capable of carrying more than 270,000 pounds of cargo.

A Soldier with A Battery, Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), walks the tarmac of the Mosul Airfield June 9 at Contingency Operating Base Diamondback, Iraq.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, arrive at Sawyer International Airport, Michigan, in support of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training during the Northern Agility 22-1 exercise, June 27, 2022, here. Master Sgt. Heather Bell from the 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, helped her team to unload communications equipment in preparation for the exercise.

Members from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard move past one Nebraska Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotanker on their way to their own KC-135R for deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Lincoln Municipal Airport State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC/ANG

U.S. service members with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) conduct an honorable carry at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 1, 2023. After being repatriated from the Solomon Islands the potential osseous material of service members is honored on their return home where the lab at DPAA will begin the process of identification.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing is prepared for a training flight on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 31, 2022. The Stratotankers assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Squadron "Tigers" allow the Wing to support Air Mobility Command with mid-air refueling and air bridge support to overseas contingency operations and homeland defense.

U.S. Air Force Airmen watch as a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, prepares for takeoff during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 7, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Karl Arborgast, left, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, and Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Wyble, center, sergeant major, MCAS Beaufort, greet Brig. Gen. Andrew Niebel, right, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East, at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, April 18, 2022. Niebel visited MCAS Beaufort as a part of a command tour where he met with air station leadership, toured base facilities and interacted with Marines.

011010-F-4406B-022. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

DA-ST-87-12848. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '87 Base: Camp Long Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

220909-N-XN177-2260 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 9, 2022) - U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) board an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) during a fast rope training evolution aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 9, 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.

Prior to taking off for an outreach event, Staff Sgt. Stephanie Garber, 709th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, completes a C-5M Super Galaxy preflight check at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 30, 2022. During the outreach event, the Team Dover total force aircrew gave tours to more than 175 cadets from the United States Air Force Academy, USAFA Preparatory School and their family members.

The 3d Cavalry Regiment arrives in South Korea as they begin their KRF rotation in Osan, South Korea, Feb. 21, 2024. During the rotation, they will be under operational control of the 2nd Infantry ROK-U.S. Combined Division. Army

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Grayson Jones, crew chief, prepares a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron for take off, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb.12, 2024. BTF missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Air Force

030903-F-4338B-014. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Capt. Robert Carpenter and Senior Airman Michael Stedman salute each other prior to take off during Red Flag-Alaska 14-2 June 20, 2014, on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. During the exercise, participants utilized the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex to fly combat training missions. Carpenter is a 25th Fighter Squadron pilot and Stedman is a 51st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief assigned to Osan Air Base, South Korea.

Members of the US Air Force 86th Airlift Wing Honor Guard carry the remains of fallen sailors from USS COLE (DDG 67) from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on October 13, 2000. The sailors were caught in the explosion during the bombing of Cole in the Yemen port city of Aden. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

030321-F-2380C-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen, BGen Michael Harrison, RADM James Shannon, and Col Manson Morris salute the coffin of a fallen service member during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base Delaware July 8, 2009. All fallen service members are transferred directly from theater to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation Center at Dover Air Force Base Delaware.

A member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Biological Chemical Weapons Defense Unit opens a C-130J Super Hercules crew door during a joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear decontamination study, April 18, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The study was a two-day event involving familiarization briefings from Airmen assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing and a demonstration of the skills utilized in a CBRN rescue for mass causalities from aircraft such as the C-130.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 315th Contingency Response Flight, offload a C-17A Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, March 26, 2023 upon completion of exercise El Swampo. The Exercise was designed to provide various training scenarios to maintain operational currencies, validate Agile Combat Employment doctrine and employ tactics training and procedures to foster sister service and federal department interoperability.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman David Jones, 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, salutes a C-17 Globemaster III after marshaling it out of a parking spot at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 12, 2022. Team McChord Airmen from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, are participating in Exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 in conjunction with Exercise Rainier War 22B. Exercise Rainier War is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

A group of U.S. Army Paratroopers, assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and Warrior Training Center, walks in formation to board a C-130 aircraft with their T-11 parachute during Exrcise Falcon Leap on Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, Netherlands., Sep. 13, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

Soldiers carry a simulated casualty toward a Military Airlift Command C-130 Hercules aircraft during the medical evacuation phase of exercise Market Square III. Subject Operation/Series: MARKET SQUARE III Base: Mccall Army Air Field State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 7th Bomb Wing leadership team greets Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, B-1B Lancer crewmembers on the flightline at Dyess AFB, Texas, Feb. 3, 2024. Air Force

030430-F-7203T-001. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Airmen greet aircrew after a long flight from Minot Air Force Base at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 1, 2024. Bomber Task Force deployments, such as these, strengthen the readiness and training required to respond to any possible crisis or challenge worldwide. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Continental U.S. NORAD Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern, Air Forces Space) observes a KC-135 aircraft while receiving a tour from Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen with the 171st Air Refueling Wings Maintenance Group near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 7, 2022. Sundin visited the 171st ARW to speak with Airmen and reinforce the importance of the 171st ARW's role in the North American Aerospace Defense Commands homeland defense mission.

Air crew performs preflight checks during an exercise on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, TN April 2, 2023. The crew cheifs coordinated checks on the exterior of the KC-135 Stratotanker simultaniously with the air crew inside the aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Wing load onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 24, 2022. C-17s are capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo in support of deployments. Moody Airmen set out on the first-ever operational deployment of the HH-60W to provide rescue services in support of contingency operations.

Members of the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., prepare to place litters onto a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron June 23, 2022. The 36th AES is an Air Force Reserve unit within the 403rd Wing tasked with the lifesaving mission of providing care to patients in various airframes as they're transported to accommodating medical facilities.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Kim, 621st Contingency Response Wing aerial porter, guides in a forklift operator to download equipment from a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas during exercise Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Wendover Air Field May 20, 2022. The 621st CRW is highly specialized in training and rapidly deploying personnel to quickly open airfields and establish, expand, sustain, and coordinate air mobility operations.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade walk off the airfield shortly after some 20 AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters land at the Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, May 13, 2022. The Soldiers initially deployed to the Baltic region for a training exercise and remained forward to support Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Airmen from the 168th Wing board a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Elmendorf, Anchorage, prior to departing from Eielson Air Force Base en route to support and help fellow Alaska Citizens with the disaster relief response as a part of the Operation Merbok Response in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline.

U.S. Airmen with the 62d Maintenance group prepare a cargo pallet to be loaded onto a 62d Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 17, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise simulating a deployment in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

120210-F-WY074-941 U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, from Vicenza, Italy, file into a C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 10, 2012. More than 300 paratroopers were dropped to commemorate 70 years of combat airlift abilities of the 37th Airlift Squadron from Ramstein Air Base.

An Airman from the 19th Airlift Wing departs a C-130J Super Hercules at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, after returning from a deployment, April 4, 2022. Airmen from the 19th AW deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, which is known as U.S. Central Commands Theater Gateway, and is capable of responding to contingencies throughout the area of responsibility through tactical airlift operations.

709th Airlift Squadron poses for a squadron photo, April 2, 2022, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

041110-F-1740G-003. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

An Airman assigned to the 355th Maintenance Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., performs post flight checks on an A-10 Thunderbolt II during exercise Bushwhacker 22-07 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, Nov. 3, 2022. For this iteration of Bushwhacker, Airmen were spread across multiple locations in Virginia and displayed DMs ability to accomplish the Lead Wing concept.

U.S. Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, prepare to board a C-17 Globemaster III during exercise Steel Knight, at Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 2, 2022. The 21st Airlift Squadron transported 15 Marines and approximately 68,000 pounds of equipment during their annual exercise which included live-fire training in controlled environments.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Infantry Regiment, Michigan National Guard, board a flight from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Tunisia, June 18, 2022. Soldier from the regiment are participating in exercise African Lion 22, U.S. Africa Commands largest and premier annual exercise, involving more than 7,500 service members from seven nations.

Pilots from the 164th Airlift Squadron at the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm ANGB, Ohio, depart their aircraft after their final flight on July 7, 2022. This aircraft, tail 88-4401, will retire and become a static display at the MAPS Air Museum (Military Aviation Preservation Society), an internationally known museum of aviation in North Canton, Ohio. After being selected to become the nation's first Air National Guard Cyber Wing, the unit is transitioning from flying the C-130H Hercules to a new mission assigned to Air Combat Command.

Polish land forces board a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, prior to a static line airdrop as part of the Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 (ADR 22-4) training, at Kraków International Airport, Poland, Sept. 13, 2022. Participation in training events like ADR 22-4 enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries.

040429-F-5138D-002. Base: Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Veterans from the 44th Engineer Battalion visit the 139th Airlift Wing, Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2022. The visitors toured a C-130 Hercules and learned about the the mission of the 139th.

U.S. Air Force aircrew from the 16th Airlift Squadron and U.S. Marines from Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron-1, and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-461 load a CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prior to airlift to Berlin, U.S. Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 14, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Norcross, an F-16 crew chief, inspects a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as part of Exercise Ballast Cannon Jan. 6, 2024. Exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The American Airman is a warfighter - capable of supporting dynamic operations while seamlessly integrating with coalition forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Major General Brian W. Cavanaugh salutes a formation during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 12, 2022. Major General Brian W. Cavanaugh relinquished command of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing to Major General Eric E. Austin. 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is the aviation combat element of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Its mission is to conduct air operations in support of the Fleet Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-air support, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles.

A KC-46APegasus from McConnell Air Force Base,Kansas stopped at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio for a routine stop and allowed base personnel to tour the aircraft Oct. 12, 2022.

DF-ST-86-12171. Base: Davis Field State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of 5th Bn., 14th Inf., 25th Inf. Div. (Light), disembark from a C-130 Hercules aircraft upon their arrival in South Korea at the start of the joint South Korean/U.S. exercise Team Spirit '89. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '89 Base: Yoju Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

980620-F-9580Z-014. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011024-F-0308N-163. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2001 Country: Southwest Asia Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Marines board a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS INCHON (LPH-12) as the vessel takes part in the joint exercise Dragon Hammer '92. Subject Operation/Series: DRAGON HAMMER '92 Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

040511-F-9629J-014. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

Deployed personnel deplane a C-17 Globemaster III at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 3, 2022. Team Dover members returned to Dover after being deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.

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