Air Force Training and Demonstrations

Dynamic images of modern fighter jets in training and during aerial demonstrations, showcasing advanced maneuvers and capabilities.

Maj. John Waters, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs aerial maneuvers in his F-16CM Fighting Falcon during a capabilities demonstration at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 6, 2019. Waters performed for Shaw AFB and local community members following a flight line 5K.
Maj. John Waters, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs aerial maneuvers in his F-16CM Fighting Falcon during a capabilities demonstration at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., April 6, 2019. Waters performed for Shaw AFB and local community members following a flight line 5K.
164 assets in this story
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F-22 Raptor of the United States Air Force with P-51 Mustang.
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020102-F-2034C-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing
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EL CENTRO, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2019) Opposing solo pilot Lt. Cmdr. Andre Webb, assigned to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, performs a low transition take off during a practice demonstration. The Blue Angels are conducting winter training at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, in preparation for the 2019 show season. The team is scheduled to conduct 61 flight demonstrations at 32 locations across the country to showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to the American public.
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US Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet in flight
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A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, conducts aerial refueling with an Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 9, 2022. Kadena Air Base conducts operations in support defense of Japan, as well as US efforts to preserve a free-and-open Indo-Pacific.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, takes off during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise 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.
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F-22 Raptor, P-51D Mustang, and an F-15E Strike Eagle in Tight Formation
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Right side view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft taking off simultaneously during Exercise Team Spirit '82. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '82 Base: Kwang Ju Air Base Country: Korea
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" practice during the team's inaugural winter training trip January 9 - 20, 2023 at Spaceport America, New Mexico. 2023 marks the team's 70th anniversary and this trip allows them to put to use, seven decades of airshow experience and best practices in preparation for the upcoming season.
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Lindsay MAD” Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team pilot, flies in a heritage flight formation over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 25, 2023. Heritage Flights are flown with current and former U.S. Air Force aircraft that pay tribute to Airmen, past and present, for their service and dedication to ensuring national security.
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform an aerial demonstration during the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The expo featured 12 aerial acts and 10 static display aircraft, as well as other attractions and displays, which attracted more than 55,000 attendees.
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An Israeli Air Force F-16D Barak taking off, armed with missiles.
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221025-N-FD648-1135 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 25, 2022) Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 fly in formation during the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 22.2 (NEST 22.2) in the Adriatic Sea, Oct. 25, 2022. NEST 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATOs ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the alliance in Europe.
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PACIFIC OCEAN (June 20, 2022) Two F/A-18E Super Hornets assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 conduct a fly-by off the port side of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, soared above the Thunder Over Dover air show at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 20, 2022. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, flew their demonstration earlier in the day, marking the first time this season that both teams performed a joint show.
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PHILIPPINE SEA (April 21, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, conducts a fly by during a Super Hornet demonstration aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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An A-10C Thunderbolt II Aircraft from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard conducted a fly over during an air static display for Exercise Swift Response 2022 on May 8, at Stenkovec, North Macedonia. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics and Balkans from May 2-22, 2022.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.
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F-16B Fighting Falcon of the Royal Danish Air Force.
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A Malaysian Air Force Mig-29 during maneuvers of its in-flight refueling probe into the 'basket' at the end of a refueling hose from a United States Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules high above the South China Sea, Malaysia.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Fairchild Skyfest Air Show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.
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030321-F-7203T-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown
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A Polish SU-22 jet fighter flies overhead during a multinational live-fire exercise that is part of Defender Europe at Mielno Range, Poland, May 17, 2022. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.
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The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 22, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds 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. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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110308-N-6320L-216ARABIAN SEA (March 8, 2011) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a series of high show demonstrations during the Great Texas Airshow April 22 - 24, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Along with this year marking the Air Forces 75th anniversary, Joint Base San Antonio was celebrating the 80th birthday of Air Education and Training Command.
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An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah takes off from the Air Dominance Center during Sentry Savannah on May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth- and fifth- generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.
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An aerial view of a Malaysian Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig-29 Fulcrum above the South China Sea, Malaysia.
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Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker in flight, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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An Israeli Air Force F-15 releasing flares.
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform an aerial demonstration during the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The expo featured 12 aerial acts and 10 static display aircraft, as well as other attractions and displays, which attracted more than 55,000 attendees.
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An F-15D Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron takes off for RED FLAG-Alaska at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 15, 2022. RED FLAG-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces directed field training exercise for U.S. and international forces flown under simulated air combat conditions primarily out of Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
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A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds were the headline performance for McConnells first air show in four years.
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040514-N-0295M-047. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.
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030329-F-5855M-243. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2023. Marines with VMFA-242 will take part in their first deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit since becoming fully operationally capable in 2022.
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An air-to-air right underside view of the F-16XL Fighting Falcon prototype aircraft dropping several bombs while on a demonstration flight during the Farnborough Air Show. The aircraft is also armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the wing tips and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles on the undercarriage. Base: Farnborough Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)
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A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle flies above Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 1 July, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region 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 control
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A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle takes flight during a training mission at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, August 22, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 conducts a vertical landing aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, May 23, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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221001-N-VI910-2172 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 1, 2022) A T-45C Goshawk training jet, assigned to the Golden Eagles” of Advanced Jet Training Squadron (VT) 22, flies by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets flies over NASA's Kennedy Space Center as part of the World Space Expo aerial salute. Other aircraft joining in the expo salute include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights precision skydiving team. The World Space Expo held Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum
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The U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, perform flight demonstrations in F/A-18 Super Hornets as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2022: Avia parade in Moscow. su-35 and strategic bomber and missile platform Tu-95 in the sky on parade of Victory in World War II in Moscow, Russia MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2022: Avia parade in Moscow. su-35 and strategic bomber and missile platform Tu-95 in the sky on parade of Victory in World War II in Moscow, Russia Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 19397257
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. U.S. Marines with VMFA-242 conduct routine flight operations to increase proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness to ensure regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
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Spanish Air Force EF-18M Hornet taking off.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, headline the Fort Wayne Air Show, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, June 3, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly seventy air shows in almost three dozen different locations this year.
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The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, perform for the crowd during the 2012 Airpower Over the Midwest air show Sept. 16, 2012, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The air show featured numerous acts including the United States Special Operations Command para-commandos, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as well as hands on static airplane displays.
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220807-N-UJ411-1378 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, flies overhead during an air power demonstration. Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.
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A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots compete in Hawgsmoke 2022 at Saylor Creek in Idaho, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.
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A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon takes off from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., for exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2, March 8, 2023. RF-N 23-2 provided 20th Fighter Wing pilots and aircrew, along with air forces and airframes from around the world, with combat readiness and tactical proficiency training to ensure harmonious interoperability for potential future conflicts.
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel Fiedler, F-16 Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performed at the Chippewa Valley Air Show, WI, June 4, 2022. Fiedler performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of one of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual AirVenture, in Oshkosh, Wis., Aug. 3, 2014. AirVenture 2014 is the annual airplane convention celebrating homebuilt aircraft. The Thunderbirds are the official demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
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The U.S. Navy West Coast Rhino F/A-18 Superhornet Demo team waits to perform during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 airshow at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 14, 2022. Fairchild Skyfest 2022 included the West Coast Rhino F/A-18 Demo team, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Forces joint partners in assuring air superiority.
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020227-F-5701K-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Peter J. Ganci Jr. Air Base State: Chuskaya Oblast Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF
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Flames explode behind the U.S. Navy Blue Angels' F/A-18 Hornets during the night portion of the 2014 Miramar Air Show aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 4. The wall of fire is the last event of the night air show.
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John MacRae, the 134th Fighter Squadron Commander at the 158th Fighter Wing, takes off in an F-35A Lighting II at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Oct. 16, 2022. During this sortie, MaCrae reached over 1,000 hours piloting F-35's, an incredible milestone which is a testament to his experience and expertise piloting the Air Forces newest 5th generation fighter aircraft.
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An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, flown by the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, returns to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, after a local training mission on Jan. 11, 2023.