Air National Guard Operations

Images feature Air and Army National Guardsmen in operational settings, demonstrating teamwork and training in rescue and maintenance efforts.

U.S. Air Force Airman Jeremiah Cummins, center, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics specialist, climbs into the center accessory compartment of a KC-10 Extender during a Maintenance Qualification Training Program class at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 14, 2022. The MQTP at Travis AFB trains and qualifies incoming maintainers on their jobs.

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)

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

Airman 1st Class Jordan McCoy and Tech. Sgt Alexandre Montes, 57th Wing Public Affairs Specialists, direct Airmen assigned to the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-15 Strike Aircraft Maintenance Unit a portrait at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 19, 2022. The Airmen whose portrait was taken won the Air Combat Command 3rd Quarter Safety Award after deterring a potentially deadly fire on an aircraft due to a fuel leak.

030125-F-2185F-005. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron exit a C-17 Globemaster Feb. 6, 2023, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The Airmen traveled to Alpena CRTC to perform two weeks of annual training in a cold weather environment.

U.S. Air Force Airman Jeremiah Cummins, center, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics specialist, climbs into the center accessory compartment of a KC-10 Extender during a Maintenance Qualification Training Program class at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 14, 2022. The MQTP at Travis AFB trains and qualifies incoming maintainers on their jobs.

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

040920-F-1646R-042. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing train Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station about essential procedures about the KC-135R Stratotanker during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise incorporates more than seven military entities across three branches creating innovative operational concepts to allow quick response to an ever changing wartime horizon

A group of Airmen gather to observe a joint training exercise on board a 445th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2022. The 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 88th Medical Group Critical Care Air Transport Team conducted the training, simulating a live-flight environment where Airmen learn to prepare for challenges such as turbulence, changes in temperatures and air pressure, as they care for critically ill patients.

The Civil Engineering Squadron of the 147th Attack Wing on Joint Reserve Base Ellington, TX board onto a C-130 jet for mission-ready airman training in Pennsylvania. The Connecticut National Guard piloted the flight for the unit. (Texas Air National Guard Photo by Airman First Class Asiah Phillips) (Photo enhanced to emphasize the subject.)

040626-F-3798Y-027. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

152nd Operations Group Airmen wear chemical gear as part of the Ready Roller exercise at Amedee Army Airfield in Herlong, Calif. October 15, 2022. The purpose of the exercise was to test capabilities in a simulated contested environment, utilizing the Agile Combat Employment concept

Tech. Sgts. Rogelio Naranja and Michael Valeich, 413th Flight Test Squadron Detachment 1 operators, gear up for a High-Altitude High-Opening (HAHO) jump from a HC-130J Combat King II during a BLACK FLAG 22-1 training mission May 12, 2021, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Black Flag is a premier joint operational test event hosted by the 53rd Wing at Nellis AFB that validates tactics in a combat relevant environment.

Members of 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment retrograde nine UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, Jan. 29, 2024, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo. The Soldiers were deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo, in accordance with United Nations Resolution (UNSC) 1244.

U.S. Airmen work together to unload a pallet of luggage from a forklift onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, during exercise Agile Flag 22-2, July 21, 2022. 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.

U.S Air Force members walk towards a CV-22 Osprey assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Melrose Air Force Range, N.M., Jan. 18, 2023. Robinson visited Cannon in order to learn the Mission Sustainment Team, their capabilities, equipment, and training employed in exercises and deployed environments.

Col. Thomas Coppinger, 108th Wing vice commander, leads John Mack, honorary commander, through a KC-135R at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on April 21, 2022. The honorary commander program allows members of the community to become wing and squadron commanders for the year. The program builds morale, informs the community of the wings operations, and highlights notable state figures who deserve recognition.

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)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry looks out the door before disembarking from the U.S. Air Force C-17 transport that ferried him from meetings in Erbil, Iraq, to a session with European allies in Brussels, Belgium, on June 24, 2014, focused on Ukraine.

Crew Chiefs with the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, prepare F-35A Lightning IIs for takeoff during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 5, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. This exercise demonstrates our Airmens capability, resilience, adaptability, and strength.

U.S. Airmen with the Indiana Air National Guard load 2.75 inch rockets onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) maneuver at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, July 12, 2022. The ICT maneuver involves reloading and refueling the A-10C Thunderbolt II with the engines still running in preparation for another takeoff while the pilot waits in the cockpit.

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)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and 3d Marine Division load equipment onto a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill on Okinawa, Japan, initiating the deployment of the divisions Forward Command Element participating in KAMANDAG 6 in the Philippines, Sept. 27, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, walk on the flightline at the 33rd Air Base, Powidz, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The Airmen will take part in the Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 (ADR 22-4) training from Sept. 10-23. The objective of the training is to enhance interoperability and airlift capabilities among allied armed forces through realistic joint, air operation scenarios.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, depart a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 93rd ARS upon arrival to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in support of Operation Noble Defender 22-4.2, Sept. 12, 2022. Noble Defender is an air defense operation designed to demonstrate the United States and Canada's ability to defend the approaches of North America from current and future cruise missile threats while integrating across domains with partners and allies.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Js from the 317th Airlift Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, transport Airmen and cargo from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to Hill Air Force Base Utah, May 17, 2022 to participate in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing for potential Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations around the world.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 49th Wing load equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster III headed to Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, June 22, 2022, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four 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 Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., deplane from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Charleston, S.C. during exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, S.C., Aug. 22, 2022. Iron Hand 22-09 was designed to test the execution of a light, lean, and maneuverable force, and integrated 20th FW and J.B. Charleston assets to provide realistic training in the field.

Crew members prepare for take-off at the 190th ARW, June 15. 190th guard members supported Gunslinger exercise.

A U.S. Airmen with the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, review the procedures of installing magazines for the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare System, while attending the Weapon Task Qualification Manager/Munitions Training Course, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, February 22, 2024. The WTQM course, taught by the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, includes training in the uploading of expendables in the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare Systems, as well as explosive safety, expendables operations, and practical flare loading operations, utilizing training munitions items on mobility aircraft. Air National Guard

970407-F-7910D-504. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX GAUNTLET Base: Brazzaville Country: Congo (COG)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathan Bell (center), a bulk-fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272, receives fueling instruction from U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ethan Tentler (left) and Senior Airman Nathan Jester, quality-assurance Airmen with 4th Fighter Readiness Squadron, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Aug. 16, 2022. The Marines and Airmen trained in aircraft refueling to enhance interoperability for future joint expeditionary advanced base operations. MWSS-272 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Airmen with the Indiana Air National Guard load 2.75 inch rockets onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft 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.

U.S. Marines with Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, prepare to board a KC-130J Super Hercules for a Transpacific (TRANSPAC) flight at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, QL, Australia, Sept. 14, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

A group of service members, including Soldiers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Forward Engineering Support Team based in Wiesbaden, Germany, boards a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules at Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 22, 2014. The engineers are bound for Liberia, where they will build medical treatment units as part of Operation United Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development-led, whole-of-government effort to respond to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The Soldiers departure was coordinated by Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Contingency Response Group, which operates an Intermediate Staging Base at the Dakar airport.

U.S. Airmen assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, load live munitions onto an F-15E Strike Eagle at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2023. The Air Force requires a mix of both air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons that can deliver the capability and capacity needed to maintain a competitive advantage over the pacing challenge.

Airmen from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations prepare to run through a dignified transfer during ground training July 29, 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. This is the first ground training for newly deployed Airmen since they arrived at AFMAO.

U.S. Air Force Airmen board a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 10, 2022. McChord Airmen are participating in Exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 as part of Exercise Rainier War 22B. Exercise Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

During an agile combat employment joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing unload a Polaris Military RZR from a KC-135R Stratotanker on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

Airmen practice performing a dignified transfer during the Force Support Contingency Training-Mortuary course at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 9, 2022. A dignified transfer is the solemn movement honoring the return of a service member arriving from overseas back to American soil. The week-long course is designed to train Reserve personnel on mortuary operations with Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.

Airmen with the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, unload luggage from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 27, 2022. Planes, equipment and Airmen came to Wright-Patt to get out of the way of Hurricane Ian which was bearing on the west coast of Florida.

U.S. Army troops at the Kansas City Downtown Airport board a C-130 Hercules from the Air Force Reserves' 95th Airlift Squadron (AS), General Mitchell-Milwaukee International Airport. The 95th AS and its C-130s are participating in Exercise Patriot Express '95. The Army personnel will participate in operation Cooperate Nugget after they are airlifted to Fort Polk, La. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT EXPRESS '95 COOPERATE NUGGET Base: Kansas City Downtown Airport State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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)

030916-F-5281B-033. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marines with Kilo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, Marine Forces Reserve, and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252, prepare an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System to be loaded onto a KC-130J Super Hercules at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, May 10, 2022. The Marines of Kilo Battery conducted their annual training alongside the U.S. Air Force during exercise Emerald Warrior 22.1. Emerald Warrior provides annual, realistic pre-deployment training encompassing multiple joint operating areas across the globe.

031219-F-9629J-002. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. service members board a KC-130J Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 during Exercise Trident 23-2 at Blackstone Army Airfield, Virginia, Nov. 16, 2022. VMGR-252 provided assault support to U.S. Navy SEALs during a training exercise to enhance combat readiness and improve naval integration. VMGR-252 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing salute two returning B-1B Lancers as they taxi to their parking area on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 30, 2011. The B-1s bombed targets in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Caddick walks away from a finished job after uploading two pallets and helping aircrew passengers prepare for take-off from Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The C-130 Hercules aircraft is from the 41st Airlift Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, temporarily assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing all supporting Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry boards a C-17 aircraft on April 8, 2016, for a flight from Manama International Airport in Manama, Bahrain, to Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad, Iraq, in advance of meetings Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, and Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

Paratroopers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, prepare to execute a joint forcible entry operation into Red Flag 22-2, at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson June 15th. The Arctic Angels execute the JFEO while Air Force assets achieve air superiority over the objective, demonstrating the DoD's Arctic capabilities in the annual joint exercise.

The Civil Engineering Squadron of the 147th Attack Wing on Joint Reserve Base Ellington, TX board onto a C-130 jet for mission-ready airman training in Pennsylvania. The Connecticut National Guard piloted the flight for the unit. (Texas Air National Guard Photo by Airman First Class Asiah Phillips) (Photo enhanced to emphasize the subject.)

Senior Airman William Dugger, a 621st Contingency Response Wing air transportation specialist, weighs an aircraft maintenance cart in preparation for airlift during Exercise Bamboo Eagle, Feb. 1, 2024, Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. The contingency response team members performed an airfields on demand mission during the exercise, receiving cargo and personnel to rapidly project air power in a new location. Air Force

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 186th Brigade Support Battalion, Vermont National Guard, return from annual training, South Burlington, Vt., August 13, 2022. The 186th BSB travelled to Camp Dodge, in Johnston, Iowa where they conducted MOS specific training.

A Humvee is rapidly deployed from a 41st Airlift Squadron C-130J during an engine running off-load at the Port-au-Prince International Airport, Haiti, Jan. 14 as part of on-going Haitian earthquake relief operations. The aircraft launched from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., near midnight Jan. 13, loaded personnel and equipment before dawn at Biloxi-Gulfport International Airport, Miss., and delivered them to the Port-au-Prince International Airport, Haiti, the morning of Jan. 14. (USAF

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion and 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne (AASLT), board on a flight to Europe on Fort Campbell, KY, June 25, 2022. 2nd Brigade Combat Team and Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion will be sent to Europe to support our North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allies.

Members from the 822nd Base Defense Squadron from Moody Air Force Base exit out of a C-130 at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, July 22, 2022, as part of AGILE FLAG 22-2. Participating units for AGILE FLAG 22-2 travelled from Moody AFB, Shaw AFB, Dyess AFB, Hurlburt AFB, MacDill AFB, Travis AFB, and Robbins AFB to the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, and other regional locations for the duration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Kniefel (right), 921st Contingency Response Squadron and Contingency Response Element commander, discusses operations alongside Romanian and British leadership after a C-17 Globemaster III landed in eastern Europe, May 12, 2022. Alongside partner nations and allies, 621st Contingency Response Wing Airmen delivered cargo to operations in support of U.S. European Command.

U.S. Air Force security policemen board a C-130E Hercules aircraft during Exercise Volant Scorpion '85. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT SCORPION '85 Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 165th Airlift Wing hosted 70 students from the Benedictine Military School JROTC for a familiarization flight on one of our C-130 Hercules aircraft on April 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. Two members of the crew that flew the students are graduates of Benedictine Military School Lt. Col. John Mims, a navigator, graduated in 1989 and Lt. Col. Jack Groover, a pilot, graduated in 1991. The students were given a safety briefing prior to flight and given the opportunity to ask questions about the aircraft and about certain jobs in the Air National Guard.

010401-F-2021R-002. Base: Raf Kinloss State: Forress Moray Country: Scotland (SCT)

Air National Guard Airmen with the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia National Guard, and aircrew with the 156th Airlift Wing, Puerto Rico National Guard, load a pallet of water onto a Puerto Rico C-130 aircraft on the flight line at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Sept. 23, 2017, as part of Hurricane Maria relief operations. Three Puerto Rico cargo aircraft and aircrew departed Savannah for the island this morning with staging supplies.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, the 107th Airlift Wing will deploy 45 Airmen as part of TASK FORCE IRENE will be stationed at Camp Smith near Albany NY. These airmen will remain in place at the center to ride out the storm and then immediately respond to aid civil authorities as directed in New York City. Chief Master Sergeant Paul Wiencek thanks the airman for volunteering for this mission before boarding the C-130 aircraft.(Air Force Photo/SMSgt Ray Lloyd)

Former U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kieth Meadows talks shop with 131st Bomb Wing crew chiefs during a visit to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 10, 2022. Meadows was the first dedicated crew chief for B-2 Spirit stealth bomber number 80-329, the Spirit of Missouri, from 1991-1996, and met with the aircrafts current maintenance team during his visit.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing load supplies on a C-17 Globemaster III April 29, 2022, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The Airmen recently deployed as part of a Contingency Response Team to move equipment in support of U.S. European Command operations.

Aircrew of a 445th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III wear their Eye and Respiratory Protection equipment before going through a decontamination process after a flight during exercise: Operation Merciful Valkyrie, 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 the aeromedical patient movement exercise, 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.

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.

U.S. Marines with the Forward Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, board an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, during the Marine Expeditionary Unit Field Exercise (MEU FEX) at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Aug. 23, 2022. The MEU FEX demonstrates the MEU's ability to transition command and control from ship-to-shore through the echeloning of command capabilities and expeditionary logistics planning.

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force participate in a joint training session with Belgian firefighters on the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen aircraft June 23, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, left, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Keith Scott, 60th AMW command chief, welcome a C-17 Globemaster III at Travis Air Force Base, California, March 29, 2023. The C-17 was part of a 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming commemoration flight, which retraced the original mission. Operation Homecoming returned 591 American prisoners of war from Vietnam in 1973.

U.S. Army Major General Michael J. Turley, the Adjutant General, Utah National Guard, Brigadier General Charlene C. Dalto, commander of the Land Component Command, Utah National Guard, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian T. Searcy, Command Chief Warrant Officer, Utah National Guard, stand with other leaders from the Utah National Guard after participating in a wing exchange with Moroccan and Tunisian paratroopers, as part of African Lion 22, June 27, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperadurbility among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing turn in foreign object and debris (FOD) collected, during a wing FOD at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov. 1, 2022. In partnership with the Royal Saudi Air Force, Airmen assigned to the 378th AEW conducted the FOD walk to clear clear debris and foreign objects from the flight line which could cause engine or structural damage to aircraft.

ALEXANDRIA, La. - U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., work alongside Canadian Royal Air Force aerial port Airmen to load a vehicle onto a running CRAF C-130J Hercules at Alexandria International Airport, Alexandria, La. during Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 13-09, Aug. 21, 2013. The Canadian Royal Air Force provided both C-130J and C-17 Globemaster II aircraft to support the large exercise.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 355th Maintenance Group waits to marshal an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 355th Maintenance Group waits to marshal an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Bates, 131st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 131st Bomb Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, shows Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, the Weapons Load Trainer at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, May 13, 2022. The trainer allows Team Whiteman Airmen to learn all aspects of the munitions enterprise for the B-2 Spirit bomber in a safe and controlled environment.

Members of the 82nd Airborne Division board a C-141B Starlifter aircraft during Operation URGENT FURY. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

Aerospace propulsion technicians assigned to the 910th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a defective propeller for transport while others install a new propeller onto a 910th Airlift Wing C-130H Hercules aircraft, Jan. 17, 2023, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The C-130 was grounded by an Air Mobility Command time compliance technical order on Sept. 27, 2022, while conducting an aerial spray mission over MHAFB. The propulsion shop spearheaded a maintenance recovery team dispatched by the 910th Airlift Wing to inspect and repair the C-130 for its return to service and trip home.

The Alaska Air National Guard, 168th Wing invited the Eielson and the Fairbanks Civil Air Patrol Squadron cadets to tour the KC-135 Stratotanker and learn about the 168th Wings air refueling and aeromedical evacuation missions.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing makes his way around an A-10C Thunderbolt II for a pre-flight check during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, July 22, 2022. 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.

050409-F-4674P-023. Base: General Mitchell Iap/Ars State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in the change of command ceremony for VMFA(AW) 224 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. Lt. Col. John Schranz relinquished command of VMFA(AW)-224 to Lt. Col. Jarrod Allen.

Located at a forward operating base Marines, with their MOLLE (Modular Light weight Load-carrying Equipment) packs fully loaded, board a KC-130/R from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352). The Marines, from 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)), are boarding for a flight back into Kandahar, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 26th MEU

Sgt. Maj. Howard kreamer, U.S. Strategic Command Senior Enlisted Leader enters a B-2 Spirit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Aug. 02, 2022. The visit gave a better understanding of the B-2 mission and its role within neer-peer deterrence.

A U.S. Army Sgt. Benjamin Cline, assigned to the 3631 Signal Company, 36th Sustainment Brigade, carries luggage from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, upon arriving to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 16, 2022. The 36th Sustainment Brigade was executing the first ever fly-away TAC package in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. This movement supports the theater optimization strategic plan of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, to provide ability of command and control in a tactical environment for coalition forces. The fly-away kit included a deployable rapid assembly shelter, satellite transportable terminal and 10k generator, all transported by a series of multi-purpose tactical wheeled vehicles.

U.S. Air Force 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen from Hurlburt Field, Florida, board a bus at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 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.

Members of the Louisiana National Guard's 927th Engineer (Sapper) Company, 796th Engineer Battalion arrive at their homecoming celebration at Louisiana Aircraft, LLC in Baton Rouge, La., March 5. The 927th just returned from a year-long deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Soldiers from Medical Detachment, Hawaii National Guard, carry COVID-19 vaccinations onto a C-17 Globemaster III Jan. 5, 2021, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The aircraft, operated by 154th Wing Airmen, was modified into a mobile vaccination clinic to administer the vaccine to activated guardsmen on neighboring islands.

040119-M-3843C-007. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 62d Airlift Wing step onto a C-17 Globemaster III prior to departing for a deployment from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 26, 2022. This deployment is Team McChords first implementation of the Mobility Air Force Force Generation deployment model.

981013-F-4155R-002. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Cervia Air Base State: Emilia-Romagna Country: Italy (ITA)

Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Griggs, 66th Rescue Squadrons senior enlisted leader, and U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Sheets, 355th Wing vice commander, disembarks an HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 66th RQS at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, after its flight before retiring to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 21, 2022. The HH-60W Jolly Green II will replace all HH-60G Pave Hawks as the Jolly Green II provides survivability and weapons enhancements to improve the operational capabilities of the U.S. Air Force helicopter fleet.

Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Command, recently visited Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 23, 2022, during a battlefield circulation. He also met with Soldiers of 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the 531st Hospital Center, to discuss operational readiness and partnerships with surrounding medical centers.

041119-M-3668O-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II, assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, taxis down the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron recover a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron after a flying mission during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 6, 2022. The 718th AMXS and 909th ARS are from Kadena Air Base, Japan. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Marines with the Parris Island Marine Band, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, perform during the change of command ceremony for Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. Lt. Col. John Schranz relinquished command of VMFA(AW)-224 to Lt. Col. Jarrod Allen.

of 4