Airborne Operations and Equipment

These visuals highlight Air Force and National Guard members during airborne operations, with a focus on airdrop zones and flight missions in various terrains.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466 moves to extract Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division executing an amphibious raid on Ukibaru Island, Okinawa, Japan, April 26, 2022. This specialized insertion and extraction training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence necessary for clandestine operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (United States Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Dukes)

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Radek Kret, an aircraftloadmaster assigned to the 103rd Operations Group, 103rd AirliftWing, Connecticut Air National Guard examines the airdrop zone inpreparation for a jump during an airdrop mission, as part of ExerciseSwift Response 22, May 11, 2022, in Pisa, Italy. The exercise focusedon building airborne interoperability with allies and partners, and theintegration of joint service partners in a contested environment.Military exercises with Allied and partner nations in the Europeanand African theaters are an integral part of demonstrating Alliancereadiness, interoperability and capability.

041214-F-1740G-007. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A CV-22 Osprey tiltroter aircraft assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron and a KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft assigned to the 349th Air Refueling Squadron conduct the first ever in-air refueling operation undertook between the two aircraft over Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 1, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dakota Dennis, a special missions aviator assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, looks out an HH-60 Pave Hawk gunners window during a combat search and rescue exercise at an undisclosed location, July 5, 2022. Air Force Central Commands ERQSs are organized, trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations within the Central Command theater of operations. Special warfare operators assigned throughout the combined joint operational area conduct operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Alabama Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Wes Parker, a CH-47F Chinook helicopter pilot assigned to Company B 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, runs through a preflight checklist at Dannelly Field, Alabama, Feb. 9, 2024. The Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter with advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircrafts mission performance and handling characteristics. Air Force

Members of the 54th helicopter squadron survey the missile field around Minot Air Force base, April 18, 2022. The helicopter squadron plays a vital role in maintaining the safety of our missile fields. (

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Marquis a crewmember on an MH-53 Pave Low Helicopter from the 100th Special Operations Group, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, look out the cargo door during search and rescue operations in the Scottish Highlands. The crash site of the two F-15C fighter aircraft belonging to the 493rd Fighter Squadron based out of RAF Lakenheath, UK was found in the Scottish Highlands. Base: Raf Kinloss, Scotland Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466 moves to extract Marines from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division executing an amphibious raid on Ukibaru Island, Okinawa, Japan, April 26, 2022. This specialized insertion and extraction training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence necessary for clandestine operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (United States Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Dukes)

Staff Sgt. Ian Medina, 66th Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, monitors the flight path of a combat maneuver inside a HH-60G Pave Hawk 2, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. April 28, 2022, in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The 66 RQS SMAs are highly trained specialists whom have multiple integral roles and monitor all functions for the aircraft, while providing weapon defense when necessary, in order for the team to successfully complete their missions.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, U.S. Army Alaska, jumps out of a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to B Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Alaska Army National Guard, while completing airborne operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The 3rd ASOS completed the helicopter jump on Geronimo Drop Zone, maximizing total-force training to demonstrate short-notice mission readiness in an arctic environment.

Capt. Lisa Klekowski, a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter pilot and commander of C Company "War Lords", 2nd Battalion (Assault), 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Knighthawk, prepares the cockpit of her aircraft prior to launching on a personnel movement mission Dec. 4, at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan.

220716-N-N3764-1005Pacific Ocean - (July 16, 2022) - 1st Lt. Donia Nichols assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo conducts a radio check while performing deck landing qualifications (DLQs) in aU.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter aboard the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) in the Pacific Ocean, July 16, 2022. Billings is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force Souths mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

U.S. Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard's 59th Aviation Troop Command at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. performs its first damage assessment mission to determine the effects of Hurricane Matthew's aftermath over the South Carolina Low Country, Oct. 8, 2016. Approximately 2,000 South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated since Oct. 4, 2016. Hurricane Matthew peaked as a Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean and is projected to pass along the S.C. coast.

031011-F-8170B-039. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 66th PJS, 6CTS

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Brady Scott, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261, guides an MV-22B Osprey into a fueling pod over Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 30, 2023. VMM-261 trained to support Marine ground units during Service Level Training Exercise 2-23, a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe. VMM-261 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Florida Army National Guard Sgt. Patrick O'Hare, 1st UH-60 Crew Chief, Bravo 1-185th Aviation Regiment assists with air operations during Operation Night Hammer. Operation Night Hammer is the first ever training operation of its kind to coordinate and cooperate with other states and entities to identify Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) agents.

Two 28th Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer pilots perform preflight duties prior to a training mission at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, May 16, 2022. The 28 BS determines, evaluates and implements formal training requirements to qualify crewmembers in long-range day and night, all-weather and air-to-ground attack.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Skorski, a CH-47 Chinook flight engineer assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Squadron, 214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, looks for obstacles in the landing zone during a multinational media day held at Tampere, Finland, Aug. 3, 2022.

Capt. Jacob Taylor (left), 459th Airlift Squadron pilot, and Maj. David Shadoin (right), 459th AS pilot, look over controls in a UH-1N Iroquois helicopter during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan May 21, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

Sgt. Kyle Pope, an Army CH-47 crew chief with the 1-111th Aviation Battalion, B Company conducts a communications check during pre-flight inspections at the Orlando Executive Airport, Fla., June 5, 2022. Florida National Guardsmen performed a flyby during the 2022 Special Olympics opening ceremony. The three helicopter crews demonstrated their dedication to both their service and their community as they flew by the stadium during the National Anthem. With a lot of things as citizen soldiers of the Florida National Guard we like to contribute to our local communities, not just in hurricanes and fire fighting, but in events like this to show that we are there for them 100% of the time. Whether that's aviation or ground forces, we are always there and always ready, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Vern Pritchard, CH-47F Instructor Pilot with the 1-111th.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Pima County, Arizona's border area with Mexico, where he joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel for meetings, tours, flights, inspections

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (June 13, 2018) Sgt. Andrew Mocarski, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), views the expeditionary mobile base platform USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) from a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during flight operations. The 26th MEU and the Iow Jima Amphibious Ready Group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operation to reassure partners and allies, preserve freedom of navigation and freeflow of commerce.

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division conduct open water free fall operations off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, April 25, 2022. This specialized training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence for deliberate water parachute operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (United States Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Dukes)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division conduct Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations on February 21, 2024. FARP provides fuel and ordnance necessary for fixed-wing operations. Army

A U.S. Air Force flight engineer assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing fires the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the back of a CV-22B Osprey during local range training, U.K., Aug. 2, 2022. The vertical-lift capabilities of the CV-22B Osprey allow Airmen to conduct training in tactics and air refueling techniques unique to the platform.

Looking out the left gunner window of a CH-47F Chinook helicopter, Sergeant First Class Joseph Cummings with the Pennsylvania National Guard, Eastern Army Aviation Training Site, performs a local aerial orientation and reconnaissance flight ahead of possible search and rescue missions in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Pennsylvania sent 28 guardsmen to the state of South Carolina ahead of Hurricane Florence. They've been in the area since Thursday and have been performing aerial support for the last week.

A U.S. Army paratrooper jumps from a C-17 Globemaster III over Ft. Bragg, N.C., for Joint Forcible Entry Exercise (JFEX), on August 24, 2009. JFEX is a U.S. Army and Air Force joint airdrop exercise designed to enhance inter-service cohesiveness. JFEX gives both services an opportunity to properly practice movements of large-scale, heavy equipment and troops. U.S Air Force

Captain Reid Murphy, an F-15 Eagle pilot from the 159th Fighter Group, New Orleans, LA in the cockpit of his aircraft, waits for the signal from his crew chief to start the engines to fly another sortie during Roving Sands '96, the US military's largest annual joint air defense training exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '96 Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An HH-60W Jolly Green II flies out for training at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, March 23, 2023. The 41st Rescue Squadron executed aerial and gunnery training to maintain combat-ready status as an HH-60W personnel recovery squadron.

120520-N-JL826-272 ARABIAN SEA (June 8, 2012) Naval Air Crewman Rescue Swimmer 2nd Class Ben Cook assigned to the Dragonslayers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11, looks out of an HH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter while flying above the harbor near Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. HS-11 is embarked aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), which is deployed to the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk gunner of the 512th Rescue Squadron, fires his GAU-17/A during live fire exercises at the White Sands Missile Range, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, navigates an MH-60 Seahawk, attached to Helicopter Sea combat Squadron (HSC) 5, at Naval Air Station Fallon. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

S.C. Army Soldiers perform pre-flight maintenance, test flight, and troubleshoots an oil pressure transducer on a South Carolina National Guard CH-47D Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, in configuration Extended Range Fueling System (ERFS), also referred to as the "Fat Cow," assigned to Detachment 1, Company B, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command from Greenville S.C., Oct. 10, 2016, . The CH-47D and its crew are staging their base of operations in support of Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Eastover, S.C. Approximately 2,000 South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated in direct support to Hurricane Matthew response efforts since Oct. 4, 2016.

Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman (helicopter) Rabea Shaiboon flies during a gun exercise with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 26, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; VFA-103; VFA-86; VFA-136; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121; HSC-5; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

Members of the 82nd Airborne Division aboard a C-141B Starlifter aircraft prepare for a jump during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110830-N-ZZ999-187PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2011) Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Aaron Hill, from Columbus, Ohio, left, and Senior Chief Naval Air Crewman Todd Yates, from Granger, Ind., look on from the cabin of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 during a vertical replenishment with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean and the Arabian Gulf deployment.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Pima County, Arizona for tours of the Mexican border area, discussions with local Interior staff and Customs and Border Patrol personnel

Capt. Taylor Rigollet, 36th Airlift Squadron, pilots a C-130 Hercules over Sagami Bay, Oct. 8, 2013. Readiness Week focuses on Yokota's professional airlift mission and developing Airmen's ability to support any contingency in the Pacific.

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

A member from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Airborne Brigade, looks out a paratroop door inside a C-130J Super Hercules near Fuji Training Center, Japan, prior to a static-line jump Jan. 25, 2022, as part of Airborne 22. Airborne 22 demonstrates the JGSDF's capability to employ large-scale airborne insertion anywhere. This event optimizes mission effectiveness through interoperability and the sharing of information, enabling commanders to utilize the full potential of their combined force. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Castillo)

Airman 1st Class Brandon Shamhart a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Radio Operator Maintenance And Driver (ROMAD), 807th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, Forward Operating Base Lagman deployed from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron, Vilseck, Germany listens to the chatter of a C-130 Hercules aircrew via his radio in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle at a dirt landing zone in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan. Airman Shamhart was there to help make sure the dirt landing zone was safe for a cargo carrying C-130 Hercules to land and provide the aircrew with any pertinent information via radio communications. The aircrew was delivering needed cargo for one of the nearby military outposts.

A 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot flies during an air-to-air refueling mission with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 9, 2023. The Stratotanker extends the range of the HC-130J aircraft, enabling the aircraft to fly into austere areas during combat search and rescue operations.

A guardsman from the Alaska Army National Guard prepares for an airlift while inside a UH-60L Black Hawk, assigned to the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. The AKARNG aviators provided air support for visiting U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airmen with the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., D-Cell consists of 54 members across 15 job codes forming four agile teams, whose primary role is to bare base - to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases. The unit visited Alaska to train and test their capabilities in an arctic environment.

Sgt. Brandon Paye, a truck commander for Company B, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 163rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and a native of Belgrade, Mont., talks to his driver June 5 during a convoy escort and security mission bringing his set back from Victory Base Complex to Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.

050811-A-2140D-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Rawah State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: B 3-21

220826-N-N3764-1004PACIFIC OCEAN - (Aug. 26, 2022) -- Naval Aircrewman Helicopter 1st Class Benjamin Cellew assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Detachment 8, overlooks the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) during flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 26, 2022. Billings is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force Souths mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 22, 2021) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Trenton B. Coble, from Edgewood, Texas, fires a .50-caliber machine gun from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter during a flight operations exercise aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16). Tulsa, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Air and Marine Operations air crews respond to affected areas along Florida's coast after Hurricane Ian made landfall. Crews are ready with hoist-capable aircraft to assist anyone in need of emergency extraction. Photo by Ozzy Trevino

SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, California (Oct. 12, 2022) Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 conduct combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) training off the coast of San Clemente Island. During Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific’s (HSCWSP) exercise PHOENIX RESCUE 23-1 squadrons from Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific (HSCWP), Marine Air Group (MAG) 39 and 26th Weapons Squadron conducted maritime training aimed at improving CSAR capabilities.

United States Marine Corps aviator inside cockpit of an MV-22 Osprey, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

221206-N-FO714-1171PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 6, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Michael Hatch flies alongside another MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Warlords of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 during a bi-lateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Dec. 6. The U.S. Navy and JMSDF regularly fly, sail and operate together with other Allies and partners to promote security and stability throughout the region.

Pfc. Jordan Williams, a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief for B Co., 1-207th AVN, Alaska National Guard, clears the helicopter for landing after an aerial traffic control point mission near Tall Afar, Iraq, on June 5, 2006.

Lt. Col. Jim Sluder, 10th Air Force personnel recovery division combat rescue officer and jumpmaster, searches for the drop zone from the back of an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft over Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 10, 2022. Jumpmasters are highly proficient in every component of the jump process to ensure jumpers land safely on their target.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Caffrey, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, gives a hand signal while flying over Kanagawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. VMM-265 is supporting Fuji Viper Shinka 22 in order to enhance lethality and train bilaterally with 4th Marine Regiment and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts a static-line jump during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 9, 2022. This training was conducted to enhance the units combat effectiveness in extreme cold weather as they prepare for an upcoming deployment to Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa theater of operations.

Marine Cpl. Hayden M. Devenney fires an M2 machine gun out the rear of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a deployment for training exercise at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jan. 15, 2020. The purpose of the exercise is to increase the squadrons proficiency in cold weather and high altitude aviation operations and to improve overall combat readiness. Devenney is a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461.

Combined Joint Task Force-10 and Regional Command-East Commander Maj. Gen. Stephen Townsend and Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Lewis travel to Forward Operating Base Lightning with ISAF commander Gen. John Campbell, Sept. 27, 2014.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy flys next to another F-16 Falcon during a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) mission. Planes flying the CAP missions provide air cover for NATO Operation Allied Force strike missions in Yuglslavia. Subject Operation/Series: NATO Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk, assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, receives fuel from an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, during a high-altitude aerial refueling amid a combat search and rescue exercise over an undisclosed location, July 5, 2022. Air Force Central Commands ERQSs are organized, trained, equipped and postured to conduct full spectrum personnel recovery to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations within the Central Command theater of operations. Special warfare operators assigned throughout the combined joint operational area conduct operations in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James Townsend, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, or VMM-261 (REIN), loadmaster, stands on the ramp of a USMC KC-130J Hercules cargo aircraft over East Africa, Feb. 27, 2024. VMM-261 (Rein) regularly operates in support of multiple U.S. Department of Defense units across East Africa, including tactical insertions by the U.S. Air Forces 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron. Air Force

Two drogue parachutes yank a 20-ton U.S. Army M-551A1 Sheridan tank from the inside of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during an air-drop exercise at the Sicily drop zone. Fifty-five tons of heavy cargo and 204 paratroopers were successfully air-dropped from six C-17's to demonstrate the utility of the U.S. Air Force's newest airlifter to meet the Army's brigade air-drop requirement. Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030717-F-6701P-007. Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The pilot and copilot of an SH-3 Sea King fly their helicopter toward a formation of ships during exercise BALTOPS '93. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS '93 Country: Baltic Sea

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ryan Corvin, 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, taxis a C-17 upon arrival to Saipan, Mariana Islands, Sept. 26, 2022. Exercise Golden Bee is a joint readiness exercise designed to provide training integration and rehearse strategic and operational objectives in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Naval Air Crew (helicopter) 2nd Class Brandon Terry, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, prepares a crew served weapon for a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 joint training exercise. CVW-7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

020412-A-8359B-037. Base: Bird International Airport Country: Antigua And Barbuda (ATG) Scene Major Command Shown: Southwest

U.S. Airmen from the 125th Fighter Wing, Logistics Rediness Squadron participate in an exercise at Jacksonville IAP, June 9, 2022. The exercise, known as ThunderEx 2022 is a base-wide exercise to prepare Airmen for deployment and disaster situations.

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-154. Coast Guard pilot in cockpit. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Martin, a services craftsman with the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, is airlifted on an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk from the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion to Camp Mad Bull for a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., D-Cell consists of 54 members across 15 job codes forming four agile teams, whose primary role is to bare base - to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases. The unit visited Alaska to train and test their capabilities in an arctic environment.

U.S. Air Force 535th Airlift Squadron C-17 Gloabmaster III airdrops a pallet over a Hawaiian drop zone on 1 Aug. The 535th provides airlift and airdrop capabilities to the Pacific theater. The airdrop mission is part of the routine training for the aircrew and logistics personnel.

030513-F-1443F-003. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Matthew Bouhuys, a CH-47F Chinook pilot with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, conducts pre-flight procedures while preparing for flight operations during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Ladd Army Airfield, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 28, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

U.S. Army Sgt. David Bowling, crew chief with Bravo Company, 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade looks out the back of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at a trailing UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as they fly over the 28th ECAB's area of operations in the Middle East.

U.S. Army UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters with 3rd Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division conduct multi-ship aerial gunnery exercises at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Jan. 11, 2019. U.S. Soldiers perform aerial gunnery exercises to introduce new Soldiers to their weapon system capabilities and to reinforce training for experienced Soldiers.

110327-N-5716H-165PACIFIC OCEAN (March 27, 2011) Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Sean Gilroy, left, and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Jason Keller, members of the flight crew aboard an MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter from the Vanguard of Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM 14), embarked aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), watch the sea as the helicopter departs Tortuga en route to transport personnel to Misawa Naval Air Facility. Tortuga is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Tomodachi.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Hunter Rhoden, assigned to the 86th Operations Group, communicates with a C-130J Super Hercules during the final exercise of the Landing Zone Safety Officers (LZSO) training, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 15, 2024. LZSO training ensures airfield operations personnel are adequately prepared to meet mission needs anytime, anyplace with little to no infrastructure. Army

Capt. Joshua Nails Griffin (right) and Capt. Jakob Chaos Arentzen (left), 23d Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress pilots, perform B-52H Stratofortress preflight procedures during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 on Jan. 27, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 23d BS is one of 32 units from across the U.S. joint forces, United Kingdom (Royal Air Force) and Australia (Royal Australian Air Force) participating in Red Flag-Nellis 22-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

Headquarters Support Company, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, 28th Infantry Division

DA-ST-85-12858. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-89-11003. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Army Sgt. Nestor Pino, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief with Charlie Company, 158th Aviation Regiment, looks out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during a joint Helicopter Support Team exercise with 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on Camp Pendleton, California, June 29, 2022. The training was conducted to increase interoperability in logistics and enhance force readiness between the Marines and U.S. Army.

Cpl. Justin Dudley from Oxnard, California, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, keeps watch while flying in a UH-1Y Venom during Amphibious Landing Exercise 15 at Crow Valley, Sept. 30, 2014. PHIBLEX is an annual bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces alongside members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines focused on strengthening the partnership and relationships between the two nations across a range of military operations including disaster relief and complex expeditionary operations.

Capt. Brittny Barney, a 1st Helicopter Squadron pilot, performs preflight checks of equipment inside a UH-1N Huey at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 3, 2016. The 1st HS is the Air Forces largest helicopter squadron, tracing its heritage back to 1955.

U.S. Army Paratroopers and International Paratroopers participate in the International Airborne Leapfest Competition in Exeter, Rhode Island, Aug. 1-10, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-running, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Officer Candidate Deirdre Salvas)

A U.S. Army Soldier salutes Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, during Exercise Yama Sakura at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 9, 2022. During his visit, Emanuel confirmed the ironclad commitment between the U.S. Forces and JGSDF and the collective strength of the U.S.-Japan security alliance.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joffre Lander, 60th Operations Support Squadron KC-10 Extender pilot, lines up behind a KC-135 Stratotanker as part of Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023. The operation was a celebration of a century of aerial refueling capabilities involving 152 total aircraft, including 82 tankers and 70 receivers, traversing sites across the United States.

A U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group team member conducts a military free fall jump over Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, during Red Flag 22-2 June 13, 2022. RF 22-2 provides realistic combat training in a simulated environment.

U.S. Marine Corps SSgt Dakota Schneider from Hamburg, Minnesota, a CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), observes the ground from the rear of a CH-53E during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at Auxiliary Airfield II, at Landing Zone Bull (LZ Bull), Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California, on April 2, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kirby Graves, 317th Operational Support Squadron loadmaster, stands at the C-130J Super Hercules cargo ramp during a flight, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Jan 20, 2023. Dyess AFB hosted a flight to showcase the mission of the 7th Bomb Wing and the 317th Airlift Wing.

000816-A-3403V-010. Base: Camp Bondsteel State: Kosovo Country: Serbia (SER)

An air-to-air rear view of an SH-3 Sea King helicopter taken from the cockpit window of another SH-3. Both the helicopters are assigned to Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5). Country: Philippines (PHL)

Washington Army National Guard crew chief with the 168th General Support Aviation Regiment rides on the ramp of CH-47 Chinook, providing obstacle avoidance guidance for the pilots on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 1, 2023.

New York Air National Guard loadmasters assigned to the 102nd Rescue Squadron, based at F.S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., wait for passengers to board an HC-130P King during Exercise Southern Strike 15 (SS15) near the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Gulfport, Miss., Oct. 30, 2014. SS15 is a total force, multiservice training exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard's CRTC Oct. 27 through Nov. 7, 2014. The SS15 exercise emphasizes air-to-air, air-to-ground and special operations forces training opportunities. These events are integrated into demanding hostile and asymmetric scenarios with actions from specialized ground forces and combat and mobility air forces.

A CV-22B Osprey receives fuel June 21, 2013, off the coast of Greenland by a 7th Special Operations Squadron MC-130H Combat Talon II. The aircraft landed in Iceland during its journey to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, to allow for crew rest and refueling. The CV-22, assigned to the 7th Special Operations Squadron, is the first of 10 slated to arrive as part of the 352nd Special Operations Group expansion, which will last through the end of 2014.

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing conduct a rehearsal flight on an MC-130J Commando II in preparation for a live-fire demonstration of a palletized munitions system during ATREUS 22-4 at Andøya Space Defense Range, Norway, Nov. 8, 2022. This is the first time Rapid Dragon, a precision munitions capability for medium-sized or larger cargo aircraft that allows U.S. and NATO forces a flexible rapid response option, has been employed in the U.S. European Command theater.

Second Lieutenant Scott Hampton, platoon leader, Company A, 1ST Battalion, 35 Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, prepares to exit a UH-1A Iroquois helicopter as it approaches the landing zone. His unit is participating in an airmobile assault during training Exercise OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4-83. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4-83 Base: Pohakuloa Training Area State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

of 3