Airborne Operations Preparation

Images of soldiers boarding military aircraft for airborne operations, illustrating readiness and teamwork in air mobility exercises.

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

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, board a C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron at Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 in preparation for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

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.)

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, board a C-130 from the 40th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 25, 2022 after participating 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 the exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing and its Airmen for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy.

U.S. Soldiers with 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrive home after a year-long deployment to Egypt as part of the Multinational Force & Observers and Task Force Sinai.

U.S. Airmen of the 156th Contingency Response Group, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, and 172d Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, load equipment into a C-17 Globemaster III during during Southern Strike 2022 at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, April 22, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict.

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

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)

010228-A-0030T-002. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

The U.S Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) in conjunction with local Fort Bragg and partner nations' airborne organizations conduct the Randy Older Memorial Operation Toy drop 2.0, a combined airborne training event at Fort Bragg, NC from 4-12 DEC 2022 to increase joint airborne proficiency an community relations.

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

Airmen from the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard launch F-15 fighter aircraft from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 29, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tan

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. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, steps out to the flight line to meet CMSgt Donald Price, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit senior enlisted leader, and Senior Airman Aaron Robosky, 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, for his fini flight July 25, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Bailey and his team of crew chiefs prepared Kreuder for his flight in the F-35A Lightning II aircraft. The fini flight can be a momentous occasion for any commander, symbolizing their dedication to their unit and their Airmen.

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.

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska arrive in Bethel for disaster relief response Sept. 21, 2022, via a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 176th Wings 211th Rescue Squadron. Approximately 100 service members from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept.17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. A JTF in Nome is standing up concurrently as part of Operation Merbok Response. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd-151st Aviation Regiment, South Carolina Air National Guard, unload a UH-72 Lakota from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster assigned to the 145th Air Lift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, during PATRIOT South 2020 at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport, Miss., Feb. 29, 2020. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders.

010801-F-9631D-007. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT HOOK Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard members stationed at Amari Air Base, Estonia are reunited with their 104th Fighter Wing members stationed to Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, May 27, 2016. Wing members are part of a theater security package deployed to multiple European locations in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Operation Atlantic Resolve focuses on conducting training alongside NATO alliesand partners to strengthen interoperability and demonstrate U.S. commitmentto a Europe that is whole, free, at peace, secure and prosperous.

Tech. Sgt. Greg Allman and Staff Sgt. Ismael Luna, personnel support for contingency operations specialists assigned to the 172nd Contingency Response Flight, escort group of Airmen at Avon Park, Florida, April 22nd. Approximately 2,000 service members from the active and reserve components of the U.S. military participated in Southern Strike 2022.

Members of the 157th Force Support Squadron take an incentive flight at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire Aug. 9, 2022. The joint operation was coordinated with New Hampshire Army National Guard UH-60 Aircrew and the 157th Family and Airmen Readiness Coordinator.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cy Snyder III and Senior Airman Naden Lindstrom, C-130 Loadmasters from the 169th Airlift Squadron, Peoria, Illinois, work with Crew Chiefs from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, loading an Ammunition Loader Assembly onto a C-130H Hercules aircraft during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Tech Sgts Narley Wright, Cedric De Bourbon-Poisson, Brandon Morefield, and Nathan Housenga, 7th Maintenance Group load standardization crew members, take a break on the flight line at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 13, 2022. The crew was recognized recently for proposing the idea to place missiles on a trailer with aluminum rails to reduce the need for two bomb lifts.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander, lands from his flight during a mission immersion event with the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The flight was an opportunity for Rupp to experience firsthand how the 961st AACS conducts their operations and the importance of the airborne early warning and control system in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Airmen from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, perform a FOD (Foreign Object Debris) walk in preparation for Frontiers in Flight, this years open house & airshow, Sept. 21, 2022. The FOD walk is serves to remove any debris that could cause damage to aircraft arriving for the show.

Members of the Hawaii National Guard boarding a C-17, from the 204th Airlift Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard which made several runs of troops to Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii to assist with the COVID-19 response, April 15, 2020, Kalaeloa, Hawaii. An additional 800 Hawaii National Guard members were activated over the previous week to provide further support to all counties.

Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division board a plane to return to Fort Bragg, N.C., after completing a humanitarian assistance deployment supporting Operation Unified Response.

Members of the 103rd Airlift Wing,Connecticut Air National Guard, approach two C-130H Herculesaircraft to prepare for an airdrop mission, May 3, 2022 at PisaInternational Airport, Pisa, Italy. The mission was part of ExerciseSwift Response 22, a military crisis response training event formultinational airborne forces that focuses on building airborneinteroperability with Allies and partners, and the integration of jointservice partners in a contested environment. Events such as SwiftResponse provide vital opportunities, not only for multiple UnitedStates services to work together, but also for integrated, total forcetraining with Reserve and National Guard units and our partnernations militaries to ensure interoperability.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Squadron out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, conduct hot-pit refueling training with the 48th Maintenance Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 27, 2022. The training aids in expanding the squadrons Agile Combat Employment capabilities.

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

U.S. Marines with India Co., 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, load onto U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, MRF-D 22, at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, NT, Australia, Aug. 31, 2022. The Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations exercise was a force-on-force training that exercised the MRF-Ds ability to forward deploy and establish expeditionary advanced bases.

U.S. Airmen from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit speak to Royal Australian Air Force Indigenous Youth Program members during their visit to RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 6, 2022. Local youths had the opportunity to learn about the aircraft and Exercise Pitch Black 2022 operations from U.S. Air Force pilots, maintainers and security forces members.

Airmen from the 155th Air Refueling Wing run towards their KC-135R Stratotanker, May 13, 2022, during a generation exercise at Lincoln Air Force Base, Neb. The exercise was designed to test the organizations ability to quickly launch its aircraft within a specific time period in support of a contingency operation.

6th Air Refueling Wing Airmen offload baggage from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron after landing at Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine, Aug. 22, 2022. Airmen from different career fields traveled alongside the 91st ARS to participate in a capstone exercise as part of the Agile Combat Employment program.

The 152nd Airlift Wing, Reno Air National Guard Base, Nevada Air National Guard, came to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to begin flying members of the 105th Military Police Company, Buffalo, New York Army National Guard, to the U.S. Virgin Islands where they will provide hurricane relief, Niagara Falls, N.Y., Sept. 25, 2017. More than 20 members of the 105th MP Co. loaded equipment and personnel and began their deployment to the U.S. Virgin Islands ahead of more Soldiers flying later in the week.

Airmen assigned to the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron push a cargo pallet on a K-loader before loading it into a KC-10 Extender during a humanitarian aid mission at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 21, 2024. The 19th Airlift Wing has many mission sets, one of which is to provide and support humanitarian aid missions across the globe. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. William Bentley, a bulk fuel specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, left, and Air Force Senior Airmen Kale Neu, a CV-22 Osprey crew chief with 753rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and a native of Wilmington, Ohio, refuel a CV-22 Osprey during Balikatan 23 at the Subic Bay International Airport, Philippines, April 7, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Airmen from the 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron load training manikins, or simulated patients, onto a KC-46A Pegasus, assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, for KC-46A training at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 16, 2022. In addition to aerial refueling, the KC-46A can accommodate a mixed load of passengers, aeromedical evacuation and cargo transport.

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

220411-N-PC065-1099 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 11, 2022) - U.S. Marines, attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Royal Marines, attached to 42 Commando, prepare for takeoff in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, assigned to U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Rein.), from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) in support of exercise Northern Viking 2022, April 11, 2022. Arlington with embarked 22nd MEU is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6nd Fleet area of operation. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and allied nations and enables execution of multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland the Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.

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

U.S. Air Force Airman with 163d Attack Wing board HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 129th Rescue Wing, on March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley California on June 23, 2022. Airmen were transported to San Clemente island in support of Exercise Rhino Strike. The goal of the exercise was to enhance the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and Multi-Capable Airman (MCA) concept. (Photo by U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan)

Pfc. Summer Keiser takes a photograph during an air load training event hosted by the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Oct. 13, 2020 on Hunter Army Airfield. Keiser noted that some of her favorite roles within the public affairs specialist MOS include writing, photography, and graphic design. (Photo by Andrew McNeil)

From left, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremy Lile, senior enlisted leader of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJFT-OIR), U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Manuel Rios, senior enlisted leader of the 11th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Brennan Jr., CJTF-OIR commander, and U.S. Army Col. Matthew Hill, 11th CAB commander, greet one another at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, June 8, 2022. The 11th CAB provides ground-air operational in support of CJTF-OIRs mission to advise, assist and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Christopher Ozella (Right) and AIRMAN First Class Michael DiVergilio work to de-panel a KC-135 Stratotanker to do boom troubleshooting March 4th, 1999. SRA Ozella is a Hydraulics SPECIALIST assigned to 92nd (AGS) Aircraft Generation Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, and A1C DiVergilio is an Assistant Crew chief assigned to the 319th (AGS) Aircraft Generation Squadron, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. They are deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Hudson Walberg, a B-52H Stratofortress pilot, gathers members of the Republic of Korea Air Force before beginning a static tour of the aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 13, 2024. The ROKAF airmen are deployed in support of COPE NORTH 2024, the largest multilateral exercise hosted by Pacific Air Forces. B-52s, aircrew and support personnel assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are deployed to Guam from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, supporting a bomber task force aimed at deterring, and dissuading aggression from adversaries or competitors in the Pacific region. Air Force

U.S. Airforce Airmen assigned to the 934th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, prepare a 96th Airlift Squadron C-130H Hercules for a sortie during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 14, 2022. RFA provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

HANSCOM, AFB, Mass - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Division, return home from deployment after nine months of service throughout the middle east. Leaders from the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters and 51st Troop Command leadership greeted soldiers on the flight line of Hanscom Air Force Base. The Soldiers were then before then transported to Camp Curtis Guild where they were reunited with family and friends. Since its inception in 1636, the Massachusetts National Guard has participated in each of our nations conflicts, steadfastly serving the country and the citizens of the Commonwealth. More than 20,000 Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed since September 11, 2001

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron remove equipment and supplies from an MC-130J Combat Talon II following a base wide repositioning Sept. 29, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Aircraft were repositioned at several different bases as a precautionary measure in preparation for Hurricane Ian.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron remove equipment and supplies from an MC-130J Combat Talon II following a base wide repositioning Sept. 29, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Aircraft were repositioned at several different bases as a precautionary measure in preparation for Hurricane Ian.

Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, storm out of an MV-22 Osprey piloted and crewed by Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 during a Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration at Joe Moakly Park in South Boston May 7, 2010. The Marines are rehearsing for a full-on assault May 8 at the park where they will demonstrate to Bostonians the capabilities of a MAGTF.

120208-F-IG195-0571 U.S. Army soldiers with the 6th Military Information Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division participate in a joint operational access exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., on Feb. 8, 2012. The joint airdrop exercise is designed to enhance service cohesiveness between U.S. Army and Air Force personnel, allowing both services an opportunity to properly execute large-scale heavy equipment and troop movement.

Col. Michal Vecheta, Czech Army Air Force, DCOM of 22nd Air Force Base in Namest nad Oslavou, visits with Capt. Travis Carlson and Lt. Col. Michael Piening, 155th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker pilots, Sept. 7, 2022, at Pardubice Airport, Czech Republic, for Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. R. Denise Mommens)

U.S. Marines with Landing Support Company, Helicopter Support Team, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) prepare cargo to attach to a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter deployed with 3rd Marine Air Wing aboard Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2010. U.S. Marines with LS Company, HST, CLR-15, 1st MLG (FWD), assist in logistical operations in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

C-17 Globemaster IIIs with the 62nd Airlift Wing and F-15E Strike Eagles with the 366th Fighter Wing conduct integrated combat turns, Oct. 18, 2022, Gowen Field, Idaho. These units work in tandem to recover and launch multiple aircraft in a remote location, as they would in a deployed environment.

British Army soldiers conduct an air drop out of a Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules assigned to No. 47 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton, England, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 10, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise, allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing, loads an M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) onto an MC-130J Commando II in support of Latvian National exercise NAMEJS, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept 26, 2022. The rapid and joint development of multi-domain long-range precision fires capabilities in Europe is evidence of the strong and unremitting U.S. commitment to NATO, allies and partner nations, and Europe.

A U.S. Air Force loadmaster assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing, loads an M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) onto an MC-130J Commando II in support of Latvian National exercise NAMEJS, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept 26, 2022. The rapid and joint development of multi-domain long-range precision fires capabilities in Europe is evidence of the strong and unremitting U.S. commitment to NATO, allies and partner nations, and Europe.

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

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 2nd Squadron, Red Platoon, representing the 89th Military Police Brigade based out of Fort Hood, Texas, competing in this years FORSCOM Best Squad Competition receive casualty evacuation procedures training from a UH-60 helicopter August 14, 2022. The training is to familiarize soldiers with the process of getting wounded soldiers to safety in a real world situation. The Army is the best trained, best equipped and most skilled fighting force in the world.

040926-F-0201C-012. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brian Boudreau, 104th Fighter Wing crew chief, prepares an F-15C Eagle for take-off from Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, during air-defense Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, Oct. 27, 2022. Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a long-planned NORAD exercise that validates the commands capability to defend Canada and the United States from every avenue of approach. The Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) led this iteration of OND and coordinated and conducted combined operations, while concurrently launching aircraft from different locations across the northeast coast of the United States. F-15 and KC-135 aircraft from CONR and CF-18 aircraft from the Canadian NORAD Region participated in the operation. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and U.S. command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by

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

040901-F-1601R-004. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Marcus Jackson, Space Base Delta 2 commander, and Col. Robert Clay, Space Base Delta 2 vice commander, salute Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, Air Force Materiel Command commander as he takes off on the flightline at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Sept. 28, 2022. During Richardsons visit, he received a mission brief from Space Base Delta 2, Space Delta 4, the 460th Medical Group, the Base Defense Operations Center, and the 460th Civil Engineer Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Francisco Garcia, a crew chief assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, guides a landing KC-135 Stratotanker at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct 1, 2022. Some aircraft were evacuated to other bases around the country in preparation for Hurricane Ian.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief assigned to the 909th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, inspects the aircraft for a preflight inspection during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training essential to the continued development and improvement of combined and joint interoperability in a simulated combat environment.

Tech. Sgt. Talon Spencer, 22nd Maintenance Group non-commissioned officer in charge of maintenance operations control, carries a simulated weapon during an exercise at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Feb. 6, 2024. McConnell held a combined exercise to evaluate active shooter and threat response procedures. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron board a C-130, Sept. 11, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Ørland Main Air Station, Norway to conduct agile combat employment, integrate, and train with the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

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

Soldiers of the German Armed Forces sign off in front of the Airbus A400M aircraft, taken during the German Armed Forces exercise 'Fast Eagle' in Barth, 05.05.2022. The exercise 'Fast Eagle' simulates an evacuation of German citizens from a fictitious crisis country within a short period of time., Barth, Germany, Europe

050402-F-3431H-004. Base: Camp Talon Pride State: Tirana Country: Albania (ALB)

070104-A-0000A-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Guardsmen with the Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Main Air National Guard train on installing a Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure System (LAIRCM) on a KC-135 aircraft at the 171st Air Refueling Wing near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sept. 8, 2022. The defensive system uses an infrared laser to protect against missile threats.

030324-F-6701P-004. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Airmen from the 6th Airlift Squadron and the 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron stand by a fuel truck performing defuel operations from a C-17 as part of the Agile Combat Employment training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 24, 2022. Airmen from the 6th AS, 305th Air Mobility Wing conducted integrated training and utilized Agile Combat Employment concepts to prepare for Air Force Force Generation deployments. Exercising ACE elements enables our forces to operate with varying levels of capacity and support, to generate lethal combat power. The AFFORGEN model will increase high-end readiness necessary to deploy as cohesive units and deliver Rapid Global Mobility in support of combatant commanders, the Joint Force, and our allies and partners to meet National Defense Strategy requirements.

U.S. Air Force Airmen stand on the flightline as Maj. Gen. Corey J. Martin, 18th Air Force commander, pilots a C-17 Globemaster III down the taxiway at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept.15, 2022. Martin has accumulated more than 4,200 flying hours in his 31 years of service in the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron work alongside Airmen from McConnell Air Force Bases Agile Combat Employment office to hot pit refuel a KC-46 Pegasus using the Versatile Integrating Partner Equipment Refueling (VIPER) kit for the first time at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 7, 2022. Kadena Air Base regularly hosts forces in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command operations in defense of the shared interests of the United States and Japan.

041206-F-2034C-007. Base: Unknown

Members of the 5502nd U.S. Army Hospital, in Denver, load a soldier acting as a casualty onto a MC-130P cargo plane, flown by members of the California Air National Guard's 130th Rescue Squadron, based at Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., during medical evacuation training at Combat Support Training Exercise-91, July 11, 2012.

Chief Master Sgt. Steve Cenov, right, 8th Air Force command chief and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center senior enlisted leader, and Airman 1st Class Nicholas DeAnda, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, taxi a B-1B Lancer at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 29, 2022. Crew chiefs organize aircraft maintenance and ensure all inspections are completed safely and correctly.

U.S. Airmen with Team Yokota and Team Misawa move cargo from a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-04 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 12, 2022. Agile Combat Employment enables U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to respond across the spectrum of military operations.

Airmen from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, prepare equipment to conduct Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 11, 2022. One Black Flag 22-1 objective is to accelerate current Tactics Improvement Proposal progression and weapon system test and integration requirements to field advanced capabilities faster.

Soldiers with the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" travel to Texas, February 4, 2024. The Red Bulls are preparing for a deployment to the Middle East later this year. (Minnesota National Guard

Members of the Army's 3rd Special Forces, board an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to return to the United States after participating in Operation FOCUS RELIEF, in Accra, Ghana. Operation FOCUS RELIEF, a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, to equip and train seven battalions from West African countries to be able to conduct peace enforcement operations. Members of the Army's 3rd Special Forces, board an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to return to the United States after participating in Operation FOCUS RELIEF, in Accra, Ghana. Operation FOCUS RELIEF, a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone, to equip and train seven battalions from West African countries to be able to conduct peace enforcement operations.

U.S. Marines with 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, and Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, load ammunition and explosive ordnance onto a CH-53E Super Stallion aboard the U.S.N.S. Sacagawea in Kushiro Port, Japan, Oct 1, 2022. The United States Naval Ship Sacagawea serves as the command operating center for Combat Logistics Regiment 37, and provides logistical support to various units participating in Resolute Dragon. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Navy Corpsmen with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force carry a simulated casualty to a JSDF UH-1N Twin Huey as part of a medical evacuation rehearsal during Artillery Relocation Training Program 22.2 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Aug. 26, 2022. ARTP is an exercise held to strengthen the defense of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Alliance as the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Pollock, crew chief, pre-flights an F-15 Eagle on Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada Jan. 21, 2017. Airmen from the 125th Fighter Wing deployed for 3 weeks to Nellis AFB for Red Flag 17-1, the first Red Flag training exercise to integrate the F-35a.

Team Dover members arrive at a simulated deployment location during Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 11, 2022. The 436th and 512th Airlift Wings tested their ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a simulated contested and degraded operational environment.

U.S. Airmen from the 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron simulate loading patients on a C-17 Globemaster III in preparation for Exercise Golden Bee at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 22, 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.

U.S. Airmen from the 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron simulate loading patients on a C-17 Globemaster III in preparation for Exercise Golden Bee at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 22, 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Maurice Young and Senior Airman Clint Keen, both maintainers with the 514th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepare to inspect an engine inlet of a C-17 Globemaster III for a birdstrike, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., January 6, 2024. A birdstrike could be detrimental to the proper operation of an aircraft engine because it can cause damage to the high pressure compressor of the engine. A borescope is conducted to examine if damage has occurred.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Hudson, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment flight instructor, teaches medics and military police how to safely load a UH-60 Black Hawk May 23, 2022, at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. The load training was part of Resolute Sentinel 22, a multi-national training opportunity that offers real-world benefits to U.S. and partner nation military personnel and the people of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize by promoting well-being and readiness in addition to building long-term partnerships.

Members from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard prepare to salute a C-130 Hercules and its crew as it departs Savannah, Georgia on March 30, 2022 en route for Europe. The Airmen are deploying in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe by providing logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2020) Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 are greeted by Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 leadership after returning to Naval Air Station Jacksonville following a seven-month deployment, Nov. 5, 2020. VP-26 recently completed the deployment to Japan and El Salvador in support of U.S. 4th and 7th Fleets.

Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment Reconnaissance, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and French Army and Navy personnel conduct combined parachute operations in Djibouti Nov. 13, 2013. The 13th MEU is deployed with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Pfc. Joseph Salerna, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, backs his Bradley Fighting Vehicle aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with the help of an Air Force loadmaster, June 3, at Lawson Army Airfield, Fort Benning, Ga. Salerna, a Fort Washington, N.Y., native, is part of an element from 2-69 Armor participating in a large scale training exercise designed to prepare units for a rapid deployment in defense of U.S interests across the globe.

An M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and humvee park outside a C-17 Globemaster III at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, May 25, 2022. The MLRS carries 12 rockets or two large missiles, and can launch the entire Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions which includes more than 10 different types of rockets.

040810-F-3005G-010. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSOC

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Steven Engelhardt, Plane Captain from Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron One, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Brown, 422 Test & Evaluation Squadron, perform a pre-flight checks on a F-35A Lightning II in preparation for a Black Flag 22-2 training flight at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 21, 2022. This Black Flag assessed interoperability of near-future capabilities across three domains and services with a focus on tactical data link and consolidated F-35 cross service maintenance and logistics.

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