Aircraft Carrier Operations

Silhouettes of aircraft on a carrier deck at sunset, showcasing military aviation with a dramatic sky. Scenes feature helicopters and fighter jets in active settings.

An AH-2 Sabre at sunset in Natal, Brazil.

220808-N-BR419-1004 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 8, 2022) The sun rises over the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 8. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

An A-7E Corsair II aircraft makes an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Fleet Ex 1-90. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), is prepared before takeoff during a night tactics exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at San Clemente Island, California, April 4, 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 assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

An AH-2 Sabre at sunset in Natal, Brazil.

970305-F-5253G-002. Subject Operation/Series: BUSHWHACKER 97-5 Base: Tucson State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, return from a KC-130J Hercules flight during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 3, 2024. The ACM drill was part of a battalion field exercise that rehearsed crucial logistical operations executed within an ACM, aimed at enhancing the capabilities and readiness of CLB-4. Marine Corps

A C-17A Globemaster III returns, just at sunset, to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

110809-N-ZZ999-658PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2011) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Golden Hawks of Airborne Early-Warning Squadron (VAW) 112 prepares to launch from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled western Pacific Ocean and Arabian Gulf deployment.

SH-60B Seahawk USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) US Navy

A US Marine Corps (USMC) AV-8B Harrier aircraft attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM-263), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC), is prepared for a mission aboard the US Navy (USN) WASP CLASS: Amphibious Assault Ship, USS NASSAU (LAH 4), during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Delaney E. Smith, left, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Squadrito, both aircraft maintenance crew chiefs assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard perform a post-flight inspection on an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 2, 2023. During the final exercise with the A-10C before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the 122nd FW trained on maneuvers and logistics in a deployed environment with the main force positioned at MacDill Air Force Base and a contingency force at Moody Air Force Base.

U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kari Nettle is promoted to Chief Master Sgt. during a ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, March 4, 2023. Nettle currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 121st Force Support Squadron.

Senior Airman Alex Hoffman, an F-16 mechanic assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, prepares the fighter jet for an early morning training sortie, Jan. 29, 2019, at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. The 180FW deployed more than 130 Airmen and 10 F-16s to Patrick, Jan. 25 through Feb. 9, 2019, in an effort to enhance flying operations and readiness capabilities that can often be hindered by harsh winter weather at home-station in Northwest Ohio.

WESTERN PACIFIC (Nov. 12, 2017) Sailors conduct night flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Western Pacific. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has patrolled the Indo-Pacific routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional security, stability and prosperity.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 perform maintenance on a CH-53E Super Stallion at Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Oct. 14, 2013. The Marines removed the top rotor and prepared the aircraft for a replacement.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 437th Air Wing prepares to leave on a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Haiti Jan. 15, 2010 at Charleston Air Force Base S.C.

DN-ST-88-04799. Base: USS America (CV 66)

C-17 Globemaster IIIs are parked on the flight line Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation exercise kicks off Mobility Guardian 23 and involved the launch of 24 C-17s for the largest-ever show-of-force formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation dispersed to sharpen agile combat employment concepts that leverage rapid mobility to maximize lethality.

Flight deck crewmen remove chocks from the main landing gear of an S-2E Tracker aircraft aboard the Brazilian aircraft carrier MINAS GERAIS (A 11) during Operation UNITAS XXV. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV Base: Minas Gerais (A 11)

Airmen from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, along with Airmen from the New York ANG's 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, position wooden ramps to assist with loading equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Dec. 4, 2022. The multi-capable Airmen concept entails training Airmen in basic tasks outside of their usual specialty, so by having 158th Fighter Wing Airmen receiving exposure and training from the 105th, allows the Vermonters to be more versatile and contribute to the mission where needed.

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, sits on the flightline at Eielson AFB, Alaska, during the Baked Alaskan exercise, Sept. 9, 2022. One of the key objectives of this mission was to operationalize the Agile Combat Employment concept by sending Dyess Airmen to a different region. It also employed Multi Capable Airman construct, where Airmen were tasked with fulfilling multiple duties outside of their traditional Air Force Specialty Code on the flightline.

Andrews Air Force Base - Maryland - (MD) - United States of America. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-12603. Base: Norton Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-09763. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons sit on the flightline of the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, in the early morning hours, during a large-scale readiness inspection, Aug. 8, 2022, at the base in Swanton, Ohio. The exercise was a full-scale assessment of the rapid generation and movement of personnel and equipment, utilizing a 24-hour operation concept. The wing was evaluated on its ability to pack, prepare and deploy mission-ready personnel, aircraft and support equipment, while operating in a contested and degraded environment.

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to a Bomber Task Force from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, taxis at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 1, 2023. Bomber missions are designed to showcase Pacific Air Forces ability to deter, deny, and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors.

U.S. Air Force aircrew members assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, load cargo onto a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft during a combat airlift mission at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, October 31, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable airframe, capable of performing combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and combat airlift missions within the CENTCOM AOR.

U.S. Air Force Airmen prepare to ready and board a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron for take off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 24, 2024. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with our Allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. Air Force

031202-F-7392S-003. Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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

A flight deck crew member stands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS PELELIU (LHA 5) as a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter flies overhead at dusk during PACEX '89 medical evacuation drill. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Peleliu (LHA 5)

A U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), completes day gun exercise, during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, near Yuma, Arizona, April 1, 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 assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jacob Carr, a CH-53E Super Stallion crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, completes a preflight check at an undisclosed location, Oct. 11, 2022. HMH-464 provided assault support for Marine Forces Special Operations Command during Exercise Raven 23-1 to enhance combat readiness in an unfamiliar expeditionary environment. HMH-464 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

220626-N-XN177-1051 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 26, 2022) - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 prepares to take off from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 26, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Silhouette of military attack aircraft on vibrant sunset sky

U.S. Airmen from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit search for foreign object debris prior to preparing F-15C Eagles for take-off during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. PB22 is the latest in long standing, multilateral exercises designed to enhance participating countries air operations. This year, 17 nations are participating in PB22, and is scheduled from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 21, 2020) Seaman Alexis Mendoza, from Laredo, Texas, stands by as landing safety enlisted for an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 on the flight deck aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54). Antietam is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force aircrew and maintenance team prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for flight at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 26, 2022. The KC-135 delivers Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central)s global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), powers down during a night tactics exercise in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 4, 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 assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

Crewmembers of a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, perform a preflight inspection at Einhoven Airport, Holland, Sept. 18, 2010. The crew flew to Holland to participate in the 66th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne assault in the Netherlands during World War II.

Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, and 509th Bomb Wing, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conduct a specialized fuel operations (SFO) from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 2, 2022. The SFO marks the first time a C-17 refueled a B-2, increasing flexibility for the bomber to conduct agile combat employment operations.

ARABIAN GULF (July 31, 2016) - A pilot performs pre-flight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Wildcats of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its Carrier Strike Group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

010522-N-1058W-003. Base: Uss Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard prepare to taxi to the end of the runway at the Atlantic City Air National Guard base in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., prior to night flying Dec. 9, 2015.

110312-M-2739S-002YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (March 12, 2011) Marines and Sailors disembark from a KC-130 Hercules during a humanitarian assistance mission in response to the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan March 11. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, provided food, water, and medical supplies to support Operation Tomodachi.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 wait to refuel at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 conducted Air Delivered Ground Refueling to train toward rapid-refueling in austere environments for aircraft that cannot be refueled in flight, allowing them to stay in the fight.

Military Airlift Command C-141B Starlifter aircraft line the field during exercise Market Square III. Subject Operation/Series: MARKET SQUARE III Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041002-F-9429S-001. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view from inside the cargo compartment onboard a US Air Force (USAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) showing USAF STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Kenneth Hardwick, the aircrafts Crew CHIEF, talking with personnel from Shahbaz Air Base (AB), located near Jocobabad, Pakistan, about proper cargo off-loading procedures, during a mission flown in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (Duplicate image, see also DFSD0415202 or search 030129F7203T007). Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Shahbaz Air Base State: Jocobabad Country: Pakistan (PAK)

120118-N-DR144-620 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 18, 2012) Flight deck personnel launch an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

050126-F-6335P-109. Base: Utapao Royal Thai Naval Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Command A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 924th Fighter Group, sits on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. The 924th FG is the only active and classic associate fighter group in Air Force Reserve Commands inventory and functionally integrates with the 355th Operations Group and 355th Maintenance Group to conduct A-10 pilot training.

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 15, 2021) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Air Test and Evaluation (HX) Squadron 21 of Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md., idles aboard the flight deck of the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Mercy is underway off the coast of southern California completing Dynamic Interface Testing, where the ships aviation facilities will be evaluated for compatibility with the V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Sea Hawk, and establish launch and recovery windows in adverse weather conditions. Mercy recently returned to its homeport in San Diego from a regular overhaul in Portland, Ore., where improvements were made to its flight deck to support multiple aircraft platforms. Mercy must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders.

SH-60F Seahawk USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

021122-F-4177H-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 22, 2022. The 335th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

111210-N-RG587-020 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 10, 2011) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment.

A C-17 Globemaster III prepares to land during Exercise Swift Response at Cerklje Air Base, Slovenia, May 10, 2022. Approximately 9,000 service members from 17 Allied and partner nations will participate in Swift Response, including approximately 2,700 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, conduct routine maintenance on a UH-1Y Venom at São Pedro da Aldeia, Brazil, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 7, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

060316-N-6213R-002. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

A United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet pilot assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, prepares for a training sortie at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 20, 2022. The VMFA-323 Squadron integrated with the 510th Fighter Squadron and practiced dogfighting, where one F-16 would be paired with one F-18 and whoever gets "gunned" loses.

GULF OF ADEN (Jan. 1, 2017) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) transits the Gulf of Aden. Makin Island is deployed with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Idaho National Guard pilots take off in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters on a busy flight line with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs below them at Gowen Field during night operations on March 15, 2023.

030318-F-5712B-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A parked T-33 Shooting Star aircraft being used during Brim Frost '81. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '81 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Miller, left, and Senior Airman Carolyn Hendrix, right, 41st Expeditionary Squadron loadmasters, wait for for their mission to start on a C-130J Super Hercules at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 9, 2022. The 41st EAS, deployed with Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is responsible for delivering cargo, personnel, and airpower to U.S. and partner nation installations.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron parks after being the lead on a multinational formation over Guam, Feb. 6, 2024. Continued collaboration and integration with our allies and partners on ACE improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower. Air Force

Sailors assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) air department observe flight deck operations, Oct. 7, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

U.S. Marine Corps GySgt. Zachary Franks, the staff non-commissioned officer in charge of the military occupational specialty school with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, overlooks a mass flight at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2022. Franks is a Pendleton, Oregon native. HMLAT-303 is the fleet replacement squadron for the H-1 series aircraft and is responsible for training Marines to safely fly the Marine Corps attack helicopters. The Marines with HMLAT-303 demonstrated the tactical capabilities and combat power of the H-1 platform by completing this mass flight and continue to train the next generation of warriors.

A silhouetted view of a flight crewman conducting a preflight check on a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on the flight deck of a ship at sunrise. Country: Unknown

Airmen of the 28th Maintenance Squadron prepare a B-1B Lancer to support Operation Odyssey Dawn on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 27, 2011. Their work was made especially difficult by severe weather, including four inches of snow; glare ice, and freezing fog.

Airmen from the 112th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft on the flight line Jan 26, 2011, during an Operational Readiness Inspection at Combat Readiness Training Center Savannah, Ga. The ORI will inspect the wing's Airmen on their capability to survive and operate in a chemical, biological, and war time environment. The 6th Air Mobility Wing, 927th Air Refueling Wing, and the 73rd Aerial Port Squadron, are working together to make the 112th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Vintage Photograph. Fighter jets ready on aircraft carrier deck during vibrant sunset.

RED SEA (July 20, 2020) Sailors move an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron 105 in the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), July 20, 2020. Ike is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

220915-N-SP932-1048 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 15, 2022) - Sailors conduct training on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.

220910-N-XH769-1138 BALTIC SEA (Sep. 10, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors with the crash and salvage team observe flight operations aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Sep. 10, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

15th Special Operations Squadron Loadmaster, Matt Skaggs, lowers the ramp of an MC-130H aircraft during an Emerald Warrior medical mission. Emerald Warrior 2011 is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Gavin Lipko, 379th Expeditionary Airlift Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inspects a C-17 Globemaster III at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Feb. 4, 2023. The C-17 resupplies forward operating locations across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Staff Sgt. Chun Jiang, 15th Operations Support Squadron airfield management operations supervisor, utilizes a radio during a morning flight line inspection at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 20, 2022. Airfield management provides 24-hour support, enabling between 10 to 20 flight operations per day.

As seen through a night vision lens, two 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (37th TFW) F-117A aircraft taxi on the flight line during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" F-16 FIghting Falcon on the ramp at Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dominick Kirk, MV-22 Osprey crew chief assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, sits on the ramp during landing on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 13, 2022. VMM 163 deployed to Camp Lemonnier in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa by providing capabilities for personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. forces throughout East Africa.

Nighttime view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft, assigned to the 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, on the flight line during Exercise Copper Flag. Subject Operation/Series: COPPER FLAG Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A silhouetted view of a flight deck crewman standing by in a tow tractor as a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter lands aboard his ship at sunrise. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton assigned to the UnmannedPatrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19) is prepared to departMarine Corp Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022.Due to its geographic location and co-located airfield andharbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provideadvanced naval integration in support of regionalsecurity.

980608-F-4116M-007. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Kuwait International Airport Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A C-130J from the 39th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, prepares for a mission at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, August 31, 2022. Airmen and aircraft from the 41st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas have been transporting cargo to regions around the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility throughout their deployment and have passed on their operations to the 39th EAS.

President Barack Obama waves as he walks to Marine One after arrival at Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, March 24, 2014.

120615-N-AP176-059 GULF OF ADEN (June 15, 2012) A Sailor directs an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter as it prepares to shut down after landing aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94). Nitze is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group 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.

American and Uzbek Special Forces conduct training operations as part of Exercise Southern Strike, April 25, 2021. Southern Strike is an annual training exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard to increase combat readiness across all branches of the U.S. Military.

Airmen from the 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a simulated combat sortie in support of exercise Beverly Midnight 16-01 at Osan Air Base, South Korea, March 9, 2016. A-10s are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles and when using night vision goggles, A-10 pilots can conduct their missions in darkness.

LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicles from Charlie Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance detachment, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire on fixed targets as part of a combined arms engagement range during sustainment training in D'Arta Plage, Djibouti, Nov. 9. The 11th MEU is deployed as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout U.S. Central Command and 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 16, 2013)Aircrew personnel assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 practice vertical replenishment while underway aboard the amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and MSC civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation, deck, engineering and supply service operations, while military personnel aboard support communications, weapons systems and security.

GULF OF OMAN (June 20, 2013) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 launches off of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

060919-N-0119G-076. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Canadian media outlets and distinguished guest visit the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) for a press conference on Fords flight deck during the ships first international port visit in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Oct. 29, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

Members of the 82nd Airborne Division parachute from C-141 Starlifter aircraft over Landing Zone Nelson during exercise Gallant Eagle. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220426-N-EE352-1239 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 26, 2022) An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, prepares to launch off of the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), April 26. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations in the Pacific Ocean.

Cargo is dropped from a C-141 Starlifter aircraft over Landing Zone Nelson during Exercise Gallant Eagle. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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