Aircraft Maintenance and Preparations

Technicians working on aircraft, including F-16s and A-10Cs, showcasing the intricate processes involved in military aircraft maintenance and readiness.

A crew chief assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron inspects an F-35A Lightning II during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime anywhere.

030318-F-9528H-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

DF-ST-85-09782. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senior Airman Nathaniel Schilling, dedicated crew chief assigned to the 926th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, launches out an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron for Red Flag 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 11, 2022. During RF-N 22-3 the aggressor nation refines threat replication, applies advanced threats and jamming capabilities and increases threat capabilities to maximize training in non-permissive environments.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mariah Althaus, an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, prepares for flight, ready to conduct Agile Combat Employment training in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 18, 2022, Ämari Air Base, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe is an annual large-scale U.S. Army-led, multinational, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO and partner militaries.

990123-N-8854P-003. Base: Uss Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Adriatic Sea

US Air Force (USAF) Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Kurt Ertel, a reservist with the 446th Aircraft Generation Squadron, McChord Air Base, Washington maintains a C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft engine at Moron Air Base, Spain, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A crew chief assigned to the 421st Fighter Generation Squadron inspects an F-35A Lightning II during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime anywhere.

DF-ST-86-05033. Subject Operation/Series: TRIAD '84 Base: Whenuapai Air Base Country: New Zealand (NZL)

DF-ST-86-11224. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD 78 Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Rein.) 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), loosen a blade during a helicopter onload aboard USS Greenbay (LPD 20) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Amphibious Squadron 11 in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Danny Gonzalez)

TECH. SGT. Manuel Villa, crew chief with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, readies an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft for a mission in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Airman 1st Class Romit Raj and Master Sgt. Michael Brown, 301st Airlift Squadron, guide a school bus off of a C-17 Globemaster III on Sept. 24, 2022, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The 349th Air Mobility Wing performed a three-day mission to move humanitarian cargo to Haiti. Through the Denton Program, three school buses donated from San Diego Unified School District were transported from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Haiti. (1st Lt. Daniel Phelps)

011011-F-9631D-004. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE 2001-2002. Base: Christchurch State: Canterbury Country: New Zealand (NZL)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jacob Broad, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, checks fluids during a post-flight inspection of an F-15C Eagle during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Paul Stadelberger, a propulsion technician with the 166th Maintenance Squadron, adjust a new C-130 Hercules aircraft engine from above at the New Castle Air National Guard Base, Del., May 14, 2022. Ensuring maintenance of the C-130 is up to date is important to keep the 166th Airlift Wing's mission going.

220630-N-BR419-1016 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 30, 2022) Aviation Machinists Mate 3rd Class Isaiah Koschnitzke performs maintenance on a propeller of an E-2D Hawkeye attached to the Tigertails of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). E-2D Hawkeyes perform tactical airborne early warning missions to provide valuable information to Carrier Strike Group 5 as it plans and executes operations. 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.

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron boards a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, during a rapid deployment training exercise at Souda Bay, Greece, Aug. 12, 2022. The KC-135 crew is part of an agile combat employment support package that included a U.S. Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft. The Rivet Joint is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, prepared for dynamic operations across a variety of environments.

Crew Chiefs from the 149th Maintenance Group perform a landing gear swings operations check on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, August 19, 2022. This routine check is done roughly every three years or when an issue arises with the aircraft. The aircraft is put up on jacks and the lading gear is cycled to ensure every small part is functioning properly so pilots are able to safely execute their mission. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Mancuso)

DN-SC-87-00420. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

030714-F-3873G-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brad Waggoner, an aircraft armament systems specialist assigned to the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, arms an AIM-9 X missile on an F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned the 180FW, for a training flight at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, Oct. 31, 2022. The 180FW deployed to Key West to train with VFC-111, the Navy's premier adversary squadron, providing realistic training scenarios that ensure the 180FW is prepared for homeland defense and contingency operations around the globe.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dylan Radka, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, inspects the nose landing gear of his aircraft prior to an aerial refueling mission on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 30, 2022. The aircrew members also performed touch-and-go, assault landings, and combat offload maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

A ground crewman performs maintenance on an F-15 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during exercise Coronet Wrangler. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET WRANGLER Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Randal Garcia, left, Airman Dezarae Wright, middle, and Airman 1st Class Brennan Brown, 74th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew members, load an MAU-40 ejector bomb rack into an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, April 6, 2022. The 74th FGS load crew members work as a three-man team to complete loads.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christopher Kiser, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, performs preflight inspections on an F/A-18C Hornet Aircraft during Cope North 24 at Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, Feb. 12, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Marine Corps

040916-F-6701P-008. Base: Lask Air Base State: Lodzkie Country: Poland (POL)

060703-N-7130B-257. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman DeForest Gatewood, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flight crew chief, performs a post-flight inspection on a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during Cope South 2024, Feb. 20, 2024, at BAF Bangabandhu Cantonment, Bangladesh. CS24 is an opportunity to advance military airlift compatibility between the U.S. and Bangladesh air forces; exchange and enhance airlift, air-land and airdrop delivery techniques specific to U.S. and Bangladesh aircraft; and promote regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

Aircrew from the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron perform pre-flight inspections at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 18, 2023. The 43rd ECS flies the EC-130H to perform its airborne electronic warfare mission as part of the only electronic combat group in the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Trenton R. Waddell, a MV-22 tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron (VMM) 265, refuels an MV-22B Osprey attached to VMM-265 during Marine Aviation Support Activities 22-2, July 18, 2022, Subic Bay, Philippines. MASA 22-2 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

030304-F-9032T-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

030325-F-9032T-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

020410-A-8359B-022. Base: Bird International Airport Country: Antigua And Barbuda (ATG) Scene Major Command Shown: USSOUTHCOM

040803-F-3431H-073. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Yarrington, a MV-22 tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron (VMM) 265, performs maintenance on an MV-22B Osprey during Marine Aviation Support Activities 22-2, July 17, 2022, Subic Bay, Philippines. MASA 22-2 is a bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of Philippines and the U.S. Marine Corps, aimed at increasing interoperability and improving aviation-related capabilities in support of U.S.-Philippine mutual defense.

A team of U.S. Air Force maintainers from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare for the F-22 Raptors return from a training flight at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission. The 90ths presence in the region strengthens U.S. and NATOs unity each day as forces come together to train and deter in an ever-evolving threat environment.

030403-F-5098W-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 192nd Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, prepares to pull chalks on a F-22 Raptor prior to launch May 3, 2022, at the Air Dominance Center, Combat Readiness Training. Center, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah 2022 is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Senior Airman Nicholas Hawkins, a crew chief with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, walks under the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker prior to takeoff August 25, 2022 on Oahu, Hawaii. The Stratotanker and crew stopped in Oahu to refuel before heading to the United States Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility.

U.S. Marines with 1st Landing Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, prepare a joint light tactical vehicle for an external lift as part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 25, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A firefighter with the U.S. Air Force 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron carries a ladder after a simulated cockpit rescue on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 12, 2022. The cockpit rescue, which was part of Exercise Grand Shield 22-4, simulated the extraction of multiple casualties from an airplane cockpit.

. Kristian Snoots, who works at the U.S. Air Force Corrosion Control Facility on Edwards Air Force Base, removes masking from NASA 862, which is an F/A-18D based at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

Crew of a US Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter Prepare the Helicopter for a Mission at the Al Taqaddum Air Base in Al Anbar Province of Iraq

020522-F-6565E-005. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Duluth International Airport State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Susan Sparks, Space Launch Delta 45 Senior Enlisted Leader, tandem jumps with pararescuemen from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., July 28, 2022. Sparks is SLD 45s newest SEL.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Santiago Cordobacertuche, an aircraft ordnance technician with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, installs flares on a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 3, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMGR-152 conduct routine flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

041230-M-0931T-002. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

A member of the 509th Security Forces standing in front of the landing gear of B-2 Spirit stealth bomber uses his two-way radio to report the presence of an unknown person in the priority A area during the joint military exercise GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98 Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011021-F-9232S-005. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marine Corp Lance Cpl. Daniel Serrano assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) - 764, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing supervises refuel on the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, CA July 21, 2022.His efforts were part of the first ever refuel of the MQ-9 Reaper using a Forward Area refueling Point in an austere environment.

Maintenance personnel of the 944th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron replace an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft's brake assembly during COPE NORTH 89-2, a quarterly, joint Japanese Air Self Defense Force and US Air Force exercise. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 89-2 Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 load flares into an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, VMFA-242 and Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

SGT Anthony W. Price, from the 18th Component Repair Squadron, checks an F-15 Eagle aircraft during exercise Team Spirit '81. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '81 Base: Kwang Ju Air Base Country: Korea

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Trenton Waddell, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, prepares an MV-22B Osprey for takeoff during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto airport, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 13, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

STAFF Sergeant Bud Aretto and SENIOR AIRMAN William Burns, 743rd Maintenance Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, guide a fork lift up to a C-141 Starlifter aircraft from the 621st Air Mobility Operation Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. The cargo is to be air dropped during Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX) 98-1 on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pararescueman, US Air Force Technical Sergeant John Saftner (left) and US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Larry Hiyakumoto load a RAM-Z Rescue package into the back of an MC-130 Combat Shadow aircraft. The RAM-Z has a rubber Zodiac inflatible boat with outboard motor and a complete medical kit that will be parachuted into the water during a training rescue operation in the Pacific Ocean. (Duplicate image, also see DF-SD-02-01130 or 001130-F-8708H-018). Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Corbin Robinson, an fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, performs preflight inspections at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 22, 2024. Nicknamed the Red Devils, VMFA-232 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Guam as a part of their Aviation Training Relocation Program deployment to train multilaterally with allies and partners, and enhance the squadrons combat readiness.

An Air Force crewchief from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing, Diego Garcia, marshals a KC-10A Extender into its parking spot during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The KC-10A completed over 300 sorties while offloading 30 million pounds of fuel in the first 30 days of combat. The KC-10A has the capability to refuel the full spectrum of U.S. and Allied fighters, bombers, and mobility aircraft using either centerline drogue or a fly-by-wire boom system. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Diego Garcia Country: British Indian Ocean Territory (IOT) Scene Major Command Shown: 28th AEW

U.S. Airmen Master Sgt. Ryan Hubbard, an aircraft mechanic assigned to the 139th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, installs a training magazine for the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare System, on a C-130H Hercules aircraft, while attending the Weapon Task Qualification Manager/Munitions Training Course, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, February 22, 2024. The WTQM course, taught by the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, includes training in the uploading of expendables in the ALE-47 Chaff and Flare Systems, as well as explosive safety, expendables operations, and practical flare loading operations, utilizing training munitions items on mobility aircraft. Air National Guard

SRA Heather Freeman documents a B-52H Stratofortress at Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom. Freeman is a videographer assigned to the 100th Communications Squadron, RAF Mildenhall. She is forward deployed to RAF Fairford in support of the 2nd Air Expeditionary Group. The 2nd AEG is supporting NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A member of the 90th Security Police Group, wearing rain gear, patrols the flight line in front of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. Base: Francis E. Warren Air Force Base State: Wyoming (WY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Sanders, 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, works on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during the Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 training at the 33rd Air Base, Powidz, Poland, Sept. 16, 2022. Participation in ADR 22-4 enhanced professional relationships and improved overall coordination with allies and partner militaries.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cesar Arguello and Airman 1st Class Anthony Daleo, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chiefs, annotate completed maintenance tasks at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 3, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

020102-F-2034C-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Thumrait Air Base Country: Oman (OMN) Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Buck, loads a C-130 Hercules at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., Sep. 22, 2022 during a readiness exercise, Operation Thundercat. This four-day exercise provides a simulated combat environment that allows Airmen to practice real-world warfighting capabilities.

A US Navy sailor on board the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) observes the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) coming alongside. With both carriers and their embarked air wings, the US now has some 100 strike aircraft operating independently in the waters of the Persian Gulf. GEORGE WASHINGTON and NIMITZ continue to patrol the no-fly zone over Iraq in support of UN sanctions. Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 23 NOVEMBER 1997. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

A ground crew member performs maintenance on an F-15E Eagle aircraft of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing prior to its deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Service members participate in an unprecedented joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station, adding to the war fighting efforts.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon, left, 432nd Maintenance Group Weapons Standardization squadron lead crew member, judges as Senior Airman Christian, middle, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew chief, and Airman 1st Class James, right, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, work together to load a missile on an MQ-9 Reaper during the Load Crew of the 3rd Quarter competition at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Oct. 14, 2022. The crews are scored on their ability to perform well under stress and quickly load weapons onto the aircraft while adhering to safety precautions.

040323-F-3963C-122. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Staff Sgt. Korey Queen, a crew chief assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, removes the chocks from a B-1B Lancer prior to a launch for a Weapons School Integration (WSINT) mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 25, 2022. The Weapons School provides academic and advisory support to numerous units, enhancing air combat training for Airmen from the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. allied services each year.

030410-F-5098W-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Thatcher Deese, left, crew chief, and Capt. Swiss” Ritschard, F-22 Raptor pilot, both assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, guide an F-22 Raptor to park during Ritschard’s ‘Crew Chief for a Day’ immersion at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. ‘Crew Chief for a Day” allows pilots to embed with maintenance personnel through daily tasks such as inspections, recovery, and refueling. The immersion helps to bolster morale and team building within the squadron. The 90th’s presence in the region strengthens U.S. and NATO’s unity each day as forces come together to train and deter in an ever-evolving threat environment.

ARABIAN GULF (Dec. 2, 2017) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Philip Powell readies an E-2C Hawkeye, assigned to the Sunkings of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, for launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and its carrier strike group are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

040312-M-0374B-001. Base: Port Of Naha Country: Japan (JPN)

Adm. Charles Richard, United States Strategic Command commander, watches B-52H Stratofortress aircraft taxi on the flight line at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 17, 2022. Minot AFB provides two legs of the nation's nuclear triad and falls under the USSTRATCOM.

An Alaska Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 176th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska delivers cargo to Nome Airport, Alaska, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the AKOM, which includes members of 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.

Members of the 90th Security Police Group, armed with an M16A1 rifles, train in flight line security procedures. Base: Francis E. Warren Air Force Base State: Wyoming (WY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030325-F-0558K-101. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Aviation Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Angelo Flores signals for an F/A-18C Hornet to move forward on the catapult prior to launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Nimitz is on deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

030826-F-6701P-010. Subject Operation/Series: JTF LIBERIA Base: Roberts International Airport Country: Liberia (LBR)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-10 extender at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 10, 2022. Sondergard received brain surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation, and later suffered losses to both memory, speech, and motor skills due to a stroke. Recovered, Sondergard returned to his duties as a Crew Chief and hobby as an avid powerlifter.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Wyrsch, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 approaches his aircraft prior conducting his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Wyrsch conducted his final flight with VMFA-242 after serving 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Alan Babinec, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, secures his helmet prior to flight during Cope North 24 at Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, Feb. 12, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Marine Corps

040803-F-5388P-026. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

020306-F-4814D-039. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

The Blue Angels are currently conducting winter training at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 air show season.

970418-F-7850M-003. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jeremiah Baird, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, removes an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot from the cockpit due to a simulated flight line emergency at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 1, 2024. Firefighters from the 51st CES continuously train in order to maintain the level of readiness needed to ensure safety for base personnel. Air Force

Airman 1st Class Ethan Parker, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, preps the aircraft for take-off in support of a joint training exercise over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 24, 2022. Joint training strengthens partnerships and enhances capabilities, allowing the U.S. to maintain air supremacy and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

040510-F-0697K-017. Base: Fort Benning State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

5th Bomb Wing flight crew Airmen perform pre-flight checks on the B-52H Stratofortress at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 17, 2022. Flight checks ensure an aircraft is ready to fly long ranges without any mechanical failures.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Wesley Anderson, left, bulk fuel specialist, from Flint, Michigan, with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Lance Cpl. Thomas Florek, bulk fuel specialist, from Oak Forest, IL, with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a forward arming and refueling point practical application, during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Auxiliary Airfield II, near Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 21, 2022. The WTI course is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, 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.

Ground crewmen from the 183rd Tactical Fighter Group attach a baggage pod to the wing of an F-4D Phantom II aircraft during Exercise Coronet Brave. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET BRAVE Base: Raf Finningley Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Pierce Bender, 6th Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender flight engineer, inspects aircraft during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 6, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability, while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere.

040708-F-9528H-001. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Terry Netts, US Air Force (USAF), and MASTER Sergeant Gregory King, USAF, 445th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS), Wright Patterson, AFB, Ohio along with SENIOR AIRMAN William Geise, USAF, 723rd Air Mobility Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany and TSGT Glenn Holly, USAF, 62nd AGS, McChord AFB, Washington, prepare to raise an engine cart into position before swapping engines on a C-141 Starlifter at 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.... Complete Scene Caption: Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Terry Netts, US Air Force (USAF), and MASTER Sergeant Gregory King, USAF, 445th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS), Wright Patterson, AFB, Ohio along with SENIOR AIRMAN William Geise, USAF, 723rd Air Mobility Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany and

SENIOR AIRMAN Ronald W. Smith, US Air Force (USAF), Crewchief, 437th Maintenance Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, makes minor repairs on a C-17A Globemaster III, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, 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

Royal Air Force Cpl. Eliot Beddows, avionics maintainer assigned to the 51st Squadron from RAF Waddington, United Kingdom, discusses the maintenance of an RC-135 Rivet Joint with a U.S. Air Force Airman at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2022. The partnership between the USAF and RAF includes similar training for maintainers that allows joint maintenance of aircraft.

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