Aircraft Operations and Maintenance

Military personnel engaged in aircraft operations, climbing into jets, performing checks, and preparing for missions on airbases and carriers.

An F-16CM Fighting Falcon, pilot, assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, prepares for take-off during Rattlesnake Rodeo, the Force Development Evaluation exercise, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 9, 2022. The focus for this years exercise is the integration of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar along with multiple software and hardware upgrades within operationally relevant test scenarios.

220527-N-BR419-1106 PHILIPPINE SEA (May 27, 2022) Capt. Michael Sweeney, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5s commanding officer, climbs into an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). 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.

010120-F-8513A-004. Base: Syracuse State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crew chief from the 14th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Misawa, Japan, does a post-flight check on an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during Cope Thunder North. The exercise tests aircrews' skills in strike, support, air defense and combat rescue roles. Units from the Canadian Forces, the U.S. Marine Corps, Alaska Air National Guard, Strategic Air Command and other Pacific Air Forces units are participating in the exercise.. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER NORTH Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

040929-F-4691W-002. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-04990. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET GAUNTLET '83 Base: Rygge Air Station Country: Norway (NOR)

An F-16CM Fighting Falcon, pilot, assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, prepares for take-off during Rattlesnake Rodeo, the Force Development Evaluation exercise, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 9, 2022. The focus for this years exercise is the integration of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar along with multiple software and hardware upgrades within operationally relevant test scenarios.

A U.S. Air Force fighter pilot performs flight pre-checks during Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 9, 2024. Conducted nearly quarterly in collaboration with the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Exercise Ballast Cannon aims to enhance the U.S. Air Force's rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel.

An F-15C Eagle pilot assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron taxis to the apron after a training sortie in support of surge operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 23, 2022. During the surge, the 44th FS flew up to 40 sorties a day, honing air-to-air tactics and advanced combat maneuvers, and strengthening the readiness capabilities needed to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Ammunition is loaded aboard an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during a practice load and preflight exercise. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

011204-F-7910D-010. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

A sailor aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) cleans the windshield of an F/A-18 Hornet while underway in the Arabian Sea. The ship is in to the area as part of the Southwest Asia (SWA) build-up of forces in reaction to Iraq's refusal of U.N. sponsored weapon's inspections. Country: Unknown

120709-N-WD757-401ARABIAN SEA (July 9, 2012) A pilot exits an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 after landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation.

A bay door of an F-16D Fighting Falcon sits ajar during an unveiling ceremony at the 310th Air Maintenance Unit hanger June 17, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Lt. Col. Gary Nordo North utilized this jet to eliminate an enemy MiG-25 Foxbat during Operation Southern Watch. It is the first American F-16 to earn an aerial victory.

First Lieutenant Brent Reinhardt, USAF, pilot from the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill AFB Utah, displays his hands to the ground crew. This lets the ground crew know its safe to go beneath the aircraft and give a final preflight check of the F-16D Fighting Falcon before it departs for a training mission. The aircraft spent the night on the Utah Air National Guard ramp. The Utah ANG flightline plays host to transient aircraft on a regular basis. Base: Salt Lake City State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2016) Airman Josh Coleman, from Vero Beach, Florida, washes an E/A-18G Growler assigned to the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 on USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) flight deck during the Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

US Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Saul Mendo signals the US Marine pilot of an AV-8B Harrier to hold fast on the flight deck of Tarawa Class Amphibious Assault Ship, USS TARAWA (LHA-1) during operations in the Persian Gulf in support of the Southwest Asia build-up. Base: USS Tarawa (LHA 1)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John Peacock, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, enters an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft 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.

Cockpit section of a F-35B STVOL jet of the Royal Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ian Vernon, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, boards a F-16 prior to take-off as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 14, 2022. Known as the Pantons, the 35th FS performs air and space control and force application roles including counter air, strategic attack, interdiction, and close-air support missions. It employs a full range of precision ordnance, can operate day or night and in all weather conditions. The Red Flag Exercise was established in 1975 and serves as a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise held multiple times a year by the USAF, alongside joint partner and allied air and ground forces.

Maintenancemen inspect the cockpit of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft prior to flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Pacific Ocean, February 6, 2007 - An F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), awaiting the next launch cycle.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Perez, an aircraft electrical systems technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, watches an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 25, 2023. VMFA-312 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to conduct joint-level training as a part of the Aviation Training Relocation Program and enhance the squadrons readiness and combat capabilities.

040121-F-4338B-016. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A Mark 82 500-lb. bomb carrying a message for Iraqi forces is mounted on a Strike-Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft. The Hornet is being readied for takeoff from the flight deck of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

Captain Jake Pippenger, 54th Fighter Group pilot, inspects an F-16 Fighting Falcon to prepare for a training sortie over the White Sands Missile Range's 10,000 square mile range at Holloman Air force Base, N.M., Aug. 5. The 54th FG is a detachment of Luke AFB, Ariz., and is stationed on Holloman to facilitate high-speed training, live fire weapons training, and night flying operations.

A plane director signals instructions to the pilot of an an F-18 Hornet aircraft during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-12699. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-3 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A ground crew member signals to the pilot of a 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft as it prepares to takeoff on the first daylight strike against Iraqi targets during Operation Desert Storm.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Matthew Andrews, left, a native of Wisconsin and an F/A-18 pilot, and Capt. Heather Hamilton, right, a native of New Jersey and a weapons system officer, both with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, inspect an F/A-18D Hornet before conducting routine flight operations in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

040508-F-4338B-019. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Stephanie Reyes (right), 502nd Air Base Wing honorary commander, receives a tour in a T-38 from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Williams (left), 560th Flying Training Squadron commander, during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Bartoletta, a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron, returns from flying an F-16 fighter jet during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

Jason Delgado (right), 902nd Security Forces Squadron honorary commander, receives a tour in a T-38 from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Williams (left), 560th Flying Training Squadron commander, during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

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.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, launches an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

Over the deserts of Saudi Arabia, an F-16 pilot, temporarily assigned at Riyadh, gives a thank you salute after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Aircraft. KC-135s from the 4408 Air Refueling Squadron, 4409 Air Wing (Provisional) continue to provide tanker support for aircraft patrolling and enforcing the Iraq no fly zone in support of Operation Southern Watch/Operation Desert Focus. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOCUS Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct post-flight procedures for the F-22 Raptors arriving at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, Oct. 16, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed from Poland to the Netherlands to conduct agile combat employment (ACE) and integrate with the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This integration marks the first time in history that USAF F-22 Raptors have operated out of the Netherlands and highlights the importance of our shared commitment to defend NATO territory. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

Members of Marine Attack Squadron 224 (VMA-224) prepare to chock the wheels of an A-6E Intruder aircraft after the plane was flown on a training mission. VMA-224, stationed at MCAS, Cherry Point, N.C., is on a two-week deployment to MCAS, Yuma. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side front view of a F-16 Falcon, Block 52 aircraft (the only such aircraft in the Air National Guard) from the 157th Fighter Squadron and assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire ANG Station South Carolina. Lans Stout, a visiting free-lance photographer from Atlantic Beach, Florida, captures pure beauty in flight (OCT 97). This photo was used for a picture story in the popular "Code One" magazine. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN James Prices, 25th Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, South Korea, checks the cockpit of an A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft during the weapons load competition. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Maj. Stanley Cheng, 122nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, adjusts his helmet in an F-15C Eagle at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 29 June, 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 ta

January 29, 2007 - A F-16 Fighting Falcon detaches from a KC-135 Stratotanker after refueling over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Jimmy Dean, 173rd Fighter Wing, Kingsley Field, Oregon, guides an F-15 Eagle aircraft to the end of the runway at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

British (UK) Royal Air Force (RAF) SENIOR Aircraftsman John Birch (right), assigned to No. 6 Squadron, helps RAF Wing Commander Mike Seares strap into the cockpit of his GR. Mk 1A Jaguar Reconnaissance aircraft at Incirlik Air Base (AB), Turkey, before conducting a mission in support of Combined Task Force, Operation NORTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, conduct pre-flight checks at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. Pilots with VMFA-312 departed for the Unit Deployment Program in order to provide forward presence and assist commanders around the globe.

070113-N-5345W-030. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Eric Cleveringa, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, puts on his flight gloves before a training sortie during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 6, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Air Force Col. Mansour Elhihi, left, commander, 125th Operations Group, 125th Fighter Wing, Florida National Guard, highlights components of the F-15C Eagle aircraft to Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, deputy director, Air National Guard, during a unit visit to the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, FL, Sept. 13, 2022. During his visit, Pirak received a mission brief and update on the long-awaited F-35A Lightning II conversion.

990229-F-9796L-004. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An eye-level view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft under maintenance silhouetted against the sunset. Country: Unknown

DF-SD-03-06113. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, receives fuel from a 92nd Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a training sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 22, 2022. The 18th Aggressor Squadron supports RFA by sharing its knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures to participating units, ensuring the United States and its allies receive the best air combat training possible.

Members of the ground crew refuel and service an OV-10 Bronco aircraft after it has completed a forward air controller mission during the air combat training exercise COPE THUNDER '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '83-1 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

020930-F-4649H-023. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ)

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Jeffery Clark, an Engine SPECIALIST with the 412th Component Repair Squadron, Edwards Air Force Base, California, ensures he is free from object that might cause damage as he inspects the inside of each engine before startup, March 1ST, 1999. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pilots from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing conduct a preflight check of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot explains to spectators the aircraft's capabilities at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 10, 2022. The airshow pays tribute to air power from the earliest U.S. military inventory to modern day aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Puleo, 510th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, and Airman 1st Class Joshua Remy, 510th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, prepare for take-off during Exercise Poggio Dart at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 8, 2022. Poggio Dart is a NATO led exercise focused on strengthening interoperability between allies from the United States, Italian, Turkish, and Hellenic Air Forces.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rafael Molina, 96th Maintenance Squadron crew chief, conducts post flight recovery of an F-15EX Eagle after its arrival for The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 21, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing parks at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina after returning from a deployment April 1, 2022. The Airmen and aircraft deployed to Europe in support of NATO operations where they ensured a protective posture of United States allies.

061116-N-4776G-345. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

Captain-kite W.J. Sneek steps into a General Dynamics F-16A.

SRA Jean Perez and Robyn Ness, avionics specialists, monitor a Laser Destination Calibration test through the Heads-Up Display of on an F-16 fighter April 26, 1999 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The F-16 is one of several aircraft (not shown) at Aviano supporting NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

040421-F-0209W-026. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force Airman sits in an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Aug. 22, 2022. The F-15E is operated by two crew members to better operate flight and weapon systems.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 26, 2013) Lt. Cmdr. James McCartney performs situps in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

DN-ST-87-06926. Country: Unknown

Pilot in Cockpit of F-16

Col. Justin Spears, 49th Wing commander, and Maj. Michael McCann, 8th Fighter Squadron F-16 Viper pilot, prepares to take off, Aug. 16, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 8th FS is one of five F-16 training squadrons on Holloman.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia prepares for a training flight with the Egyptian Air Force at Cairo West Air Base on June 27, 2022 as part of exercise Agile Phoenix. The U.S. Air Force and Egyptian military executed the combined training event focused on increasing Agile Combat Readiness, as well as offensive and defensive counter air capability and interoperability. Approximately 100 U.S. service members participated in this training event alongside the Egyptian armed forces demonstrating resolute partnerships and interoperability.

060828-F-0193C-006. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Major Raymond Fowler, a pilot with the 100th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Red Tails”, prepares for a sortie at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan Aug. 7, 2014. The F-16 Fighting Falcon” is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attacks. The unit is deployed from the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery, Ala. Fowler is deployed from the Alabama National Guard and a native of Atlanta, Ga.

A US Marine Arms a Laser Maverick Air to Ground Missile Mounted on an AV-8B Harrier Ready to Launch from Al Asad Air Base in Iraq's Al Anbar Province

Senior Airman Jared Thomas, 510th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, sends off an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Exercise Poggio Dart at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 8, 2022. The exercise optimized the integration between participants and strengthened interoperability between allied air forces during joint operations.

041112-F-9528H-010. Base: Biggs Army Airfield State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040618-M-3856G-001. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, Royal Netherlands Air Force detachment commander, Morris Air National Guard Base, performs a walk around inspection of his F-16 Fighting Falcon at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. This is the last temporary duty that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing before they return to the Netherlands.

June 15, 2010 - U.S. Air Force pilot takes a self-portrait with an F-16 Aggressor aircraft in the background during a sortie at Eielson in support of training exercise Red Flag-Alaska 10-3.

111222-N-DR144-395 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 22, 2011) Landing signal officers supervise the arrested recovery of an F/A-18C Hornet on the flight deck aboard 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 U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron climbs into the cockpit of an F-22 Raptor during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 22, 2022. ACE is Pacific Air Forces model to project combat power via a network of distributed operating locations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, conducts pre-flight checks for an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft prior to take off from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 22, 2022. During their rotation as an air expeditionary squadron assigned to Prince Sultan Air Base, the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 77th Fighter Generation Squadron will partner with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to maintain a sufficient and sustainable presence in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Cpl. Kevin Yoon (feet), an avionics technician, 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, conducts routine maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper 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. Yoon is a native of Sacramento, CA.

Members of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) F-16 Demonstration Team marches in formation at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The PACAF F-16 Demo Team is the premier U.S. aerial demonstration team in the Indo-Pacific region.

010810-F-0558K-004. Subject Operation/Series: LOCAL SALTY NATION Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Lerdon, commander of the Ohio National Guards 121st Air Refueling Wing, poses for a photo in front of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing, before a familiarization flight at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Aug. 31, 2022. Lerdon visited the 180FW to see the perspective of 180FW fighter operations.

Frontal view of an F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. The F-15E is a two seat, dual-role, extremely maneuverable fighter designed for all-weather missions. It can be loaded with a variety of air-to-air weaponry and can detect enemy aircraft beyond visual range. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

011012-F-0308N-286. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Idaho National Guard pilots and maintainers need to be ready and trained, day and night. The 124th Fighter Wing conducted night operations with the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, Nov. 16th, 2022, at Gowen Field.

970629-M-9816M-004. Complete Scene Caption: Two Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, 3rd Marine Air Wing based at Marine Corps Air Station, Tustin, California, perform a hot refuel on an AV-8B Harrier from VMFA-214, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona during KERNEL BLITZ '97 at Camp Pendleton, California. KERNEL BLITZ is a bi-annual Commander-in-CHIEF Pacific (CINCPAC) fleet training exercise (FLEETEX) focused on operational/tactical training of Commander, Third Fleet (C3F)/ I Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEF) and Commander, Amphibious Group 3 (CPG-3)/ 1ST Marine Division (MARDIV). KERNEL BLITZ is designed to enhance the training of Sailors and Marines in the complexities of brigade-size amphibious assault operations. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Marine Air Wing

STAFF SGT. Adame Reveile signals the driver of a weapons loader to stop as they prepare to load Mark 82 general purpose bombs onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The airmen are participating in the combat readiness competition Sabre Spirit '88, during. Subject Operation/Series: SABRE SPIRIT '88 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Benjamin Vanwingerden, pilot, Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401), Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW), conducts a pre-flight check of his F-5N Tiger II before takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sep. 23, 2022. VMFT-401 is a Marine Corps Reserve fighter adversary squadron that represents enemies in simulated air battles against Marine aircrafts.

General Dynamics F-16A.

A view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft from the refueling station of a KC-10 Extender aircraft during a tactical large force employment exercise. The F-4 is from the 36th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Osan Air Base, Korea, and the KC-10 is from the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, California. Country: Unknown

040206-F-9105A-005. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kim Slice” Auton, 555th FS F-16 pilot, lowers the canopy of an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 18, 20222. Falcon Strike 22 consisted of multiple NATO nations practicing joint offensive and defensive air operations that integrated fourth and fifth-generation airpower.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Yingling, Operations Officer with the USAF Thunderbirds, and Detective Benjamin J. MacDonald, an officer assigned to the homicide division of the Fort Wayne Police Department, sit inside the cockpit of Thunderbird 7 at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base in Fort Wayne, Indiana June 3, 2022. Thunderbird 7 is an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron.

A child smiles as he pokes his head out of the cockpit of a C-130J Hercules aircraft on static display during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

011017-F-7910D-023. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

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