← Military & Defence

Aircraft Pilots and Operations

Pilots preparing for missions in various fighter aircraft, depicting pre-flight checks, training activities, and aircraft inspection in military settings.

Pilot climbing inside his T-346 aircraft for a training mission.

Senior Airman Anthony Guddo inspects an F-16C Fighting Falcon at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Jan. 15, 2012. Guddo is a crew chief assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and is deployed from the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard.

A plane director signals to the pilot of a Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Weapons loaders from the 94th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia down load munitions off of an F-15C Strike Eagle at Azraq Air Base, Jordan during the Air Power Expeditionary Force operation.An ancillary mission of the Force is to assist US Air Force and other multinational forces operating in Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries patrol the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Azraq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

A U.S. Sailor signals an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-32), Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, into place after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

050205-F-1376A-002. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Terrell Cole, 94th Fighter Generation Squadron F-22 Raptor crew chief communicates with a Raptor pilot prior to takeoffs during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron descends from the cockpit after arriving as part of a temporary deployment at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022. The deployment of newer and more advanced aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the Department of Defense's continued commitment to enhancing posture while building on the strong foundation of the Alliance With Japan.

Tech. Sgt. Adam Skadsberg, 148th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons one-man, signals to an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, June 21, 2016, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Skadsberg was part of a three-man crew performing the inspection, and was responsible for communicating with the pilots while his teammates inspected each aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel” Fiedler, F-16 Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performed at the Miami Air and Sea Show, FL., May 28, 2022. The Viper Demo Team travels to roughly 20 air shows across the United States each year where they engage with local media and members of the community in which they are performing.

DN-ST-86-05933. Base: Naval Air Station Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General Dynamics F-16A.

CAPT. Robert G. Wright (right), 526 Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, shows and explains F-16 Fighter Falcon controls to Romanian medical officers visiting the 86th Wing as part of the European Command military-to-military contact program with former East bloc countries. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A 134th Fighter Squadron pilot readies his F-35A Lightning II aircraft for launch during the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington, Vermont, on April 4, 2023. The ACE exercise is designed to test a unit's readiness for rapid deployment and real-world scenarios.

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 26, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

US Air Force Captain Dave"SPARKY" Hien gives the famous "Buzzard Claw" at Kuchyna Air Base, Slovakia. September, 18 2000 during Exercise IRON CLAW. Subject Operation/Series: IRON CLAW Base: Kuchyna Air Base Country: Slovakia (SVK)

990229-F-9796L-009. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Micheal Richard, 35th Fighter Wing commander, speaks about military equipment to Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, during the ambassadors visit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 22, 2022. Emanuel visited Misawa to build relationships with personnel and gain a better understanding of their overall joint and bilateral mission, capabilities and comprehensive duties.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jovany Rodriguez, a weapons load crew team chief assigned to the 335th Fighter Generation Squadron, transports munitions during a quarterly weapons load competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Jan. 12, 2024. The competition includes a knowledge test, toolkit inspection and weapons building and loading procedures in a competitive environment.

Military pilot in helmet stands near jet plane Military pilot in helmet stands near jet plane. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 10775129

100119-F-2034C-047Tech. Sgt. Luke Schellhammer conducts maintenance checks on his C-130J Hercules Jan. 19, 2010 on the Green Ramp, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, N.C. before taking off for a relief mission to Haiti. Sgt. Schellhammer is a flying crew chief from the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. U.S. Southern Command is deploying assets to Haiti to conduct search and rescue operations, damage assessments, and transitions sustained Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations in order to prevent human suffering and additional loss of life.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Coach McGoffin, 18th Aggressor Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, boards his aircraft before a training sortie as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 16, 2022. The Aggressors are dedicated to playing the red team adversaries against blue team allies during Red Flag aerial training missions. 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.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Chance, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-22 avionics specialist, waits to attach the tail hook pin to safe an F-22 Raptor after its 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.

A Polish Air Force pilot does a pre-flight check on a Polish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, October, 21, 2022. Joint training and exercises increase the mutual commitment the Air Force has with its allies and partners, both in the region and abroad.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Anderson, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares a F-16 fighter jet from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Anderson, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares a F-16 fighter jet from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

Marine Air Support Services, Camp Pendleton, F-18's and their components, during Brightstar 1999-2000 held thoughout October and November on Mubark Military Base in Egypt. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHTSTAR 1999-2000 Base: Mubarak Military City Country: Egypt (EGY)

A wide-angle head-on view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft showing the General Electric GAU/8A Avenger 30mm seven-barrel cannon mounted in the nose section. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030418-F-5712B-032. Subject Operation/Series: Operation Iraqi Freedom Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle maintainer assists pilots, both assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, exit their aircraft after landing at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 9, 2022. The Liberty Wings F-15s were the first foreign aircraft to arrive in Spain for the two-week NATO course.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Josh Plocinski, 13th Fighter Squadron fighter pilot, prepares for takeoff in an F-16 Fighting Falcon fitted with new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar upgrades at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. The new AESA radar uses a high-speed network providing pilots with decreased processing times of targets and data information from radar targets and other aircraft systems. Misawa Air Base is only the second in the Air Force to incorporate the upgraded technology into the F-16, increasing operational capabilities to deter adversaries and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force aircraft fuel systems journeymen assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, signal mission completion in front of an F-16CJ Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, after a hydrazine response training at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 25, 2022. If an F-16CJ Fighting Falcons engine ever fails in flight itll be flooded with hydrazine to buy the pilot about 17 more minutes to decide their jet's fate, if they choose to land or crash land the hydrazine needs to be neutralized before the jet can be saved. (U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)

A 325th Fighter Wing maintainer prepares to marshal out an F-22A Raptor for a mission Oct. 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. A squadron of the wings Raptors and Talons have been at Eglin since Hurricane Michael devastated Tyndall Air Force Base in 2018.

U.S. Air Force Captain Aaron Doyle, 14th Fighter Squadron wing flight safety officer, discusses his pre-flight inspection with a crew chief at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1, Oct. 13, 2022. RF-A is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise that aims to offer realistic air-combat training for military pilots and other flight crew members from the United States and allied countries.

A ground crew member of the 52nd Fighter Wing signals to the pilot of an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft as it stands on the flight line. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

020813-F-4177H-021. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

Pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard prepare to take off from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, June 7, 2022 during the Agile Rage 22 exercise. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

010309-F-4905S-003. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

030907-F-7910D-003. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Marines

Garrett Smithley, driver for Rick Ware Racings NASCAR Cup Series, gets an up-close look at an F-16 Fighting Falcon at the 149th Fighter Wing on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, May 5, 2022. Smithley, his racing crew and his show car toured JBSA over three days giving service members and their families an up-close look as part of their Military Salutes Program.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Aerospace Valley Air Show at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Oct. 16, 2022. The show was held on the 75th anniversary of the first supersonic flight, which was achieved at Edwards back in 1947.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over Bullhead City, Arizona, March 30, 2023. The A-10 Demonstration Team travels around the country to different airshows to showcase the abilities of the A-10 and its Airmen, as well as their contributions to the Air Force mission and national security.

Lance CPL. Reiko Rexilius of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-AW-242), Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11), El Toro, California, does a preflight inspection on an F/A-18D Hornet fighter attack aircraft during Cope Thunder North, an exercise that 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.. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER NORTH Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

A U.S Air Force crew chief from the 77th Fighter Generation Squadron set off an F-16 after refueling during AGILE FLAG 22-2 at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, July 22, 2022. Participating units for AGILE FLAG 22-2 travelled from Moody AFB, Shaw AFB, Dyess AFB, Hurlburt AFB, MacDill AFB, Travis AFB, and Robbins AFB to the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, and other regional locations for the duration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, prepares to depart for the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The UDP provides forward presence and assists commanders around the globe.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leo Johansson, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, watches a pilot during launching procedures while an F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, taxis 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.

US Navy (USN) plane captain prepares an EA-6B Prowler with the Electronic Attack Squadron-133 (VAQ 133), from Woodby Island, Washington, for a mission from Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska, in support of exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Miranda Jones, 157th Fighter Squadron F-16 fighter jet pilot, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, conducts preflight checks at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, September 15, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily flying out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport while the McEntire Joint National Guard Base runway undergoes construction.

Crew CHIEF SSGT Jim Harr, 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymore Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, marshals an F-15 Eagle to a parking spot after its arrival. SSGT Harr and the 336's aircraft are deployed to participate in the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Malaysian Air Force Mig-29 during maneuvers of its in-flight refueling probe into the 'basket' at the end of a refueling hose from a United States Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules high above the South China Sea, Malaysia.

Soldiers from B Company, 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade pose in front of an U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet.Soldiers from B Company, 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade conducted deck landings with CH-47F Chinook helicopters on the the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the waters east of the Korean peninsula on September 26, 2022. Deck landing qualifications are conducted to certify air crew members and pilots on landing on a ship. This training was conducted in part with the Maritime Counter Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) to strengthen interoperability with our joint partners.

A member of the 457th Fighter Squadron, Naval Air Station, Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Carswell Field, Texas "end of runway" team marshals out an F-16 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 457th deployed with twelve F-16 fighters to support Operation Decisive Edge. Subject Operation/Series: DECISIVE EDGE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Air Force Staff Sgt. Cody Harpster of the 126th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron observes the tail of a KC-135R Stratotanker as the aircrew members perform pre-flight checklist items on March 29, 2016, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

US Air Force Captain Tony Meyer prepares to leave his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft after landing at Lajes Air Base, Azores. His unit, the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, stopped over on a return leg from Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Lajes Air Base Country: Azores (AZR)

980319-F-1894K-006. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Eric Dill, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief from MacDill Air Force Base, services a KC-135 Stratotanker during Operation Noble Defender at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 13, 2022. This Noble Defender operation demonstrates the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions of the continent across all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats.

Lt. Col Deloney, 302nd Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor pilot, prepares for taxi during his final flight Dec. 3, 2022 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

U.S. Air National Guard Capt. Michael Breshears, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, completes pre-flight operational checks prior to a flight 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.

Close-up of a BAE Harrier II aircraft, Niederrhein, Germany.

Colombian Air Force Major Rommel Rodriguez, 111th Fighter Squadron Commander and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Madison Woo, South Carolina Air National Guard's 157th Fighter Squadron return from familiarization flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon flight 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 prepare an AV-B Harrier II jet for flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 30, 2022. AV-8B Harrier II jets assigned to VMA-223 were loaded with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and ADM-141A Tactical Air-Launched Decoys for the pilots to practice air-to-air combat. VMA-223 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah Kincel, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team crew chief, performs post-flight inspections in Tyler, Texas, June 29, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team is made up of 11 personnel, including a pilot, nine maintenance personnel and a public affairs specialist. The mission of the A-10 Demonstration Team is to recruit, retain and inspire.

040610-F-0375W-014. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, gives a thumbs up upon returning from his fini flight in a F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 30, 2022. This was Daviss final flight as commander before redeploying and starting a new position as North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Commands director for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4)/Cyber in Colorado Springs.

Slovak Air Force fuels crew refuels a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron after its arrival at the Slovak International Air Fest, Aug. 27, 2022. The Raptor participation in the airshow reinforces the U.S.'s commitment and support to our NATO Allies and partners.

051229-F-2902B-022. Base: Camp Lemonier Country: Djibouti (DJI)

030306-F-1443F-034. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

980416-F-4116M-004. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Aviation Electricians Mate Airman Alexander Barr, from Santa Monica, Calif., signals to an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, Royal Netherlands Air Force detachment commander, Morris Air National Guard Base, waits to taxi his aircraft 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.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II makes its way to the runway during RED FLAG-Alaska 10-1, Oct. 9, 2009, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A provides participants 67,000 square miles of airspace, more than 30 threat simulators, one conventional bombing range and two tactical bombing ranges containing more than 400 different types of targets. The A-10's are assigned to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

Ein Eurofighter Mehrzweckkampfflugzeug der Luftwaffe Bundeswehr, aufgenommen im Rahmen der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023 in Island. Keflavik, 03.08.2023

Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft Military pilot in the cockpit of a jet aircraft. Copyright: xZoonar.com/AlexanderxStrelax 10775176

DF-ST-89-06560. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL 88 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A United States Marine Corps weapons technician arms an Aim-9x Sidewinder missile mounted on an F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

F-16 Pilot Makes a Clenched Fist Gesture Just Prior to Launch

020118-F-5872L-008. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER '02 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

020111-F-0571M-056. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Maintenance Group prep F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 157th Fighter Squadron for a daily training sortie at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia, South Carolina, July 27, 2022. The SCANG is currently flying out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport during a runway construction project underway at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C.

DF-ST-87-00552. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Taylor Bryant, 94th Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, directs an F-22 Raptor pilot prior to Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 27, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

020301-F-5837D-037. Base: Portland Air National Guard Base State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

An informal portrait of Commander Dominic Gorie of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) standing in front of an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. CDR. Gorie has been selected for assignment to the National Aeronautics and space Administration (NASA) as an astronaut and will report for training in March. Base: Naval Air Station, Cecil Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lieutenant Connor Jones, 75th Fighter Squadron pilot, conducts post flight recovery after arriving 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.

Lance Cpl. Juan Olguin, from Lakewood, Calif., sprays the surface of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan during a countermeasure wash down on the flight deck. Sailors scrubbed the external surfaces on the flight deck and island superstructure to remove potential radiation contamination. Ronald Reagan is operating off the coast of Japan providing humanitarian assistance as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi.

031028-F-0629H-010. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

041116-F-1740G-016. Base: Hyakuri Japanese Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

An MB4 tow tractor pulls an F-22 Raptor assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska to be refueled by a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Charleston AFB, South Carolina at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 2, 2024. The refueling aims to give the Air Forces mobility fleet more flexibility in combat, broadening each aircrafts capabilities. Air Force

U.S. Air National Guard 1st Lt. Jon Tarbox, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing, while traveling to Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 1, 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 Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, prepares to take off for an F-22 Raptor sortie at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7, 2022. Wilsbach is a command pilot with more than 5,000 flight hours, primarily in the F-15C, MC-12 and F-22.

DF-ST-89-00769. Subject Operation/Series: SHADOW HAWK Base: Azarq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

120217-N-JY929-012ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 17, 2012) Master Chief Logistics Specialist Joselito Tolentino, a member of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) shipÕs band, sound checks his guitar in the hangar bay before an African-American History Month celebration. Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

ARABIAN SEA (May 4, 2021) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Ethan Sauer performs pre-flight ordnance checks on a F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the "Gunslingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 during flight operations aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in the Arabian Sea, May 4, 2021. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations and providing airpower to protect U.S. and coalition forces as they conduct drawdown operations from Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Titus Johnson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician, conducts post flight recovery on an F-35 Lightning II 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.

040728-F-9528H-005. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Kurt Helphinstine, 4th Fighter Wing commander, prepares to take off at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 2, 2022. Helphinstine took his final flight as the commander of the 4th FW.

040207-F-8970C-004. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 154 Wing

U.S. Air Force Crew CHIEF SSGT after its arrival from Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 11, 1999. Adkins of Kalmazoo, Michigan, is part of the 81st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron deployed to Gioia del Colle, Italy. This A-10, normally based at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, is one of more than 280 U.S. Air Force aircraft deployed in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

Damage Controlman Third Class (DC3) Jay McArthur gets a workout on a exercise bike set up beside an F-14 Tomcat aircraft in the hangar bay of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

020512-F-9877S-015. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

of 3