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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.

040803-F-5388P-049. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

010928-F-4836T-020. Subject Operation/Series: PROLONGED PEACE Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Airmen from the 125th Fighter Wing, Maintenance Group participate in an exercise at Jacksonville IAP, June 10, 2022. The exercise, known as ThunderEx 2022 is a base-wide exercise to prepare Airmen for deployment and disaster situations.

NASA test pilots Jim Clue” Less and Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg step to the F/A-18 research aircraft at Ellington Field and conduct pre-flight safety checks on the aircraft prior to a supersonic research flight for the QSF18 series.

Boyd Kempher, 509th Bomb Wing aircraft mechanic, washes the landing gear of a T-38 Talon jet fighter trainer at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 25, 2022. Aircraft mechanics provide maintenance and clean the aircraft to ensure the T-38's longevity and readiness for its training mission.

SENIOR AIRMAN Andrew Palmer uses a bomb loader to raise a 2,000-lb. bomb toward the weapons rack of a 48th Tactical Fighter Wing F-111F aircraft in preparation for a bombing mission during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Conner Schneider Munn, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron pilot, and Senior Airman Brendan McNeely, 35th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, laugh with one another during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. RF-A 22-3 offers U.S. and allied service personnel and aircraft the opportunity to leverage forces in support of bilateral or multilateral exercises.

041004-F-7996H-005. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-05041. Subject Operation/Series: TRIAD '84 Base: Whenuapai Air Base Country: New Zealand (NZL)

Capt. Craig Freeman, an AV-8B Harrier pilot with Marine Attack Squadron 223, gives the signal for an AV-8B Harrier to take off during carrier qualifications at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. June 10, 2013. The pilots conducted simultaneous training operations while beginning readiness for upcoming Marine Expeditionary Unit deployments with the 31st and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Units.

011011-F-1631A-002. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds present Tyler Sauvage, Hometown Hero, a flight during The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 22, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 23 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world 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 Force's premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

011107-F-0308N-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Southwest Asia Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Major Stephen Kaminski, a fighter pilot assigned to the 157th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, prepares to launch an F-16 Fighting Falcon for a mission May 27, 2012. Personnel are deployed from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Swamp Fox F-16s, pilots, and support personnel began their Air Expeditionary Force deployment early April to take over flying missions for the air tasking order and provide close air support for troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

960906-F-0954H-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

120509-N-KQ416-272 ARABIAN GULF (May 9, 2012) Kuwaiti air force Lt. Col. Essa Al-Twaitan shakes hands with Lt. Cmdr. Mark Sand on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) following a flight in an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2. 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.

TECH. SGT. Bill Feenstra arms an AIM 9 Sidewinder missile on a A-10 Thunderbolt from the 172nd Fighter Group prior to take off. TECH. SGT. Feenstra is one of many Guardsmen who volunteered for support of this operation to enforce the United Nations no-fly zone over war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Crew chief AIRMAN First Class Sean Keane directs an F-16 Fighting Flacon aircraft piloted by Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Reyonlds, Commander, 23rd Fighter Squadron (FS), Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The 23rd FS is participating in the last ever exercise Green Flag, held here at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Green Flag is a large-force training exercise designed to sharpen aerial combat skills. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-01804 or search 000816-F-0751D-002). Subject Operation/Series: GREEN FLAG Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Evan Jones, a combat videographer with American Forces Network Iwakuni, documents an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 12, 2022. U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 are conducting unit level training in Australia to maintain readiness, test expeditionary capabilities, and increase interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

021231-F-9528H-059. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Qatar (QAT)

030331-F-9528H-019. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

DN-SC-89-09372. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2020) Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class Ryan Rogers, from St. George, Utah, shoots an EA-18G Growler from the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations.

STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Mike Wise, 366th Air Expeditionary Group (AEG), Mountain Home Air Force Base (AFB), Idaho, looks to another crew chief as they test the engine on an F-16 Falcon at a forward location in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A maintainer from the Polish Air Force prepares to marshal a Polish F-16 Fighting Falcon at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, October, 21, 2022. The 52nd Fighter Wing and NATO allied nations routinely train integration capabilities to provide flexible options for global reach and sustainment operations.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 419th Fighter Wing applies a safety cover to an F-35 Lightning II on the flightline after arrival at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Training Readiness Center, April 30, 2022, at 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.

A close up of an Air Force jet fighter.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Wade Lawrence, an airframes mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, poses for a photo while in a cockpit of an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 8, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 received an opportunity to participate in an incentive flight aboard F/A-18D Hornet aircraft as a way to increase unit morale.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, September 6, 2005 -- Local residents rescued in neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Katrina by FEMA Urban Search and Rescue task forces are transported out of the area by military helicopters. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jimmy Root, a student pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to fly a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 58th FS, 33rd FW, Eglin AFB, for a training mission during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 18, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field to participate in exercise Northern Lightning, a joint training exercise emphasizing user-defined objectives resulting in tailored, scenario-based, full-spectrum, high-end training.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Eliot Shapleigh, fighter pilot, conducts a walk-around of a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in preparation for a flight during Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 8, 2024. Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel.

Airman 1st Class Richaurd Hill, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, successfully marshals an F-15 Eagle for a hot-pit refueling at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 14, 2022. Airmen from the 67th AMU, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 44th AMU worked in unison to complete hot-pit refueling for several F-15s, ensuring Kadenas capability to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

120331-N-AF077-182 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 31, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Brian Gray, assigned to the air department of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), pulls an F-18 Hornet in a jet pulling contest at Naval Air Station Oceana. More than 30 competitors pulled the aircraft 75 feet as a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project. The competition helped raise more than $3,200 to benefit the organization.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (May 21, 2022) - Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Daryl Caudle, left, and Lt. Karl Kramps Knight, an instructor pilot for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, walk off the flight line on Naval Air Station Oceana after taking a flight in an F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft. Caudle visited NAS Oceana for an early showing of Top Gun: Maverick for active duty, prior military, and their families.

A ground crewman signals an F-14 Tomcat aircraft pilot as he conducts a preflight engine check during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anthony Tuero, 13th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) commander, delivers remarks after assuming command during a squadron activation ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. The 13th FGS will replace the 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. Fighter generation squadrons streamline the aircraft maintenance organizational structure.

A tail flash of a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington, at Moron Air Base, Spain, to continue aerial refueling operations in support of Operation Phoenix Duke II. A tail flash of a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington, at Moron Air Base, Spain, to continue aerial refueling operations in support of Operation Phoenix Duke II.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Esteban Vera, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, salutes an Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft pilot assigned with 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard in a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 12, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

Colombian Air Force Major Rommel Rodriguez, 111th Fighter Squadron Commander South Carolina Air National Guard's 157th Fighter Squadron returns from a 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. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron begin post-flight procedures, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, the new wing commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, stands in front of the audience after assuming command during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

A U.S. Air Force crewchief and a model of a F-117A Stealth aircraft are being towed in the National Victory Celebration parade honoring the coalition forces of Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Major Bob Egan shows his son Andrew, age 10, what it feels like to be an F-16CJ pilot. MAJ Egan returned home to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina., from Operation Allied Force June 29, 1999. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, delivers remarks toduring a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Camilletti relinquished command of the 48th Fighter Wing to Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, who then charged Campo with leading the wing.

A U.S. Air Force F-16A is being removed from static display at the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa on May 18, 2022. The historic aircraft is being towed across the runway to the Air National Guard paint facility where it will be cleaned and painted. The 185th flew F-16 fighter aircraft during the 1990s before converting to KC-135 in the early 2000s. U.S. Air National Guard photo: Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

French Air Force personnel conduct pre-flight checks on French Dassault Rafales during Point Blank 22-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 28, 2022. Point Blank is a multilateral exercise that enhances professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Warriors Over The Wasatch Air Show at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, June 26, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.

JSC2010-E-119576 (25 Aug. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, is pictured in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet prior to a familiarization flight at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

Maintainers and crew chiefs from the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., prepare B-2 Spirits March 19, 2011, for Operation Odyssey Dawn.

011208-F-0082H-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2001 Base: Ellington Field, Houston State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

030113-F-1443F-010. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A close-up view of the artwork on the side of a 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft on display at the 1991 Department of Defense Joint Services Open House. The small flags painted beside the artwork represent the three Iraqi aircraft shot down by the aircraft's pilot, COL. Rick Parsons, during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds were the headline performance for McConnells first air show in four years.

Senior Airman Ian House, 4th Fighter Squadron advanced fighter aircraft integrated avionics technician, speaks to exhibitioners about the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during the Singapore Airshow 2024 at Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 24, 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the airshow as an opportunity to sharpen ties with Singapore, demonstrate flexible aircraft capability, enable engagement with foreign partners, and expand power projection capabilities. Air Force

A B-1B Lancer decorated for the 80th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid with the original patches of the four squadrons that participated in the Raid rests on the flightline at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 18, 2022. The new tail flash design includes a B-25 Bomber, the Doolittle crest, and five patches from the original Doolittle crews.

The children of local civic leaders wave to an A-10 Thunderbolt II as it passes them Sep. 25, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Team McConnell invited the public onto the base to show their gratitude and give back for all the support the local communities provide the base and its Airmen. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Willis)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Walls, an aviation electronics technician, launches U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F/A-18 Super Hornet #7 with Jennifer Macziewski, Rapid City, South Dakota teacher of the year on board, for an incentive flight at Ellsworth Air Force Base, May 13, 2022. Macziewski was selected as the key influencer to fly with Blue Angels pilot and narrator, U.S. Navy Lt. Griffin Stangel as part of Ellsworth's Air and Space Show, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.

A F/A-18C Hornet on display in the National Naval Aviation Museum has pilot Cmdr. Mike Andersons call sign painted on it.

000511-F-4599C-001. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020111-F-0571M-013. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., answers questions during a press briefing at the U.S. Army's Intelligence Center and School at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Dec. 2, 2009.

The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 22, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world 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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing return from Sentry Savannah 2022, the U.S. Air National Guard's annual premiere fighter jet exercise at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia, May 12, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Lexington County, South Carolina, while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

The 119th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft crewchief US Air Force Technical Sergeant Ray Aberle, checks a panel "his" jet. The North Dakota Air National Guard accomplished a milestone in Nov 1998, when the unit flew over 40,000 hours in the jets without a Class-A accident. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031001-F-0703J-003. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A beautiful blonde model poses with a vintage WWII aircraft

Airmen from the 317th Airlift Wing and their families wait to visit Santa inside of the cargo bay of a C-130J Super Hercules at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 5, 2022. The Santa-in-a-Herk event included several holiday themed activities for more than 225 317th AW Airmen and families while giving children the opportunity to take a picture with Santa in the cargo bay of a C-130J Super Hercules.

AIRMAN (AN) Mary Garcia, a plane captain for Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), stands next to the TA-4J Skyhawk. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds serve as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, and are entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Terry Parr stands in front of an F-4 Phantom II at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., April 21, 2022. Parr joined the Air Force in 1981 and retired in 2022 after more than 40 years of military service.

230327-N-VI040-1153 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (March 27, 2023) An F-4S Phantom model sits on permanent display onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan as sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom throughout the installation March 27, 2023. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 349th Air Mobility Wing, Soldiers from the California Army Guard's 49th Military Police Brigade, and Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing observe a C-5M Super Galaxy from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., arrives on June 4, 2022 during Exercise Nexus Rising at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California. Nexus Rising is three-day joint combat readiness exercise that challenges Airmen and Soldiers to effectively deploy and operate in a contested, degraded environment.

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