← Military & Defence

Aircrew and Aircraft Pre-Flight Checks

Aircrew members inspecting military aircraft in preparation for flights, demonstrating focus and precision in ensuring operational readiness.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, stands up after landing at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 15, 2022. TLP prepares NATO and allied forces flight leaders to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

United States Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Steven Morris, Crewchief, 510th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing, deployed from Aviano Air Base, Italy, looks on as an aircraft cycles through it's pre-flight check in preparation for the day's first sortie. Training Exercise Iron Claw, Kuchyna Air Base, Slovakia, 11 September 2000. Subject Operation/Series: IRON CLAW Base: Kuchyna Air Base Country: Slovakia (SVK)

AIRMAN First Class Sylvia Wagner, a 50th Aircraft Generation Squadron crew chief, performs a preflight inspection on an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft. The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Clayton D. Gard III, the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, inspects an F/A -18D Hornet aircraft during Ryukyu Vice 23.1 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 6, 2022. Ryukyu Vice is a joint, fixed-wing aviation command and control exercise that provides critical training to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing tactical air control personnel through offensive, defensive and counter-air live-flight scenarios.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Boone Cornell, a UH-1Y Venom crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, poses for a photo at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, Aug. 12, 2022. HMLA-167 trained with U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard units during joint exercise Northern Strike 22-2. HMLA-167 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, stands up after landing at the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 15, 2022. TLP prepares NATO and allied forces flight leaders to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing, tests an oxygen mask before flight during Arctic Edge 24 in Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 27, 2024. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Air Force

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft piloted by Commander Steven Lindsey. The July 1 launch will be his first space flight. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nick Demo Beamer, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron pilot, gears up before flying a U-2 Dragon Lady assigned to Beale Air Force Base, California, during Wings Over Solano at Travis AFB, CA, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

030428-M-4330P-004. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 44th Fighter Sqd

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, exits the cockpit of an aircraft during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capability to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

Spec. 4 Byron Hill, 854th Supply and Service Company, Utah National Guard, refuels a UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopter at a refueling point during the joint U.S./South Korean exercise Team Spirit '87. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '87 Country: South Korea

DN-ST-88-05267. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Caffrey, an MV-22B Osprey crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, scans the horizon off the coast of Kanagawa, Japan, June 11, 2022. VMM-265 is supporting Fuji Viper Shinka 22 in order to enhance lethality and train with 4th Marine Regiment.

960903-N-0000F-007. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STRIKE Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 20, 2022. Routine aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the aircraft is operating within optimal flight conditions.

U.S. Marines Corps Staff Sgt. Denver Ball, a crew chief assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465, preforms a preflight check on a CH-53E Super Stallion during an integrated training exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2023. HMLA 267 and HMH 465 conducted integrated training as a proof of concept for future distributed operations.

DA-ST-85-12861. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Joe Thomas, a crew chief for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 scans the horizon during a training exercise with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361 off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 23, 2022. HMH-361 launched 6 CH-53E Super Stallions in support of the squadrons required annual training.

040720-F-0193C-003. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Philip Witten, left, a powerline mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, shakes hands with an F-35 student pilot at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 8, 2022. VMFAT-501 trains pilots to be proficient and combat ready to serve in their future-fleet units and conduct aviation operations globally. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Schaefer, 56th Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot, demonstrates proper wear of an oxygen mask at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, July 11, 2022. Oxygen masks prevent hypoxia if the cabin pressure drops.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Dalton Petite, right, an aircraft avionics technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, from Macon, Georgia, cleans a UH-1Y Venoms rotary wing during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 20, 2022. Routine aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the aircraft is operating within optimal flight conditions.

Cpl. Kevin Yoon, 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.

A1C Lawrence Don of the 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron performs cockpit maintenance on an F-4G Phantom II aircraft during Exercise Quick Thrust '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST '83 Base: Travis Field, Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performed at the NAS Oceana Air Show, VA, Sept. 17, 2022. The Viper Demo team mission is to inspire and recruit the next generation of pilots, maintainers and Airmen.

061201-N-8158F-123. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Aaron Duffin, flight commander, completes a pre-flight check at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, May 12, 2022. The U.S. Air Force partnered with Colombia, Tunisia, Nigeria, and Thailand to co-develop tactics, techniques and procedures to combat violent extremist organizations while demonstrating the capabilities of the Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network.

Naval Aircrewman (helicopter) 3rd Class Daniel Brito flies during a gun exercise with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 26, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; VFA-103; VFA-86; VFA-136; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121; HSC-5; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Medina, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, approaches an MV-22B Osprey before departing Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan, June 11, 2022. VMM-265 is supporting Fuji Viper Shinka 22 in order to enhance lethality and train with 4th Marine Regiment.

DF-ST-85-03494. Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120522-N-DR144-460 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 22, 2012) A pilot assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 gives a thumbs-up as Tiger Cruise participants on vultures row watch pilots and aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 depart the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and return to their home bases after nearly six months embarked. Carl Vinson and CVW 17 recently completed a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

US Air Force AIRMAN Chris Jenkins watches a recovery on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) during the last day of flight operations in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

DN-ST-86-10020. Base: USS America (CV 66) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

030114-F-9528H-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

011107-F-0308N-129. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

US Marine Corps pilot MAJ Dwight Schmidt of VMFA-142 based at NAS Atlanta, Georgia inspects his survival equipment prior to departing on a mission during exercise RIMPAC'98. Behind him is the F/A-18 Hornet fighter. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC '98 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-00823. Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

970228-F-5306T-003. Subject Operation/Series: DELIBERATE GUARD Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force Maj.Thomas Shank” Licostie, 494th Fighter Squadron weapons systems officer assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, conducts a safety check of a F-15E Strike Eagle at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2023. Service members from RAF Lakenheath visited Spangdahlem to further aid in Agile Combat Employment.

LT Chris Schnoebel from receives assistance with harnesses and seat restraints prior to take off from Plane Captain AMN Zarina Ahmadzai aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) prior to take off. Both are assigned to squadron Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Six (VFA-146). Nimitz and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW9)are operating in the Persian Gulf to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq, by patrolling the no-fly zone under operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Sgt. 1st Class William Baker, a jumpmaster assigned to Special Operations Command South, yells instructions to paratroopers before they jump out of a MH-60 helicopter during a rotary-wing airborne operation April 16 at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, South Atlantic Division Commander, discusses damages during an overflight of areas impacted by Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. Coast Guard assets are conducting search and rescue operations in response to the damages caused by Hurricane Ian at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.

Senior Airman Keith Brandt, a munitions systems journeyman assigned to the 180th Maintenance Squadron, loads MK-82 general purpose bombs onto a trailer May 1, 2015, during Red Flag-Alaska 15-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The exercise enables units from around the globe to conduct live-fire training, utilizing 67,000 square miles of airspace over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Rick Sapone, 31st Fighter Wing survival instructor from Aviano Air Base, Italy, takes a final inventory of his pack prior to the start of a joint NATO search and rescue exercise in Rimini, Italy. SSGT Sapone, the noncomissioned officer in charge of survival, evasion, resistance & escape (S.E.R.E.) training, instructs pilots proper survival techniques. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, September 2, 2005 -- Two pilots wait for FEMA Urban Search and Rescue workers to help residents board the blackhawk helicopter for transport to a staging area where they will be brought to a shelter. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Palazzola awaits clearance for departure prior to participating in a formation flight. Twenty helicopters from 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, conducted the largest movement of AH-64 helicopters in the history of state on Sunday when they flew from Fort Wainwright to the Donnelly Training Area. (Photo by Eve Baker, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Watkins, 115th Airlift Squadron, California Air National Guard, prepares to remove a fire retardant hose from a C-130H Hercules equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 19, 2011. MAFFS is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds. Wildfires have spread across various parts of Texas and have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Denver Coblentz, a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron, gets ready to fly an F-16 fighter jet during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 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.

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's chief pilot Gordon Fullerton in the cockpit of the center's T-38 Talon mission support aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Col. James McFarland, vice commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing, completes his fini flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 15, 2022. A fini flight is a traditional final flight at a unit before retirement or permanent change of station, often followed by landing in a champagne-and-water shower for pilots and some aircrew members.

CPT Kopren makes final preparations for take-off aboard his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during Operation Coronet Falcon, the first overseas deployment of the F-16 aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET FALCON Base: Flesland Air Station Country: Norway (NOR)

DF-ST-87-07178. Base: Raf Kemble Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class Bryan Reed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC-5) works on an MH-60S Seahawk Helicopter on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the Atlantic Ocean Feb. 13, 2024. George Washington is underway in support of future operations. Navy

U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jacob Anderson, 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, completes post flight inspections during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 4, 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.

A U.S. Air Force pilot conducts her preflight checklist during engine start up on the flight deck.

010414-N-5100O-007. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT RETURN Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VQ-1

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Almanza, 163rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron remotely piloted aircraft crew chief, assigned to the California Air National Guard at March Air Reserve Base (ARB), Calif., removes hearing protection after an MQ-9 Reaper assigned to March ARB landed for the first time at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Feb. 14, 2024. Almanza was part of a small maintenance team from March ARB that demonstrated Satellite Launch and Recovery capabilities of the MQ-9, which enables Airmen to operate in contested environments with minimal equipment. Air Force

060127-A-5745M-052. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV

204th Airlift Squadron loadmaster Tech. Sgt. Josh Morraco prepares to deploy a MK 25 Marker from the back of a C-17 Globemaster III during a flare deployment training operation held Sep. 29, 202, in the airspaces around Hawaii. The addition of high intensity illuminating flares comes from the Hawaii Air National Guard's continued support of NASA's SpaceX Human Space Flight program. It enhances the airlift squadron's ability to conduct contingency astronaut rescue operations in various lighting conditions.

021001-F-6393C-002. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

220824-N-JR318-1043 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 24, 2022) Airman Martin Oldham, from Enterprise, Alabama, assigned to the "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11, pulls circuit breakers from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Aug. 24, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Ron Bishop, an MC-130E Combat Talon loadmaster from the 16th Special Operations Wing, Hulbert Field, Florida, sits on the open ramp and watches for a pair of MH-53J Pavelow Helicopters arriving for an aerial refueling mission. TSGT Bishop deployed with the Joint Special Operations Aviation Component South to a classified location in support of 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. Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Ron Bishop, an MC-130E Combat Talon loadmaster from the 16th Special Operations Wing, Hulbert Field, Florida, sits on the open ramp and watches for a pair of MH-53J Pavelow Helicopters arriving for an aerial refueling mission. TSGT Bishop deployed with the Joint Special Operations Aviation Component South to a classified

DN-SC-93-03389. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

050119-F-4177H-036. Base: Katunayake Country: Sri Lanka (LKA)

Paratroopers from the 3rd Battalion 325th Infantry Regiment, Vicenza, Italy jump from a C-141 during the exercise Roaring Lion.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: ROARING LION Country: Unknown

030221-F-0848C-005. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jason Differ, a KC-130J Super Hercules crew chief assigned to the 352nd VMGR, scans out rear troop door during flying mission to Gilgit Air Base, Pakistan, during cargo off load on Sept. 8, 2010. The 352nd VMGR has been in Pakistan since August delivering over 200,000 pounds of cargo all over the country in support of flood relief efforts.

military pilot in a helmet near the aircraft military pilot in a helmet near the aircraft ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released Copyright: xZoonar.com/aarrowsx 4058049 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

Pilot flying F-16 Fighting Falcon

CAPT. Philip P. Nardiga, left, a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft navigator with the 46th Aerial Refueling Squadron, 410th Bombardment Wing, takes a navigational bearing before the aircraft departs for Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeffrey Batres, left, UH-1Y Huey crew chief, and Lance Cpl. Austin Ortiz, right, UH-1Y Huey mechanic, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts maintenance on a corrosion cart on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. HMLA-167 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on the AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y Hueys to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Allen McDaniel, fixed wing aircraft mechanic, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, finishes an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMFA-312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ashley Helmer, 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron AE technician, prepares AE equipment on a KC-46A Pegasus, assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, for KC-46A training at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 16, 2022. In addition to aerial refueling, the KC-46A can accommodate a mixed load of passengers, aeromedical evacuation and cargo transport.

061002-N-9708H-014. Complete Scene Caption: U.S. Navy CHIEF Builder Brad Ott (left) helps Steelworker 3rd Class Jesse Hamblin, both from Underwater Construction Team 1, prepare for a dive at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on Oct. 2, 2006. Both Sailors assisted in the delivery of the replica ship DISCOVERY to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship RFA FORT ROSALIE (A385). DISCOVERY is being transported to the United Kingdom where it will be the center-piece of a major tour promoting the 400th anniversary of the settlement in Jamestown, Va. A"fly-boat"of the British East India Company, DISCOVERY was the smallest of three ships that took part in the voyage from London to the new colony of Virginia, leading to the founding of Jamestown in 1607. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication SPECIALIST SEAMAN Zach Hernandez) (Released) Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LT. COL. Wolski of DPTMSEC Directorate in cockpit of the AH-64 Apache helicopter prior to his flight. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, soared above the Thunder Over Dover air show at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 21, 2022. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, flew their demonstration earlier in the day, marking the first time this season that both teams performed a joint show.

Maj. Brittany Fayos, Rotary Wing Division deputy and CH-53 pilot at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), conducts a functional check flight inspection prior to the delivery of a recently overhauled CH-53 helicopter to the fleet. In order to provide the fleet with quality and capable aircraft, Marines working in FRCEs H-53 Military Branch oversee a range of critical functions including inspections and safety checks conducted during each phase of the maintenance, overhaul and repair process. (Photo by Joe Andes, Fleet Readiness Center East Public Affairs.)

A SH-3 Sea King helicopter aircrewman relaxes in his seat during exercise BALTOPS '93. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS '93 Country: Baltic Sea

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leo Johansson, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, waits to launch an F-15C Eagle while an F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, takes off 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 Senior Airman Neil Bradley, 94th Fighter Generation Squadron assisted dedicated crew chief, examines the wing of an F-22 Raptor assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Richardson, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, communicates with the decontamination zone during exercise Toxic Bayou at Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, Aug.11, 2022. The Marines conducted exercise Toxic Bayou to refine their skills in Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction operations across unique and challenging environments. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) commander, and other Airmen prepare to board an EC-130H Compass Call from the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 14, 2022. The 55th ECG accomplishes the Compass Call mission providing vital capabilities in the realm of electromagnetic warfare for the Air Force. Kennedy is responsible for than 40,000 personnel conducting worldwide operations in cyberspace, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance, electromagnetic spectrum, information, public affairs and weather.

SSGT Rigsby pumps the jet fuel starter on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during refueling operations on the flight line. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030320-F-1443F-001. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Expedition 43 Commander (Soyuz 41) astronaut Terry Virts during his T-38 Ops flight at Ellington Field. Photo Date: October 22, 2013. Location: Ellington Field - Hangar 276.

U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Alexander Hickman, 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, changes a front landing gear light bulb during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 4, 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.

A Hungarian air force pilot waits in a Hungarian MI-17 during exercise Jolly Vihar near Pápa Air Base, Hungary, July 14, 2022. Hungarian troops provided emergency fire services at the training range while U.S. Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawks assigned to the 56th Rescue Generation Squadron conducted Weapons System training.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Reinhardt, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, observes a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) being loaded into a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Subic Bay International Airport, Philippines, Oct. 17, 2022. Marines with VMGR-152 assisted the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transporting personnel and a HIMARS, demonstrating the ability to rapidly relocate forces across the Indo-Pacific region.

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.

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.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Connor Bouressa, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, conducts preflight checks while relaying information back to the pilot at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, September 15, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily flying out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while the McEntire Joint National Guard Base runway undergoes construction.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Paul Gipson III, CH-53E Super Stallion mechanic, Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, checks the wear limits on the damper bearings during a 25-Hour Inspection for a CH-35E Super Stallion on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 12, 2022. HMHT 302 conducts core introduction assault support heavy lift training in the CH-53E Super Stallion and CH-53K King Stallion on MCAS New River.

SSGT Karen Forsythe and AMN Steve Miles perform maintenance on a system of an F-15 Eagle aircraft during exercise Border Star '81. Subject Operation/Series: BORDER STAR '81 Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030513-F-1443F-014. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

050124-F-5388P-014. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

MAJ Lance Smith of the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing Flying Tigers explains to Flight LT. Goh Chyelee of the Royal Singapore Air Force, cockpit features of an A-7D Corsair II aircraft during their participation in a joint exercise. Flight LT. Tom Wong of the Royal Singapore Air Force takes a photograph of the demonstration. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pilots from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, Tonopah Test Range, Nev., arrive in their F-117A Stealth fighter aircraft for an overnight stay while deploying to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DEPLOYMENT Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America(USA)

A flight deck member stands by as an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft is readied for launch during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

of 3