Aviation Operations and Briefings

Images of military aviators preparing for missions and discussing aircraft, illustrating the operational aspects of air force readiness and strategy.

Members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet, the New Jersey Economic Development Alliance, the 177th Fighter Wing and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs participate in a tour of the New Jersey Air National Guard base, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW, viewing several operational demonstrations, and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

OKINAWA, Japan (April 29, 2022) Capt. Will Toraason, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72, congratulates Sailors assigned to the "Mad Foxes" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, during a visit and all-hands call to CTG-72.2, components of CTF-72. The VP-5 Mad Foxes of VP-5 are based out of Jacksonville, Florida, and currently operating out of Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and security cooperation operations throughout the C7F AOR. The advanced capabilities of the P-8A Poseidon enable the Mad Foxes to perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and search and rescue (SAR) missions.

From left, U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Bradley and Capt. Chase Bockstruck, both 119th Fighter Squadron pilots, and Lt. Col. Michael K. Long, 119th Fighter Squadron commander, walk to their F16C+ fighter jets during Red Flag 23-2, March 17, 2023, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Red Flag is a rigorous two-week exercise hosted by the 414th Combat Training Squadron to provide fighter pilots with realistic aerial training.

Members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet, the New Jersey Economic Development Alliance, the 177th Fighter Wing and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs participate in a tour of the New Jersey Air National Guard base, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW, viewing several operational demonstrations, and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

010730-F-2369R-003. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030110-F-6838O-003. Base: Birmingham State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

HYAKURI AIR BASE, Japan -- Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force members talk after delivering seven pallets of boron here March 19. Japanese forces will use the boron to aid stabilization efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 305th Aerial Port Squadron receive instructions by their instructor aboard a C-17 Globemaster during Multi-Capable Airmen training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 20, 2022. The MCA course was designed to train crew chiefs on aerial port hard skills, enabling them to minimize manning and equipment deficiencies within a deployed environment.

Service members stand next to an EC-37B Compass Call after its arrival at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. The EC-130H Compass Call is scheduled to be replaced by the EC-37B, the first of its kind which has the enhanced flight performance of a commercial business jet airframe.

Royal Australian Air Force, U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force service members pose in front of a US RC-135 at US Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 22, 2022 following a successful sortie. This sortie was the first in the Pacific region to include U.S., U.K., and Australian service members, demonstrating strong alliances and our resolve to maintain a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-16. Air crews lined up to greet dignitaries in ATC Mobile hangar. Hurricane Katrina

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Mckeon, from the 49th Fighter, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, discusses the capabilities of the F-117 Stealth Fighter with delegates to the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The SACLANT Seminar was attended by 100 delegates from 18 countries, the purpose was to bring NATO leaders together to discuss issues from a Maritime and North American perspective and give leaders a hands on opportunity. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

KC-135 crew members Lt Col Pete Goeken ,1st Lt. Rylee McKinney, Technical Sgt. Cory Corcoran, Staff Sgt. Derek Voller and Captain Braden Christensen pose for a photo in Sioux City, Iowa after landing at their home base in Sioux City, Iowa. The group just completed a flight that was part of a nationwide aerial refueling demonstration, commemorating the 100thanniversary of air refueling.

010822-F-2155T-001. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 85th Flying Training Squadron members, previous and current, change in the flight room at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on Sept. 2, 2022. The 85th FTS celebrated its 50th anniversary of being reactivated at LAFB.

U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, speaks with Lt. Col. Adam Hawkins, 56th Rescue Squadron commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 6, 2022. The 56th Rescue Squadron provides a rapidly-deployable, worldwide combat rescue and reaction force response utilizing HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. The 56th RQS integrates with the 57th RQS and other special forces to support insertion, extraction and recovery of both U.S. and allied combatants.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights, stand at parade rest at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 24, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The two aircrews from the 34th Bomb Squadron and 28th Operations Support Squadron stand in front of a B-1B at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 30, 2011. Two B-1B Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing launched early Sunday, March 27 from Ellsworth Air Force Base to strike targets in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Aircrew from the 344th Air Refueling Squadron, pose for a group photo in front of a KC-46A Pegasus April 7, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The aircrew performed a flyover at Wichita Wind Surges opening night April 8, 2022.

040907-F-6703G-003. Base: Laughlin Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Demonstration Team pose for a group photo in front of an F-22 at Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio (FIDAE), Latin Americas largest aerospace, defense and security exhibition, in Santiago, Chile, April 9, 2022. Both demonstration teams are part of the U.S. Air Force delegation attending and performing daily at the week-long event.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Denver Coblentz, (center) a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron, Colombian Air Force pilot, Maj. Kristian Romero (right) and Capt. Diaz Daniel get ready to fly KFIR fighter jets 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.

220609-N-SY758-1128 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 9, 2022) German navy Cmdr. Christian Meister, , military assistant to Vice Adm. Dwyer, meets with landing safety officers aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), June 9, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG.

010927-N-0271M-002. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kaity Toner, public affairs officer for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, talks with cadets in Sunburst Youth Challenge Academys Class 30 during an outreach event, Sept. 30, 2022, at Los Alamitos Army Airfield on Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. Sunburst is a National Guard Youth Challenge Program located on the base and facilitated by the California Military Departments Task Force Torch youth and community programs directorate. Living and going to school on the installation affords cadets opportunities to interact with service members daily and when the base supports visiting military units and special events such as the Pacific Airshow.

Family members of the 58th and 150th Special Operations Wings boarding the UH-1 Huey for an orientation flight as part of the annual Spouses Day event at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. May 14, 2022. Spouses from the 58th and the 150th Special Operations Wings got the opportunity to fly and learn more about the family readiness that Kirtland Air Force Base has to offer.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights, stand at parade rest at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 24, 2022. Nicknamed the Golden Knights in 1962, Golden signifies the gold medals the team won in international competitions, and Knights alludes to the teams ambition to conquer the skies. The Golden Knights perform in more than 100 events per year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael G. Koscheski (left), Fifteenth Air Force commander, presided over the 355th Wing change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Col. Joseph Turnham (right), outgoing Wing commander relinquished command to Col. Scott Mills, the new 355th Wing commander.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron Strayhorn, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of operations, conducts joint familiarization training related to the F-35A Lightning II with U.S. Navy firefighters from Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, ahead of exercise Poseidon's Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 9, 2022. PR22 marks the first concurrent deployment of fourth and fifth-generation fighter squadrons by U.S. Air Forces in Europe to the same forward operating location, showcasing the ability to conduct large force employment exercises and strengthening the NATO alliance.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 crew depart the Shuttle Landing Facility for crew quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building. The crew arrived in a NASA Shuttle Training Aircraft at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at 6:34 p.m. EDT. From left are Kennedy's Center Director Bob Cabana, a former astronaut himself; Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester; Commander Rick Sturckow; Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang, a Swedish astronaut with the European Space Agency; Pilot Kevin Ford; Mission Specialist Jose Hernandez; STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko; and Mission Specialists John "Danny" Olivas and Nicole Stott who will remain on the International Space Station as flight engineer for Expedition 20. The crew has returned to Kennedy to prepare for launch on Aug. 25 at 1:36 a.m. EDT. The 13-day mission will deliver a new crew member and 33,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. The equip

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility for launch preparations, the STS-101 crew pauses to greet the media. Standing (left to right) are Mission Specialists Susan Helms, James Voss, Yury Usachev of Russia and Mary Ellen Weber; Commander James Halsell; Pilot Scott "Doc" Horowitz; and Mission Specialist Jeffrey Williams. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station, delivering logistics and supplies, plus preparing the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A

220718-N-HV345-1002 NAVAL AIR STATION CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces, speaks with naval aviators assigned to the Rangers of Training Squadron (VT) 28 before a flight in a T-6B Texan II training aircraft during his visit to Chief of Naval AirTraining (CNATRA) headquarters on board Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, July 18. CNATRA leads Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM), whose mission is to safely train the world's finest combat quality naval aviation professionals, delivering them to our naval forces at the right time in the rightquantity with the right skills at the right cost.

U.S. Air Force C-17 West Coast Demonstration Team, assigned to the 62d Airlift Wing, poses for a photo with spectators at the Experimental Aircraft Association Airventure Air Show, Oshkosh, Wis., July 29, 2022. EAA is the largest annual air show in the U.S. and coined as The Worlds Greatest Aviation celebration.

Aviation Training Center - Mobile Aircrew - Aftermath and Rescue - 26-HK-279-95. Hurricane Katrina

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-33. CG air crew members on tarmac near HH-65, other aircraft in background. Hurricane Katrina

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force participate in a joint training session with Belgian firefighters on the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen aircraft June 23, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.

Staff Sgt. Austin Welch, 68th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, speaks with Leadership San Antonio members during a tour of the C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft as part of one of the groups military-themed days at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, May 4, 2022. LSA was created in 1975 by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce to help identify and develop community leaders.

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (June 10, 2022) Recruiters assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Mid America and Marine Corps Recruiting Station St. Louis, fly aboard the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, Fat Albert, June 10, 2022. The Blue Angels are in the St. Louis area for the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow, which takes place June 11-12 and marks the St. Louis-made F/A-18 Super Hornet making its debut and return to the area.

U.S. Air Force Col. Razvan Radoescu, 355th Operations Group commander, renders his first salute to the 355th OG at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 24, 2022. The 355th OG has four squadrons that are critical for DM's diverse mission sets. it has two squadrons that host the Air Force's only A-10 Thunderbolt II training mission(355th Training Squadron and 357th Fighter Squadron), as well as an operational A-10 squadron(354th Fighter Squadron). The 355th Operation Support Squadron is responsible for maintaining and running Air Combat Command's busiest single runway for 11 different aircraft units.

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.

050210-J-5640T-056. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Keesler key spouses and spouses of base leadership tour the inside of a C-130J aircraft at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 31, 2022. The spouses also toured the Keesler Medical Center and the Fisher House and received a military working dog demonstration.

The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band performs as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for unique professionals to perform for the local community, service members and residents of MCBH. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

Standing in front of an F-15D Eagle aircraft are, from left to right, LCOL Steve Wilson, 59th Tactical Fighter Squadron (59th TFS); Rep. Bill Chappell of Florida; Undersecretary of the Air Force James F. McGovern; and CPT Bruce Netardus, 59th TFS. Chappel. Base: Daytona Beach State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220703-N-TI693-2029VICTORIA, Seychelles (July 3, 2022) Capt. Chad Graham, center, commanding officer of the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) holds an All-Hands call after anchoring at Victoria, Seychelles, July 3, 2022. Hershel Woody Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers members observe a F/A-18 Super Hornets, assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, preflight operations during a tour of the installation for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 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.

030822-F-9032T-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

A Hometown Heroes receives a flag flown by the 77th Fighter Squadron during the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The 20th FW honored 20 individuals, nominated by their peers, for their tireless work within their communities to make them safer and improve the lives of those around them.

Members from the German Space Situational Awareness Centre and the 18th Space Control Squadron pose for a photo at the Space and Missile Heritage Center at Space Launch Complex 10 on Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 5, 2022. The Space and Missile Heritage Center preserves and displays artifacts and memorabilia to interpret the evolution of missile and space-lift activity at Vandenberg from the beginning of the Cold War through current non-classified developments in military, commercial and scientific space endeavors.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 pose for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-162 prepared personnel and aircraft in support of a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMM-162 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Eric Pradel, a customer experience manager with the Pacific Aviation Museum, speaks with participants of a Papua New Guinea operations summit hosted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 11, 2022. The summit included participants from Australia and the United States, both government and non-governmental entities, reinforced stakeholder relationships and strengthened the Agencys robust network of external partners to augment and support DPAA operations and all efforts applied towards case progression. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

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 have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Geoffrey Goldsmith, 458th Airlift Squadron commander, gives a speech during the 458th AS Change of Command at Hangar 3 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 26, 2022. The ceremony represents a time-honored military tradition providing an opportunity for Airmen to witness the transfer of power to their newly appointed commanding officer. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mark Sulaica)

Maj. Alan Chan, 909th Air Refueling Squadron pilot, gives children stickers 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

020923- F-7449W-007. Base: Waterkloof Air Force Base State: Pretoria Country: South Africa (ZAF) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The 2022 Leadership of Wyoming class toured the Wyoming Air National Guard 153rd Airlift Wing for Military Day and were able to experience a ride in a C-130 Hercules as part of their tour in Cheyenne on May 25, 2022. The program is aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of local leaders. Those who complete the program continue to lead not only their community but the State of Wyoming.

Staff delegates gather for a group photo on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 26, 2023. The tour provided the STAFFDELs with a comprehensive understanding of the installations mission and capabilities it provides in order to enable, employ and project combat power within the Indo-Pacific.

Agents from the Comando de Operações Táticas (COT), an elite tactical unit of the Federal Police of Brazil, meet with members from Maritime Safety and Security Team Houston while visiting various Coast Guard units throughout Texas, May 26, 2022. COT visited Coast Guard units and personnel in Texas to learn more about the Coast Guards missions, assets and training.

The Westfield Starfires, a collegiate summer baseball team in Westfield, Massachusetts visited Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts to debut their specialty jerseys highlighting the 104FW and continue the partnership between the Starfires and the 104FW. The team watched our F-15Cs take off, spoke to Tech. Sgt. Garrick Pelletier a maintainer, and Capt. Kyle 'Vice' Randal an F-15C pilot. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at Launch Pad 39A, the Mission STS-117 crew members speak to the media during a question-and-answer session. From the left are Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault, and Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, Danny Olivas and James Reilly. The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training, pad emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar receives her final salute during the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Col. David J. Wilson as Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

U.S. Airmen hold a Crash, Damaged and Disabled Aircraft Recovery exercise at RAF Lakenheath, England, Jan. 2, 2024. During the exercise, Airmen from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall lifted an aircraft by crane to enhance recovery capabilities.

030305-F-3217C-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

STS026-S-169 (3 Oct 1988) --- The five STS 26 crewmembers pose with Vice President George Bush after completing a successful four-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (background). Pictured, from left to right, are astronaut Richard O. Covey, pilot; Vice President Bush; and astronauts Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, mission commander; and David C. Hilmers, John M. (Mike) Lounge, and George D. Nelson, all mission specialists.

011009-F-3354H-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Harrisburg International Airport State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force JROTC students from Windsor High School and U.S. Army JROTC students from the High School of Commerce tour the 104th Fighter Wing Oct. 28, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The tour program at the 104FW connects members of the community together, while also giving guests the chance to learn about the unit's mission.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Montana Military Open House and Air Show in Great Falls, Montana, July 22, 2022. The Thunderbirds perform nearly 70 shows across more than 30 show sites this year.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform their demonstration during the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The Shaw Air & Space Expo is dedicated to the Airmen who have served the past 75 years and honors their legacy of innovation and their work to make America the leader in airpower and space power.

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (Sept. 21, 2022) - Visiting members of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 81 greet Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 during Raijin 22-2, an annual unit exchange. Based out of Whidbey Island, Washington, the VQ-1 World Watchers are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The squadron conducts naval operations as part of a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Personnel Interviews - 26-HK-156-5. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marines with Aircraft Rescue and FireFighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, give instruction to local emergency services departments during an aviation mishap drill at Tactical Landing Zone Bladen Lakes, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. The drill is conducted in partnership with local emergency services departments giving them a rare opportunity to participate in a critical training exercise, while testing and evaluating the procedures utilized by Marine Corps Air Station New River in the event of an actual mishap.

020816-F-2454T-001. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Vice Admiral Thad Allen at Aviation Training Center News Conference - 26-HK-14-18. VADM Allen talking with CG personnel in ATC hangar. Hurricane Katrina

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. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have served as Americas premier aerial demonstration squadron, entrusted with the mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

221106-N-LI114-1250 SAGAMI WAN (Nov. 6, 2022) Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations, administers the oath of reenlistment to Sailors in the hangar bay of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet Review 2022 in the Sagami Wan, Nov. 6. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

A Hometown Heroes receives a flag flown by the 77th Fighter Squadron during the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The 20th FW honored 20 individuals, nominated by their peers, for their tireless work within their communities to make them safer and improve the lives of those around them.

U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard provide military helicopter emergency training to civilian first responders from the counties surrounding Fort Indiantown Gap. The training included orientation to different kinds of helicopters as well as some unique circumstances and considerations for dealing with helicopter emergencies.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek B. Routt, commander of the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, speaks to members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet at one of the unit's Aerospace Control Alert hangars in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW, viewing several operational demonstrations and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

A group of teachers from Hillsborough County Schools pose for a group photo during a teacher immersion tour at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug 4, 2022. The primary goal of the tour was to help teachers gain more insight into topics such as child psychology, MacDills mission and mental health among military children.

040821-F-3711S-114. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-1B Lancer fan poses in front of the "Bone" during the 2022 Aerospace Valley Open House, Air Show and STEM Expo at Edwards Air Force Base, California on Oct. 14-16.

The U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 8, 2022. The Blue Angels arrived in preparation for the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which will take place Aug. 13-14, 2022.

Col. Christopher Zorich assumes command of the 926th Operations Group Dec. 9, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Lucretia Cunningham)

Pilots with the U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, congratulate each other on a successful performance as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Andrew Romney, center, invites Japan Air Self-Defense Force aviation cadet graduates for a tour aboard a Yokota Air Base C-12J Huron at Hofu-Kita Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2022. Airmen from the 459th Airlift Squadron and the 374th Operations Support Squadron attended the Hofu Air Festival to promote bilateral relations with their Japanese counterparts and the greater Hofu community.

Katrina Operations - Venice, Louisiana - 26-HK-361-29. Hurricane Katrina

NASA test pilot Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

9/11 survivor and keynote speaker, Mr. Michael Hurley, speaks at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony during the open house at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. The event was planned to coincide with the Vermont National Guard's observance of the 21st anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 which saw Vermont Air National Guard F-16s flying patrols over NYC in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Trevor Sipe, Zachary Soles and Timothy Richmond, 354th Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Propulsion journeymen, pose for a photo at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 21, 2022. The propulsion flight is responsible for inspecting aircraft engines to ensure each jet is safe and fully functional for flying operations and training.

Pacific Islands Tour: Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Kwajalein Atoll, of the Republic of Marshall Islands

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeremy Waldschmidt, an A-10 pilot assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, leads a tour of an A-10C Thunderbolt II for Norwegian Armed Forces and Andoya Air Base employees, May 12, 2022 at Andøya Air Base, in Andenes, Norway. Waldschmidt is participating in the Swift Response exercise, an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners.

Her Honour the Honourable Vicki OHalloran, the 22nd Administrator of the Northern Territory (NT), and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Nathan Frame, executive officer, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, pose for a picture in front of MV-22 Ospreys prior to an administrative flight at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, NT, Australia, June 9, 2022. MV-22 Ospreys were used to fly Her Honour and members of the Regional Force Surveillance Group.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath and airmen from the Royal Netherlands air force pose for a photo during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 16, 2022. F-35 Lightning II maintenance crews from participating NATO nations shared F-35 maintenance techniques with each other to help standardize methodology across nations.

Family members watch as Detective Benjamin J. MacDonald, an officer assigned to the homicide division of the Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana, participates in the Hometown Hero Flight at the Fort Wayne Air Show June 3, 2022. The free public show, hosted by the 122nd Fighter Wing, also showcased the wing's A-10C Thunderbolt II jets, Shockwave Jet Truck and other aircraft. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Andras)

Lauren Barrett Knausenberger, Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air Force, participated in a base tour March 29, 2023 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. During her visit, Knausenberger met with Col. David Berkland, 354th Fighter Wing Commander, to learn more about our mission and discuss the critical role of cyber communication. As the Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Air Force, Knausenberger is responsible for overseeing the Air Force's communication and information technology strategy. This includes ensuring that the Air Force's cyber capabilities are aligned with the needs of the service and the broader national security goals.

Melissa Ochoa (center), 502nd Judge Advocate honorary commander, walks around a T-1 during an honorary commanders program tour of the 99th Flying Training Squadron, 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.

The Government of Japan and the Government of the United States held a meeting of the bilateral the Extended Deterrence Dialogue, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 27, 2023. Initiated in 2010, the Extended Deterrence Dialogue is a consistent platform for Japan and the U.S. to deliberate on sustaining and reinforcing extended deterrence, which lies at the heart of the Japan-U.S. alliance

With their loved ones onboard, family members await the departure of the KC-135 Stratotanker. Members of the 128th Air Refueling Wing (Wisconsin Air National Guard) are deploying in support of Operation INFINITE JUSTICE. (Operation INFINITE JUSTICE later changed to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM). Subject Operation/Series: INFINITE JUSTICE / ENDURING FREEDOM Base: General Mitchell Angb, Milwaukee State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

The STS-92 crew strides across the runway at KSCs Shuttle Landing Facility, heading toward the aircraft that will take them back to Houston. They were at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) activities, looking over their mission payload and related equipment. From left are Mission Specialists Bill McArthur and Jeff Wisoff, Pilot Pam Melroy, Mission Specialist Michael Lopez-Alegria, Commander Brian Duffy and Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata, who is with the Japanese space agency. Not seen is Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao, who was also at KSC for the CEIT. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 on Shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. Discovery will carry the Integrated Truss Structure (ITS) Z1, the PMA-3, Ku-band Communications System, and Control Moment Gyros (CMGs)

Students with the Aim High Flight Academy visit the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, July 8, 2022. During the visit, students received an inspiration flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base Birmingham, Alabama. The AHFA is a science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based, aviation-focused, motivation and mentorship program aimed to increase diversity within the aviation career field, as well as teach students to fly aircraft.

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