Fighter Pilots and Aircraft Inspections

Images of military personnel inspecting and preparing fighter aircraft for flight, showcasing various aircraft types and pre-flight activities.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hunter Weeks, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance apprentice, waits as aircrew members conduct final pre-flight inspections on a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 29, 2022. The 437th AMXS is responsible for conducting maintenance on aircraft to ensure full spectrum readiness.

Captain Steve Duresky, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, conducts a walk-around inspection of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, prior to flight during exercise BOLD EAGLE '82. Subject Operation/Series: BOLD EAGLE '82 Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hunter Weeks, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance apprentice, waits as aircrew members conduct final pre-flight inspections on a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 29, 2022. The 437th AMXS is responsible for conducting maintenance on aircraft to ensure full spectrum readiness.

010412-N-9760B-001. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT RETURN Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USPACOM

120619-N-PB383-142 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 19, 2012) Marines assigned to the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Squadron (HMM) 268 view an air power demonstration from a CH-46E Sea Knight Helicopter aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 3rd Fleet Area of operations.

14th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster, Senior Airman Gavin Moody, looks out over the flightline, prior to an integrated combat turn with U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopters during a mission generation exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 5, 2023. This exercise marked the largest C-17 launch ever from a single base and demonstrated the wings ability to rapidly generate and project overwhelming airpower alongside joint partners.

TSGT Morris Simpson of the 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron changes a tire on an F-4 Phantom 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)

040116-F-9629J-005. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

From right, U.S. Air Force Capt Jalen Lacy, 437th Airlift Wing pilot, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian Pilgrim, 15th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, look out onto the flightline during EXPLODEO at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Jan. 24, 2024. The essence of EXPLODEO is to ensure the Department of Defenses readiness for immediate deployment, emphasizing the speed and precision with which its forces can be projected to where they are needed most.

031229-F-6449C-007. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Molly Erickson, a loadmaster with the 8th Airlift Squadron, talks to University of Washington ROTC cadets during a tour at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Feb. 23, 2024. Team McChord opened its doors to the cadets, so they could have the opportunity to better understand the McChord mission and see how each Airman contributes to it. Air Force

1st Lt. Kelsey Flannery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, inspects her jet before taking off for a training mission from South Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, Sept. 7, 2022. Flannery, who is the Air National Guard's first female F-35 pilot, made her first flight with the 158th after returning from three years of flight training.

U.S. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, stand in front of an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022, before their departure for the Unit Deployment Program. The UDP provides forward presence and assists commanders around the globe.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Cummings, a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, fuels a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMGR-152 conduct routine flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

970325-F-0994L-019. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 7, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Lanya Johnson, left, from Indianapolis, and Aviation Machinists Mate Airman David Lopez, from San Diego, conduct maintenance on an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the "Raptors" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Sorensen discusses C-130 aircraft control systems maintenance considerations with Bangladesh Air Force personnel during a subject matter expert exchange at Exercise COPE NORTH, BAF Base Bangabandhu, Jan. 27, 2015. Sorensen is a C-130H guidance and control specialist assigned to the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan. COPE SOUTH is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, bilateral tactical airlift exercise conducted in Bangladesh, with a focus on cooperative flight operations, day and night low-level navigation, tactical airdrop, and air-land missions as well as subject-matter expert exchanges in the fields of operations, maintenance and rigging disciplines.

Tech. Sgt. James Foster marshalls an A-10 Thunderbolt II for an end-of-runway inspection Nov. 10, 2011, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The EOR inspection ensures the aircraft is safe before taxing to its spot. Foster is a weapons load crew chief assigned to the 107th Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

MASTER SGT. Wilfredo Jones, a loadmaster from the 310th Airlift Squadron, watches an engine start-up and speaks to a C-27 Spartan pilot through a head-set and communication cord to the aircraft. A C-27 is parked in the background. Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

Photographer's Mate 3rd Class (PH3) Jason Stiles removes a panel from the F-14 Tomcat mounted Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) pod to retrieve a data card on board the conventional aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). The INDEPENDENCE is forward deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, 12 April 1998. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Independence (CV 62)

Lt. Cmdr. Tony Chitwood, left, and Lt. Michael McFillin, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, review a pilot check list before takeoff at Naval Air Station Fallon. 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, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

Master Sgt. Tony Relaford, left, 436th Maintenance Squadron isochronal dock section chief, briefs cadets from the United States Air Force Academy on the functions of a C-5M Super Galaxy at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 30, 2022. During the event, the aircrew was able to brief over 175 cadets on science, technology, engineering and mathematics career field opportunities in the U.S. Air Force.

DF-ST-86-09381. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '85 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Raymond Hollywood Fowler (right), 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard conducts post flight checks with Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tommy Williams, ACC Heritage, during an event at Montgomery, Ala., February 9, 2024. Williams flew the P-51 Mustang as part of the legacy flight to welcome the F-35 Lightning to its new home. Air Force

PO Galbisco directs a restored B-25 Mitchell bomber to a parking spot on the air field. The bomber and other B-25s are at North Island to practice a re-enactment of the April 18, 1942, raid of B-25s, the "Doolittle Raiders," launched from the aircraft carrier USS HORNET (CV-8) in the first U.S. attack on Japan's homeland during World War II. The re-enactment will take place April 21, 1992, from the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) near San Diego. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Victoria Valdez, 357th Fighter Generation Squadron weapon armament technician load crew member, prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for live ordnance loading area operations at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 13, 2022. Aircraft are positioned at LOLA once the flying schedule calls for live munitions on flying sorties.

010920-F-3961R-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030218-F-1798W-012. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John McNiece, a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster assigned to the 300th Airlift Squadron, unloads a CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III in Berlin, Germany, June 15, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point commanding officer, performs pre-flight checks on a UC-35D Citation Encore at MCAS Cherry Point, Aug. 2, 2022. Col. Huber flew the aircraft one final time as commanding officer, just three days ahead of relinquishing command of the air station on Aug. 5, 2022, where he will retire from active duty after 29 years of service.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, 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. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cody Bakken, left, and Senior Airman Enrique Arqueros, right, air and land loadmasters from the 15th Airlift Squadron, pull cables from a C-17 Globemaster III during training with the North Charleston Police Department at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept.16, 2022. The exercise prepared loadmasters to load larger vehicles onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft - a potential wartime scenario.

From left, Brig. Gen. Jason M. Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, and Colonel Matthew R. Johnston, 56th Operations Group commander, flew into town to meet up with Thomas A. Obrochta, 162nd Operations Group commander, and Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Butler, 162nd Wing commander. The four met in shared airspace to conduct a training event prior to landing at the Morris Air National Guard Base for an in-person meeting.

1st Lt. Samuel Ney, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, Apr. 3, 2023, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

A U.S. Sailor with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, scans the flight line during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 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.

DN-ST-89-07364. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE 88 Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 conduct an air delivered ground refueling (ADGR) on multiple aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 25, 2022. VMGR-152 conducted ADGR to train toward rapid-refueling in austere environments for aircraft that cannot be refueled in flight, allowing them to stay in the fight.

U.S. Air Force Airmen attending a Aeromedical Evacuation Initial Qualification course are trained on a 108th Wing KC-135R Stratotanker on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 21, 2022. The course, hosted by the Air Force Reserve's 514th Air Mobility Wing, is a formal training course qualifying Flight Nurses and Aeromedical Evacuation Technicians.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Megan Siver, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, scans a taxiway for hazards while launching an F-22 Raptor at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, Georgia, May 2, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

Ground crewmen remove the safety features from a pair of AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on a 388th Tactical Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft about to depart for Saudi Arabia to take part in Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Cody N. Kimbley a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, briefs a platoon during a helicopter boarding drill aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 30, 2024. Boarding drills refine the Marines ability to board and offload helicopters quickly and efficiently during time critical mission sets. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jeremiah Gaulitz, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, secures a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for transit 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 Staff Sgt. Simon Grimes, Civil Engineer Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of training, brief airmen about the F-35A Lightning II at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 28, 2023. Thirty firefighters across both wings participated in this training event, re-enforcing the mutual aid partnership between the RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.

U.S. Army Paratroopers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division prepare to jump at Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, Alaska, June 15, 2022 during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2. Approximately 1,600 service members from three nations participate in flying, maintaining and supporting more than 70 aircraft from over 22 units during this iteration of exercise.

TSUSHINA STRAIT (April 11, 2022) Sailors conduct maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, in the hangar bay aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dalton Hayes, an air frames mechanic with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Rein.) 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), observes during a helicopter onload aboard USS Greenbay (LPD 20) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 24, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Amphibious Squadron 11 in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Danny Gonzalez)

U.S. Air Force pararescuemen line up in preparation to exit a C-130J Super Hercules for a search and rescue scenario during Exercise Pacific Angel at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia, Aug. 18, 2022. Pacific Angel was a week-long multilateral exercise that brought together 370 participants from six countries to foster cooperation and interoperability during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jack Matson, KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, conducts preflight checks prior to takeoff at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 3, 2022. The 50th EARS, deployed with Ninth Air Force, is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling airpower, deterrence, and stability.

DF-ST-85-01358. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Maintenance crew members of Attack Squadron 66 (VA-66) and the pilot conduct a preflight check of one of the squadron's A-7E Corsair II aircraft aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An Airman assigned to the 77th Fighter Generation Squadron practices Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) procedures at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 7, 2022. FARP is the rapid transfer of fuel from one aircraft to another. This capability makes it possible for fighter aircraft to land, replenish fuel and return to air-battle operations within a short time frame in austere environments.

Joshua Duerkop, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division commander, instructs an improvised explosive device familiarization class Sept. 28, 2022, at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia. The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy hosted a weeklong Federal Bureaus of Investigation Special Weapons and Tactics summit to train law enforcement officers in firearms, close quarters combat, tactical medical care, patrolling tactics and familiarize officers with improvised explosive devices.

Baltic Sea (Aug. 14, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Tracey , right, a helicopter crew chief assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, outfits Lt. J.g. Riley Roberts, left, and Seaman Cayla Lopez, prior to Lopezs re-enlistment ceremony aboard the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Aug. 14, 2022. Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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.

971205-F-7902R-006. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Nav Sup Activity, Diego Garcia Country: British Indian Ocean Territory (IOT)

A pilot examines an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile mounted on the wingtip of his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. He is conducting a preflight check prior to a mission during a base mobility exercise. A female airman looks on. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

From left, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Ulibarri, an instructor pilot, and 1st Lt. Eric Murray, a student pilot, both assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conduct preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, March 30, 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

Members of the U.S. Air Force 552nd Air Control Wing discuss life aboard an E-3 Sentry aircraft with members of the Mexican Military and U.S. Customs and Border Protections Air and Marine Operations during a tour at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Sept. 28, 2022. Visiting to plan for Exercise Amalgam Eagle 22, both nations will demonstrate their ability to identify and track potential aerial threats and assist each other in the successful identification or interception of aircraft along the U.S./Mexican border.

U.S. Navy service members give an immersion briefing to Royal Australian Air Force members during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. RF-A is a premier training event for joint units to bolster interoperability while simultaneously honing combat skills to provide joint forces the opportunity to exercise combat capabilities through shared tactics, techniques, and procedures under a simulated war-time environment.

Airmen from the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings huddle for a brief aboard a C-17 Globemaster III in Portland, Oregon before taking off to support the Oregon International Air Show May 21. The Oregon International Air Show has been the State of Oregons largest aviation event since 1988.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Mychal Earl, 730th Air Mobility Squadron ramp services supervisor, directs the off-loading of a C-17 Globemaster III here March 29. The C-17 carried water pumps and hoses to help stabilize the nuclear power plant in Japan in support of Operation Tomodachi.

A crew chief with the 509th maintenance squadron inspects a B-2 Spirit during Exercise Agile Tiger on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri on April 4, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger is designed to enhance our ability to communicate, collaborate, and operate with our joint service partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Mariel Kurland, an ordnance technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, discusses how to prepare the AH-1Z Viper for ordnance loading with Czech Airmen at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 19, 2022. Czech Airmen have been training with the U.S. Marine Corps for months at HMLAT-303. The training is designed to equip students with basic knowledge, skills and experience required to maintain, operate and fly the H-1 platform; the Czech pilots, aircrew and maintainers are executing the same program as U.S. Marines in comparable military occupation specialties. Kurland is a Native of Herndon, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ian Olney, C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, straps down cargo at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 15, 2022. The 816th EAS is deployed in support of Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) to transport cargo and personnel for U.S. and partner nation forces predominately within U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel Bricker, right, speaks with Lance Cpl. Jimmy Phan, both bulk fuel specialists with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, at Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 15, 2022. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 supported Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and MWSS-171, transporting personnel, equipment, and fuel across the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sutton, left, 192d Wing crew chief greets Staff Sgt. Caleb Eubank, 27th Fighter Generation Squadron, weapons maintainer at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 13, 2022. Crew chiefs and maintainers worked diligently overnight to prepare F-22 Raptors for the pilots to safely fly during a Red Flag night operation.

Thomas Harvey, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities for the Department of Defense, receives an orientation flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon figher jet at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., Oct. 25, 2016. Officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense visited the South Carolina National Guards 169th Fighter Wing to learn more about the F-16's suppression and destruction of enemy defenses (SEAD/DEAD) mission and the Total Force Integration (TFI) active associate program.

040502-F-3252P-003. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

041111-F-9528H-010. Base: Biggs Army Air Field State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020411-F-1616C-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2002 Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Moblility Command

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point commanding officer, walks with his family to receive congratulations for his last flight at MCAS Cherry Point, Aug. 2, 2022. Col. Huber flew a UC-35D Citation Encore one final time as commanding officer, just three days ahead of relinquishing command of the air station on Aug. 5, 2022, where he will retire from active duty after 29 years of service.

Maj. Haden Fullam, middle, the A-10 Demonstration Team pilot, climbs into the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II, as A-10 crew chiefs Staff Sgt.(s) Cody Polzin, left, and Robert Benson, stand by during the 2022 Smoky Mountain Air Show Sept. 10, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse J. Friedel, 35th Fighter Wing commander, stands in front of aircraft assembled for a wing capabilities demonstration to culminate a week-long readiness exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 13, 2022. The large formation displays the joint, bilateral capabilities of Misawa Air Base, with a mission to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific, defend Japan and deter adversaries through our presence, readiness, and ability to project combat air power.

Capts. Ellen Bundy and Tina Smith, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron meteorologists, study data obtained during a 10-hour mission through a tropical storm. The unit, also known as the Hurricane Hunters, operate the WC-130J aircraft for weather reconnaissance into some of the most violent storms on Earth -- tropical cyclones. The 53rd WRS is a one-of-a-kind U.S. Air Force Reserve unit and the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes since 1944. Their fleet of 10 Lockheed-Martin WC-130J aircraft and crews are part of the 403rd Wing, based at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Miss.

A former prisoner of war expresses his elation upon returning to the United States after being held captive by Iraqi forces during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland(MD) Country: United States Of America(USA)

041109-F-9528H-014. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron J. Barton speaks to members of Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2022 during a base tour at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard base, Fort Wayne, Indiana June 16, 2022. The 122nd Fighter Wing hosted a community outreach event that focused on public safety in Allen County.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Neil Bradley, 94th Fighter Generation Squadron assisted dedicated crew chief, signals to a pilot 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.

Soldiers of the Alaska Army National Guard prepare to board a HC-130 Combat King II for transport to Bethel, Alaska, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which is comprised of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline.(Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dustin Jammer Johnson, a F-22 pilot and the 525th Fighter Squadron deputy of operations, is welcomed home by his sons after his deployment at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 30, 2023. The 525th Bulldogs deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, to support the Pacific Air Forces effort to bring advanced fighter aircraft to the western Pacific.

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

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Carlos Rodriguezreconco, from Caguas, Puerto Rico, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) air department, signals an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, clear to launch from the flight deck, August 2, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron carrier qualifications.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caroline Truemper, left, crew chief, Airman 1st Class Isaac Defillipo, middle, crew chief and Senior Airman Morgan Sanders, F-22 Avionics specialist, all assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct post flight aircraft recovery at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission. The 90ths presence in the region strengthens U.S. and NATOs unity each day as forces come together to train and deter in an ever-evolving threat environment.

CAPT. Katarina S. Bentler, left, and CAPT. Elizabeth P. Schwartzhoff, right, of the 350th Aerial Refueling Squadron talk to their maintenance crew chief, SGT. Troy L. Presher of the 609th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, prior to boarding their KC-135 Stratotanker for a refueling mission during Operation Desert Shield. Bentler is the aircraft's pilot; Schwartzhoff is the navigator. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron performs preflight checks on a U.S. Air Force E-3G Sentry at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 1, 2022. The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft with an integrated battle management command and control (BMC2) surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Daison Batangan, a KC-46A Pegasus pilot assigned to the 344th Aerial Refueling Squadron, taxis to an aircraft spot during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. July 29, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

A landing signal officer (LSO) and his backup stand by at their station aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

040421-F-7194F-014. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

In a scene from the US Air Force-Supported film titled "The Perfect Storm", US Air Force pararescuemen from the 305th Rescue Squadron, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffet Field, California, rush to their helicopter to save imperiled fisherman off the coast of New England. Primary Air Force filming happened at Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, California, and at sound stages at Warner Brothers Studios. Base: Channel Islands Ang Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (FEB. 23, 2024)- Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Andrew Alvidrez speaks to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37 Ragin Bulls pilots about their F/A-18E Super Hornets and the protective gear required to fly the aircraft. The Ragin Bulls returned Jan. 16 from an eight-month deployment supporting partners and allies in the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet area of operations aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Navy

DF-ST-86-09376. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '85 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040718-F-6470S-002. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 7, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

US Navy AIRMAN Carlos Mezos observes flight operations while waiting to move ordnance on the flight deck of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). Truman is on station in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

British Prime Minister John Major disembarks an Implementation Forces Sea King HAS MK 6 helicopter at the helo-pad on Ilidza Compound in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, during Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Ilidza, Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Airman 1st Class Addison Jones, 510th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, secures an AIM-9L/M Sidewinder onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the 3rd quarter Rapid Aircraft Generation and Employment (RAGE) event at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct.14, 2022. The weapons load crews competed head-to-head and were tasked to load an F-16 with an inert guided bomb unit-31v3 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), a MK-84 Low Drag and one AIM-9L/M Sidewinder in the shortest possible time.

Maintenance Airmen from the 138th Fighter Wing prepare for preflight inspections during Agile Rage at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy. (Oklahoma Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Alyssa Smalley)

An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, launches off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Jan. 19, 2024. George Washington is underway in support of carrier qualifications.

CPT Stan Sutterfield, a flight instructor with 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, discusses a training flight with two Saudi Arabian flight students. Base: Williams Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Keyli Pillaro-Estrada, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, greets Marine Corp F-35B pilot assigned to Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona during cross service training during Black Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 21, 2022. Members of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps took part in joint interoperability maintenance and logistics training during Black Flag.

Members assigned to 319th AircraftMaintenance Squadron Detachment 1 conductpreflight procedures to an RQ-4 Global HawkBlock 30 July 7, 2022, at Beale Air Force base,California. This flight was the final RQ-4 todepart Beale headed to Grand Forks AFB, N.D.,to be divested and transferred to NorthrupGrumman.

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