Military Air Operations

Images of military air refueling and transport operations, including large aircraft and aerial maneuvers under clear skies.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 finalize the retrograde of a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) at Iwo Jima Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMGR-152 and MWSS-171 conducted FARP operations in expeditionary conditions, practicing employment of light and agile forces across the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 finalize the retrograde of a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) at Iwo Jima Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMGR-152 and MWSS-171 conducted FARP operations in expeditionary conditions, practicing employment of light and agile forces across the Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R from the 117th Air Refueling Wing conducts in-air refueling with a C-17 Globemaster III from the 437th Airlift Wing over Birmingham, Alabama, July 26, 2022. The 117th ARW trains and equips combat ready aircrews and support personnel to perform worldwide aerial refueling and airlift missions.

A KC-10 Extender assigned to Travis Air Force Base, Calif. participates in Exercise Agile Tiger on April 6, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Exercise Agile Tiger brings together Airmen and aircraft from AFGSC, ACC, AMC and the Air National Guard to promote interoperability with a variety of platforms.

Equipment belonging to a US Navy Combat Boat Unit from Panama is ready to be offloaded from a C-141B Starlifter aircraft during exercise AHUAS TARA (BIG PINE) II. The unit is in Honduras to train Honduran Marines in riverine small boat operations and maintenance. Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TARA (BIG PINE) Base: La Mesa Country: Honduras (HND)

A partial view from a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft boom operator's station of an RC-135 Stratoliner aircraft of the 306th Strategic Wing being refueled in flight. Country: Europe

Soldiers from Task Force Spartan conduct a emergency deployment readiness exercise (EDRE) at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 22, 2022. EDRE's are rapid mobilization training events that tests an units agility and level of readiness in order to ensure mission readiness and operational success of the unit.

A KC-130F aircraft of Marine Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) stands on the flight line. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender with the 305th Air Mobility Wing is refueled by a KC-10 crewed by Airmen with the 32nd Air Refueling Squadron, 305th AMW, during a readiness exercise over the Atlantic Ocean, Apr. 5, 2022. Training exercises reinforce Airmen readiness and deliberately strengthen Air Mobility Commands warfighting culture in order to provide unrivaled Rapid Global Mobility capable of protecting and sustaining the Joint Force.

C-130's from the 39th, 40th Airlift Squadrons (ALS) Dyess AFB, TX; 41st ALS from Pope AFB, SC and the 314th from Little Rock AFB, AR, participated in a combined airlift to drop tanks and vehicles for the 82nd Airborne Rangers in support of the operation.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-09956. Base: Paris Country: France (FRA)

DN-SC-89-07241. Country: Unknown

040325-F-3488S-082. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The nose section of US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, is seen from the KC-10 Extender, Boom Operator's window, during a refueling mission for INSPECTOR GENERAL EXERCISE 3B. Subject Operation/Series: INSPECTOR GENERAL EXERCISE 3B Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for flight at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 2, 2024. Five KC-135s from the 100th ARW provided aerial refueling support to B-1 Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., in support of the airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iranian backed militia groups. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde)

Tech. Sgt. Noah Polcar, a 154th Training Squadron loadmaster, inspects the ramp door to a C-130J before a flight, Aug. 11, 2022, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Polcar and several others were selected to train at the 62nd Airlift Squadron in preparation for the 189th Airlift Wing's transition to the C-130J formal training unit for the Air National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Heather Boutin, center, 133rd Air Transportation Function, hands over equipment in St. Paul., Minn., Sept. 12, 2022. Airmen from the 109th, 934th, and 156th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons prepare a KC-46 Pegasus, 157th Air Refueling Wing, New Hampshire Air National Guard, for training which familiarizes them with its capabilities regarding aeromedical evacuation missions.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Heather Boutin, center, 133rd Air Transportation Function, hands over equipment in St. Paul., Minn., Sept. 12, 2022. Airmen from the 109th, 934th, and 156th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons prepare a KC-46 Pegasus, 157th Air Refueling Wing, New Hampshire Air National Guard, for training which familiarizes them with its capabilities regarding aeromedical evacuation missions.

Airman 1st Class Christopher Grieco, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician, performs pre-flight maintenance on a B-52H Stratofortress as a part of the Prairie/Bayou Vigilance 24-2 exercise, Jan. 3, 2024, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. This exercise demonstrates the Airmens capability, resilience, and adaptability.

U.S. Air Force personnel assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron and the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct pre-flight checks prior to a refueling flight at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 4, 2022. The 909th ARS is the premiere force for aerial refueling operations in the Indo-Pacific theater, supporting U.S. forces and regional allies and partners.

A U-21 Beechcraft King Air A100 aircraft is loaded aboard a C-5 Galaxy aircraft for the trip back to the United States. Even partially disassembled it is a close fit for the U-21. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A view of the fin flash and unit symbol on the vertical stabilizer of a 19th Aerial Refueling Wing (19th AREFW) KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft. The 19th AREFW, which is based at Robins Air Force Base (AFB), Georgia, has deployed several of its aircraft to Whiteman AFB for exercise Mighty Warrior '89. Subject Operation/Series: MIGHTY WARRIOR '89 Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050101-F-3476P-296. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-88-07263. Subject Operation/Series: SABRE THUNDER Country: Spain (ESP)

A KC-135R Stratotanker, assigned to the 151st Wing, Utah Air National Guard, prepares to depart to participate in a first of its kind exercise, where missile caskets will be loaded on board as cargo for transport Feb. 3, 2024 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard base in Salt Lake City. Exercise PERSES is a joint exercise that challenges the tactics, techniques, and procedures of both Utah Air and Army National Guard units along with other component units, while testing innovative ideas and communication practices. Air National Guard

A C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft from the 709th Military Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Del., sits in the dense Saudi fog as maintenance crews make repairs and systems checks during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

A ground crew member inspects the radome of a 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing E-3 Sentry aircraft as the plane is readied for a mission during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

040915-F-9471G-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030905-F-2021H-024. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

MAJ. Stephanie Wells, a pilot with the 433rd Military Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve, sits in the cockpit of a C-5A Galaxy aircraft. Base: Kelly Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maintenance personnel from the 146th Tactical Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard, paint a fluorescent number on the tail of a C-130 Hercules aircraft to help aircrews see each other through heavy smoke during aerial firefighting missions. Reserve and Guard Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) crews respond to calls from civilian firefighters to help control large forest fires. State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Medium long shot, rear view, SENIOR AIRMAN Anthony French, USAF, a crew chief with the 319th Aircraft Generation Squadron, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, knocks icicles from the wing of a parked KC-135R Stratotanker on the Alpha ramp at the base on April 10, 2000. AIRMAN French and other base personnel will spend the next few days performing their duties under the watchful eyes of inspectors as the base undergoes an Operational Readiness Inspection. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing refuels a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, over the Caribbean Sea during a Bomber Task Force mission on March 24, 2023. This mission is another example of accelerating KC-46 employment and building interoperability with partner nations while enabling the capability to execute strategic deterrence. As a force multiplier, the KC-46 provides lethality and additional options to project and connect the Joint Force, while extending the operational reach of airpower.

An engine change on an F-15 Eagle takes place 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)

Maintainers assigned to the 154th Maintenance Squadron and 15th MXS walk across a C-17 Globemaster III wing during in-tank maintenance at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 2, 2022. The C-17 fuel cell is composed of active-duty and Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen.

A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (HMH-462) is stationed during an operation at Forward Operating Base Price, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2013. HMH-462 provided aerial support for British forces with Task Force Helmand during an operation in Kharotan.

A B-52 Stratofortress aircraft is silhouetted against the clouds as it comes in for a landing during exercise Giant Warrior '89. Subject Operation/Series: GIANT WARRIOR '89 Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An E-3A Sentry aircraft conducts an aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on patrol over the Saudi desert during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft moves into position to receive fuel on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a refueling mission over Afghanistan. The KC-10 is deployed from McGuire Air Force Base N.J., and the KC-135R is assigned to the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing and is deployed from the 174th Air Refueling Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, Sioux City Iowa.

030225-F-1472B-008. Base: Salt Lake City State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron walk toward a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during a fuel off-load at Iwo Jima Airport, Japan, Aug. 4, 2022. Airmen from the 374th LRS and 36th AS performed Agile Combat Employment concepts while on a refueling mission to Iwo Jima.

KC-135 Stratotanker B-2 Spirit US Air Force

A C-141 aircraft leaves Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 26, 1999. The C-141 is one of many aircraft deployed to Aviano in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. A C-141 aircraft leaves Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 26, 1999. The C-141 is one of many aircraft deployed to Aviano in support of NATO Operation Allied Force.

The nose section of US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, is seen from the KC-10 Extender, Boom Operator's window, during a refueling mission for INSPECTOR GENERAL EXERCISE 3B. Subject Operation/Series: INSPECTOR GENERAL EXERCISE 3B Country: United States Of America (USA)

A UH-1N Iroquois helicopter is unloaded from a 436th Military Airlift Wing C-5A Galaxy aircraft during exercise Ocean Venture '82. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '82 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Wyrsch, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 is washed down in an F-35B Lightning II aircraft after his final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Wyrsch conducted his final flight with VMFA-242 after serving 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Staff Sgt. Napoleon Ortiz, a 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, communicates with his crewmembers at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 31, 2014, during the Shizuoka Comprehensive Disaster Drill. A C-130 Hercules from the 36th AS airlifted Japan Ground Self Defense Force members to Shizuoka airport and performed an airdrop of simulated humanitarian supplies to a coastal drop zone near Shimoda in the Shizuoka prefecture.

011031-F-5795G-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A C-141 Starlifter aircraft from the 62nd Air Mobility Wing, McChord Air Force Base, Washington, sits on the ramp at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point during Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFX) 98-1. Subject Operation/Series: JTFX 98-1 Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fighter Jets at Military Base

DF-ST-86-00196. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-01820. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60)

030331-F-6449C-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udeid Air Force Base, Qatar, during a Bomber Task Force mission within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. Two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft guided theater integration training with a variety of coalition and partner ally aircraft to demonstrate readiness and strengthen regional security.

The Heritage Flight performs at The Wings Over Solano May 14, 2022 at Travis Air Force Base, California. 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.

US Air Force (USAF) 27th Fighter Wing personnel, use generator powered heat blowers to defrost the pitot tube on a USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB), Fort Worth, Texas (TX). Base: Naval Air Station, Fort Worth State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maintenance personnel wash down the ship's C-1A Trader carrier on-board delivery (COD) aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). The aircraft has been named "Mamie," after Mamie Eisenhower, who personally christened the aircraft when she was aboard for the ship's commissioning in 1977. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A KC-46 Pegasus aircraft from the 905th Air Refueling Squadron located at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, sits on the flight line at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 21, 2021. Members of the 905th ARS were in the local area for a recruiting training mission, bringing them back to Grand Forks for the first time in 12 years. The 905th ARS was one of Grand Forks AFB's first squadrons to stand up and the last to leave the base when the air refueling mission closed.

Crew members inspect details of a well-armed B-52H Stratofortress aircraft sparkling in the bright sunlight during Exercise Busy Prairie II. Subject Operation/Series: BUSY PRAIRIE II Country: Unknown

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, refuels an E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, assigned to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, Dec. 8, 2022. An E-3 AWACS Aircraft flying within NATO airspace can distinguish between targets and ground reflections, with the ability to give early warning of low- or high-flying aircraft that are operated over the territory of a potential aggressor.

A KC-10 Extender refuels another KC-10 during a training mission over the Atlantic Ocean on May 3, 2012. The two aircraft were conducting aerial refueling operations to maintain proficiency for worldwide duties. Both aircraft are from the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Rear view of a KC-10 Extender aircraft from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, in use during a tactical large force employment exercise. In the background is a KC-135 refueling aircraft. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

010809-F-7910D-017. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, sits on the flightline at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2022. The primary role of the KC-135 is to provide aerial refueling to the U.S. Air Force and its allies.

020930-F-4649H-007. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron refuel a Delta Airlines passenger aircraft at Yokota Air Base, Japan, March 12, 2011. The aircraft was diverted to Yokota from Narita International Airport after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Japan.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachariah Pock, a crew chief with the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., climbs a ladder to check the engine intakes of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a Mobility Air Forces exercise held over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nov. 17, 2010. Approximately 40 C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft will assemble in aerial formations to conduct air and ground operations as part of a bi-annual, U.S. Air Force Weapons School exercise.

An RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 aircraft assigned to the 319th Reconnaissance Wing is parked in front of a hangar Sept. 27, 2022, during Readiness Exercise Validation Global Griffin 09-22 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The RQ-4 is a high-altitude, long-endurance, remotely-piloted aircraft with an integrated sensor suite that provides global all-weather, day-or-night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

The front end of a C-17 Globemaster III parked at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, on Jan.14, 2010, about to be used by 437th Air Mobility Wing Airmen to participate in a relief effort to Haiti in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake two days before. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua L. DeMotts)

060325-A-4339E-020. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE Base: Daegu Air Base State: Dageu Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: 2ND ACR

January 12, 2010 - An MQ-1C Sky Warrior unmanned aerial vehicle is parked in a hangar at Camp Taji, Iraq.

A close-up front view of a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan. The aircraft prepares for take off to defend the base from a strike package consisting of Royal Australian Air Force F-18s from Squadrons 3 and 77. Subject Operation/Series: IRON FIST '95 Base: Raaf Williamstown Country: Australia (AUS)

U.S. Airmen with the 62d Airlift Wing load a forklift onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 18, 2022. Airmen from multiple Team McChord units came together to form the 7th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during Rainier War 22B; which is a full-scale readiness exercise simulating a deployment in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

United States and Royal Australian Air Force members unload cargo from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The aircraft, assigned to the 906th Air Refueling Squadron, 43rd Strategic Wing, Pacific Task Force, is participating in Exercise Glad Customer '82. Subject Operation/Series: GLAD CUSTOMER '82 Base: Raaf Darwin State: Northern Territory Country: Australia (AUS)

F3222-SPT-95-0014-130. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

The hangar of the Army's High Altitude Training Site in home to over 65 personnel taking part in the A-10 recovery effort. This number includes the newly arrived Navy EOD Mobile Unit 7 from San Diego, California comprising of 15 members. Base: Eagle State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, along with Airmen from the New York ANG's 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, position wooden ramps to assist with loading equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Dec. 4, 2022. The multi-capable Airmen concept entails training Airmen in basic tasks outside of their usual specialty, so by having 158th Fighter Wing Airmen receiving exposure and training from the 105th, allows the Vermonters to be more versatile and contribute to the mission where needed.

Master Sgt. Jenna Hemphill, loadmaster for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., lies on the ramp of a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft prior to a training flight June 23, 2022. The 53rd WRS Hurricane Hunters conduct routine training flights in order to support National Hurricane and National Winter Season Operations Plans year-round.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Command A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 924th Fighter Group, sits on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. The 924th FG is the only unit-equipped formal training unit in Air Force Reserve Command with 28 A-10s.

A flight crew runs to a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft to begin their alert mission. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrew members are seen preparing for an early morning flying mission at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, in support of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center exercise 23-01, Nov. 4, 2022. The 15th Wings ability to provide rapid global mobility and surge combat-ready forces across the theater is critical to supporting regional alliances and the existing security architecture.

U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft assemble for a capabilities demonstration during RED FLAG-ALASKA 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. The team showcased 75 fighter aircraft to include fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Alex Williams, 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, conducts pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker at an undisclosed location in southwest Asia before a mission in support of Operation New Dawn, Nov. 18, 2010. Lt. Williams is deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.

Tech. Sgt. Laura Moseley performs an engine check on a C-5 Galaxy after landing July 22, 2103, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The C-5 crew loaded cargo to assist with Operation Enduring Freedom. The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world and the largest airlifter in the Air Force inventory. Moseley is a West Virginia Air National Guard member and 167th Maintenance Squadron C-5 crew chief from Martinsburg, W. Va.

Aerial refueling of a B-1B bomber over the Atlantic Ocean. Two KC-135R aircraft and crews from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, responded to short notice historical B-1B "Global Power" exercise on 2 June 95. CORONET BAT is an around the world exercise of two B-1B Lancer bombers of the 9th Bomb Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, which included five in-flight refuelings, and three "no-drop" bombing exercises. In doing so they also set an (unofficial) around the world speed record in this weight category. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET BAT Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A view from the flight line of the Fleet Logistic Support Squadron 22 (VR-22) hangar, with two of the squadron's C-130 Hercules aircraft parked partially within. Base: Naval Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

Sailors, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), use a spotting dolly to guide an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Tomcatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, through the ship's hangar bay, March 24, 2023. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean executing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navys capacity to project power on a global scale.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing refuels a C-17 Globemaster from the 911th Airlift Wing in-flight, August 18, 2022. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling for the United States Air Force.

A B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, June 16, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron performs preflight maintenance on an MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 6, 2022. As the only U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command unit in the Pacific, the 353rd Special Operations Group is the focal point for special operations aviation activity in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command theater.

DF-ST-90-00411. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

detail Northrop Grumman Military Jets Grumman Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes B-2A Spirit stealth bomber KC-135R Stratotanker in-flight refueling fuel transfer tanker boom

A Mississippi Air National Guard pilot from the 172nd Airlift Wing looks out the window during an engine run offload on the flightline at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., during Exercise Turbo Distribution Oct. 29, 2015. The U.S. Transportation Command exercise tests the joint task force-port opening's ability to deliver and distribute cargo during humanitarian relief operations.

An E2-D Hawkeye, attached to the Greyhawks” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 120, prepares to launch from of the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) flight deck during flight operations, Sept. 22, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

A KC-135 Stratotanker is de-iced in front of 5 Hangar at 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, the morning of Oct. 23, 2015, during Exercise Vigilant Shield 16. From Oct. 15-26, 2015, approximately 700 members from the Canadian Armed Forces and the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Air National Guard deployed to Iqaluit, Nunavut, and 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, for Exercise Vigilant Shield 16.

F-16, loaded with live weapons, in alert hangar, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado

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