Military Aircraft and Ceremonies

Family and aircrew event gatherings around military aircraft, highlighting ceremonies, tours, and educational outreach in an airbase setting.

Ambassadors from multiple NATO countries and members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg explore a KC-135 Stratotanker deployed with the 92nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 3, 2022.Spangdahlems forward presence in Central Europe is critical to both U.S. and NATO Alliance strategic security interests.

U.S. Air Force Airmen and their families gather for a 16th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster IIIs nose art unveil ceremony on the flightline at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 6, 2022. Families were welcomed into the squadron for the ceremony and an open house tour.

Members of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron provide members of the Morón Air Base Spanish aircrew a tour of the B-52H Stratofortress. On the tour air crew showcased the capabilities of each aircraft and how its presence on the global theater is a symbol of deterrence at Morón Air Base, Spain, Mar. 17, 2023. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history.

Members from the 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, talk about the functionality of the A10C Thunderbolt II aircraft with Junior ROTC students from Randallstown, Maryland at Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport, Middle River, Md. on September 28, 2022. This tour was organized by the Wings Recruiting and Retention team and provided the students a chance to learn about various jobs around the base and hear what the Maryland Air National Guard has to offer.

Maj. Debora Berg, outgoing 436th Contracting Squadron commander, receives a final salute from a member of her unit during a change of command ceremony held at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 22, 2022. Berg will be taking on the role of Air Force Test Center-Eglin deputy director of contracting at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Ambassadors from multiple NATO countries and members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg explore a KC-135 Stratotanker deployed with the 92nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 3, 2022.Spangdahlems forward presence in Central Europe is critical to both U.S. and NATO Alliance strategic security interests.

U. S. Air Force crew members from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho conduct a community day tour for Alpena community leaders of the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft also from the 124th Fighter Wing, during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training at Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 16, 2022. Alpena community Leaders learn why Northern Michigans National All Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) is a premier training location for ACE because of its unique training airspace and facilities (Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center and Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center). The NADWC encompasses more than 148,000 acres of ground maneuver training area and more than 17,000 square miles of special use airspace, one of the largest areas of its kind in the U.S.

Pilots from the 164th Airlift Squadron at the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm ANGB, Ohio, stand outside their aircraft after their final flight on July 7, 2022. This aircraft, tail 88-4401, will retire and become a static display at the MAPS Air Museum (Military Aviation Preservation Society), an internationally known museum of aviation in North Canton, Ohio. After being selected to become the nation's first Air National Guard Cyber Wing, the unit is transitioning from flying the C-130H Hercules to a new mission assigned to Air Combat Command.

220916-N-HG389-0011 SINGAPORE (Sep. 14, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Mad Foxes” of Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 5 take time for a photo in front of a P-8 Poseidon at Paya Labar Airbase in Singapore, Sept. 16. VP 5 provides U.S. combatant commanders with the people, aircraft and willingness to deter aggression around the world.

220406-N-TT639-2085 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 6, 2022) - The executive officer of amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Capt. John Kiefaber, left, discusses hangar bay operations with Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick, program executive officer for the F-35 Lightning II joint program, F-35 Joint Program Officer (JPO), center, during a ship tour, April 6. Fick was aboard Tripoli for a tour and to observe the U.S. Marine Corps Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing carrier platforms, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required

040925-F-0986R-004. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As part of a community orientation program, 14 local educators visited the Nebraska National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility at the air base in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 1, 2022. The teachers, administrators and coaches learned about the history, mission and capabilities of the Nebraska Army National Guard and then toured Lincoln overhead from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Twenty students from the RedTail Flight Academy's Summer Day Camp toured a C-17 Globemaster III at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY, August 18, 2022. The tour was meant as an inspiration for the students, who are considering a career in aviation.

A group of civic leaders from the Tampa Bay area pose with service members assigned to Joint Base Charleston, for a photo near a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 21, 2022. The civic leader group toured the Charleston aircraft during multi-base field trip to strengthen relations and bolster community support.

Cadets from the 016 Duluth Composite Squadron pose for a photo in front of a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird at the Duluth Air Expo, July 15, 2022, in Duluth, Minn. The cadets were given a behind-the-scenes tour of both the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Demo team and the U.S. Air Force F-35 Demo team.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (August 31, 2022) U.S. Africa Command Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley takes a photo, on the flight line, with U.S. Marines who are forwarded deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ). Langley came to CLDJ to meet AFRICOM troops as a top priority after assuming command Aug. 9

Pastor Peter Axtmann gives an invocation during a change of command ceremony for the 131st Fighter Squadron June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, middle, stands with a group of Superior Performers and their leaders in front of a P-40 Warhawk static display at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Oct. 11, 2022. The Superior Performers were a mix of rank, countries, enlisted, officer and civilian, all receiving a coin for their superior performance.

U.S. Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, poses for a photo with 131st and 509th crew chiefs at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 30, 2022. During his visit, he saw how Whitemans B-2 Spirit stealth bomber mission is a model for Air Force Total Force Integration.

The 40th Helicopter Squadron stands together for a groupphoto during the 2022 Omaha Trophy presentation atMalmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., June 28, 2023. The40th HS ensures strategic security by providing flexible,rapid-response helicopter airlift support to the 341stMissile Wing, as well as aerial surveillance of Departmentof Defense strategic weapon convoys and short noticeemergency security forces responses; supports emergencywar order taskings, and priority personnel and logisticaltransportation.

Distinguished Flying Cross recipients pose for a photo with Maj. Gen. Corey J. Martin and Chief Master Sgt. Chad W. Bickley, 18th Air Force commander and command chief, in front of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft after receiving their medals at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 4, 2023. The Airmen earned their DFCs for their heroism during the largest non-combatant evacuation in American history, Operation Allies Refuge.

Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing Airmen, Illinois Air National Guard, and their families take part in Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 10, 2022. The event was organized to promote resiliency in Airmen and families.

Group photo of airplane squadron 860 taken on MVK de Kooy. In the background the submarine control helicopter The Wesland Lynx Mk.81 (SH-14C) No 281 (1981-2012).

Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing and honorary commanders pause for a group photo before boarding a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 3, 2022. MacDills honorary commander program pairs local civic leaders with unit commanders on base to strengthen relationships between the military and Tampa community.

From left to right: On Sept. 8, 2022, Brig. Gen. Daniel Boyack, commander Utah Air National Guard, Kelsey Berg, deputy chief of staff for Senator Mitt Romney, Tage Flint, member of the Secretary of the Air Force's civic leader program, and Steve Hiatt, member of Air Combat Command civic leader program pose in front of a F-35A Lighting II at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

KEMCON physician Dr. Dan Woodard speaks to Kennedy Space Center personnel and American Medical Response (AMR) contractor paramedics gathered at the Florida spaceports Shuttle Landing Facility on May 17, 2019, for a medical support training course. The course was designed to familiarize the AMR paramedics with the centers Triage Forces deployment, which included medical team members, fire/rescue personnel, environmental health specialists and flight operations crew members, as well as a helicopter, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tactical vehicle, fire pumper truck and triage vehicles. The AMR paramedics will assist the agency in contingency planning for the return of human spaceflight from Kennedy.

Pilot for a Day, Alexander Freeze Winters and his family pose for a photo with members of the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 19, 2024. Winters was able to tour the wing and experience the daily routine of an F-16 fighter pilot.

Fairborn Chamber of Commerce members arrive Oct. 13 for a tour of a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The WPAFB tour fosters a stronger relationship between the base and local community.

U.S. Air Force service members and visitors from Fort Valley State University pose for a photo in front of an A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 75th Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 14, 2022. The 23rd Wing hosted FVSU members to discuss collaborative opportunities between the base and the university to build a long-lasting working relationship.

A Dyess Air Force Base C-130 Hercules, named after the city of Abilene, is on the ground for children from a local orphanage and European Ambassadors to tour the aircraft. Dyess crew members demonstrate the C-130 features as well as answer the numerous questions asked by the tourists. Base: Taszar Country: Hungary (HUN)

Airmen assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base stand for a photo to represent those who have received Spirit numbers at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, June 30, 2022. A Spirit number is a sequential number that is assigned only to a person who has flown in the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber which not only includes pilots but cabinet-level secretaries, senior military leaders, members of Congress and award winning enlisted military members.

A team of 157th Air Refueling Wing maintenance Airmen, along with professional aircraft artist Shayne Meder, pause for a moment in front of their completed custom paint job on the tail of a wing KC-46A, while TDY at the 176th Wing's paint booth, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, June 29. The paint job was completed to showcase the wing's National Guard heritage and rich history in the state of New Hampshire and honors both the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Portsmouth. From left to right: Airman 1st Class Rebekka Bloser, Tech. Sgt. Jay Cunha, Master Sgt. (retired) Shayne Meder, Staff Sgt. Kevin Canney, Staff Sgt. Cory Lewis.

Spouses of Airmen assigned to the 62d Airlift Wing exit a C-17 Globemaster III after their orientation flight at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Aug. 20, 2022. The spouse orientation flight is a way to show support for the Airmen and their families and give an inside look into what their loved ones do each day.

Airmen and their children participate in a variety of activities as part of a "Take your child to work day" event, June 21, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. Some of the activities included touring a C-130, visiting the fire department, and watching a flag folding demonstration.

Brig. Gen. Tracy Smith, assistant adjutant general-Air and commander of the Alaska Air National Guard, Col. Brian Kile, Director of Joint Staff, Alaska National Guard and Chief Master Sgt. Kim Groat, Alaska Air National Guards state command chief visit the 168th Wing deployers and maintenance group to hear from the Airmen. Smith, Kile, and Groat take a moment for a photo near the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker and Polar Bear Tail. The 168th is the premier Arctic Wing providing rapid global reach and vigilance capabilities through air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, missile warning, and space domain awareness. The 168th Wing maintains a 24/7 air defense constant watch and commitment for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

U.S. Air National Guardsmen from the 151st Maintenance Group hosted students from the Salt Lake Community College Aviation Course on a base tour on 28 Nov at Roland R. Wright Air Base, Utah. Members from the 151st MXG showcased the different sections of aircraft maintenance.

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)

Members of the Louisiana National Guards 159th Fighter Wing pose in front of their F-15C Eagle during Accelerating the Legacy 2023 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 18, 2023. Accelerating the Legacy is an aviation heritage event that honors the Tuskegee Airmens legacy, offers professional development and networking opportunities to Total Force Airmen, and inspires the next generation of aviation professionals.

040122-F-8155K-002. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Educators from Denver and Houston pose for a photo in front of the CH-53E from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, along with Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, HMH-361, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, and Recruiting Stations Denver and Houston during a static display as part of the Educators Workshop on MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, April 20, 2022. The workshop is designed to inform high-school educators about the benefits and opportunities available during service in the Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, outgoing commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, poses for a photo with his family during his retirement and the MCAS New River change of command ceremony on MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 8, 2022. The ceremony represents the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse J. Friedel, 35th Fighter Wing commander, thanks colleagues, family, and friends for attending his fini-flight at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2022. Friedel currently commands a combat-ready F-16CM fighter wing composed of 3,100 personnel and sustains forces and facilities worth over two billion dollars.

A KC-46APegasus from McConnell Air Force Base,Kansas stopped at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio for a routine stop and allowed base personnel to tour the aircraft Oct. 12, 2022.

An Airman assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing speaks with patrons during the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 16, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe celebrated aviations past and present while inspiring the next generation.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt Scott McGowan, Company A, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, instructs high school students on the maintenance of the tail drive shaft of the 60L Black Hawk helicopter during a community summer camp event July 19, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Air show spectators enjoy the static displays during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing efforts to modernize the force for future conflicts.

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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric Ozburn, 60th Communication Squadron director of operations, and his family pose for a photo in front of the Patriot Jets Teams squad of Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft during the Wings Over Solano open house and air show rehearsal at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 13, 2022. The air show rehearsal provided an opportunity for Department of Defense employees and their families to see the air show and full display of the capabilities at Travis AFB.

Students from Dove Science Academy tour the KC-135 Stratotanker to get a closer look at the 507th Air Refueling Wing and the Reservists that perform the mission April 7, 2022, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

As part of a community orientation program, 14 local educators visited the Nebraska National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility at the air base in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 1, 2022. The teachers, administrators and coaches learned about the history, mission and capabilities of the Nebraska Army National Guard and then toured Lincoln overhead from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

EDUCATING OUR YOUTH: More than 25 teenagers from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County, Idaho, toured Gowen Field as part of their out-of-school program to learn more about the Idaho Army National Guard's equipment and missions on July 8.During the day, teens visited with the Idaho National Guard's 204th Regional Training Institute, where they enjoyed learning about and climbing around on some of the organization's tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Heavy Equipment Transporters and trailers.For lunch, they got to experience a meal fit for a Soldier by chowing down on some "Tailored Operational Training Meals", similar to the more common "Meals Ready-to-Eat" but packaged with less calories.Later, the group visited with the Idaho Army National Guard's State Aviation Group, where they got to interact with some of its rotary wing pilots and crew chiefs. To end the day, they climbed around several UH-60 Black Hawks and felt what it's like to sit behind the helicopter's steering system.

Members of Patrol Squadron Nine's Combat Air Crew Six (CAC-6) pose outside the P-8A in Ronneby, Sweden with Swedish military members outside of a P-8A participating in BALTOPS 2022.

Civic leaders from the city of Rehobeth participate in a Meet Your Army event at Fort Novosel, Ala., Jan. 16, 2024.

Hurricane Katrina, Mobile, Ala., May 3, 2006 - Randall McKee, Meteorologist in-Charge, Mobile National Weather Service (NWS) previews with Jesse Munoz, Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer (DFCO), the display which illustrates the role of the hurricane hunter research aircraft in weather prediction. The NWS, aircraft and crew are here today as one stop on a 5 day tour to promote hurricane awareness and preparedness. George Armstrong/FEMA

As part of a community orientation program, 14 local educators visited the Nebraska National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility at the air base in Lincoln, Nebraska, June 1, 2022. The teachers, administrators and coaches learned about the history, mission and capabilities of the Nebraska Army National Guard and then toured Lincoln overhead from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

220603-N-TT639-1112 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 3, 2022) - Vice Adm. Hideki Yuasa, commander in chief, Self-Defense Fleet, center right, members of the Japanese Self Defense Force, and Capt. Joel Lang, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), left, pose for a photo during a tour of Tripoli, June 3, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Guests walk through a C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft during the NATO Days air show in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Sept. 17, 2022. More than 110,000 people attended the event over two days.

040918-F-6701P-008. Base: Lask Air Base State: Lodzkie Country: Poland (POL)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron participate in a water war during a combat dining-in at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, May 26, 2022. During the event, Airmen participated in a water fight and an obstacle course to build camaraderie.

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, pose for a group photo during 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder poses for a photo with the pilots of the U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, 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.

Expedition 35 NASA Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn is helped off a Russian Search and Rescue helicopter at Karaganda Airport in Kazakhstan following his landing in the Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Marshburn, Expedition 35 Commander Chris Hadfield of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Russian Flight Engineer Roman Romanenko of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) returned to earth from more than five months onboard the International Space Station where they served as members of the Expedition 34 and 35 crews.

221129-N-MW880-1166 NAPLES, Italy (Nov. 29, 2022) Attendees watch as Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), parade the colors during a reception for local military and civilian leaders honoring the U.S.-Italian relationship, aboard the ship while anchored in the Bay of Naples, Nov. 29, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-68. CG personnel sitting and standing in hangar2. Hurricane Katrina

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, the air crew for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron line up at left for a walkdown with the pilots, at right. The squadron is part of an aerial salute for the World Space Expo held at the center's Visitor Complex. Other aircraft joining in the expo salute include the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights demonstrating precision skydiving. The World Space Expo Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mark Huff, an MV-22B Osprey pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, gives a staff delegation from California's 49th Congressional District a tour of an MV-22B Osprey, at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, June 28, 2023. The tour familiarized the staff on MAG-39 capabilities and other local military assets. Huff is a Spanish Fork, Utah, native.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ryan Mortensen, an AH-1Z Viper pilot assigned to the aviation combat element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, answers media questions during a bilateral key leader engagement in Stockholm, Sweden, June 4, 2022. The engagement marked the beginning of BALTOPS 22, the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Jarrett helps his load crew team carry an AIM 9 Sidewinder missile during a load crew competition at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Jarrett's team members from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, were from left to right, SENIOR AIRMAN Jeremiah Johnson, Weapons Load Crew Member, 1ST Operations Group, STAFF Sergeant Mark Swain, Weapons Load Crew CHIEF, from the 71st Fighter Squadron, and SENIOR AIRMAN Matthew Kelly, Weapons Load Crew Member, 71st Fighter Squadron. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pilots and crew from the West Virginia National Guards Counter Drug Program manned the final retirement flight of RC-26 Condor 94-0260, ending a distinguished career of service to the Mountain State and the nation January 6, 2023, in Bridgeport, West Virginia. The Condor is a twin turboprop surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft that performed a multitude of important roles including domestic counter drug missions, warzone counter-insurgency flights overseas, domestic homeland security missions, and disaster relief efforts both at home and abroad. All 11 RC-26 aircraft previously operated by the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard are now at their final resting place, the boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

U.S. Air Force ROTC cadets from the University of Southern Alabama Detachment 875 listen to a briefing at the hush house during a tour at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 23, 2022. The hush house space allows for maintainers to inspect engines before they are returned to the fleet to complete air tasking orders.

010506-F-3820W-010. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE 2001 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. Air Force Airmen, families and Clark County School District students participate in a STEM-day event at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 6, 2024. During the event, students were able to see two F-16 Fighting Falcons, an F-15C Eagle and interact with a variety of career fields including pilots, firefighters and engineers. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa deputy commander, spoke with U.S. Servicemembers participating in the Innovation and Leadership in Aerospace Tradeshow in Berlin, held at the Berlin Expo Center Airport, Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, June 24, 2022. Servicemembers specialising in a variety of career fields provided support to U.S. military aircraft participating as static aircraft during the event. U.S. support of ILA Berlin demonstrates our strong European presence and strengthens our ties with NATO Allies and Partners.

220405-N-GF955-1207CARIBBEAN SEA - (April 5, 2022) -- Sailors assigned to the Shadow Det of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Detachment 7, pose for a detachment group photo on the flight deck of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15), April 5, 2022. Billings is deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force Souths mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Dec. 1, 2022)U.S. armed forces, Dominican Republic armed forces, Dominican medical responders, members from World Hope International and My Medic pose for a photo after a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise at the Hospital General de la Plaza de la Salud in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dec. 1, 2022. Continuing Promise 2022 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Team McChord and community partners participate in the 2022-2024 Honorary Commander Assumption of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 29, 2022. Across the Air Force, the Honorary Commander Program provides a platform to inform and educate local community leaders about Department of Defense missions and develop supportive relationships with the community.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, shows an attendee how to properly wear Marine Corps personal protective equipment during exercise Pitch Black 22 Open Day at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Darwin, NT, Australia, Aug. 27, 2022. Marines with MRF-D 22 and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing participated in the Pitch Black 22 public static display that showcased aircraft to the local Darwin community and allowed the public to engage with the Marine units present.

Veterans of the X-15 flight research program, most of them now retired, reunited at Dryden on the 40th anniversary of the last X-15 flight on Oct. 24, 1968 for a historical colloquium on the X-15 by noted aerospace historian and author Dennis Jenkins on Oct. 24, 2008. Gathered in front of the replica of X-15 #3 the were (from left) Johnny Armstrong, Betty Love, Paul Reukauf, Bob Hoey, Dave Stoddard, Dean Webb, Vince Capasso, Bill Dana (who flew the last flight), John McTigue and T.D. Barnes. Jenkins, the author of "X-15: Extending the Frontiers of Flight," maintained during his presentation that despite setbacks, the X-15 program became the most successful of all the X-plane research programs due to the can-do, fix-the-problem and go-fly-again attitude of the X-15's cadre of engineers and technicians.

220911-N-PC065-1407 BALTIC SEA (Sept. 11, 2022) -U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and U.S. Marines attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) pose for a photo after a 9/11 tribute run on Arlingtons flight deck, Sept. 11, 2022. The Arlington is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

021303-F-0697K-003. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airborne Museum, Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Normandy, France

Over 200 students from surrounding area schools attend a career fair hosted by the 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph Missouri, April 20, 2022. The event was organized by the wings recruiting office and it was an opportunity for students to learn about the various careers the Missouri Air National Guard offers.

France, Normandy, Calvados, Arromanches, Soldiers at D-Day Celebrations

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Groups Mission Sustainment Team, assembles a tent July 17, 2022, at a simulated forward operation base in Georgia during Agile Flag. Agile Flag is an Air Combat Command exercise in a simulated rural deployed setting that tests deployed Airmens ability to generate Agile Combat Employment. The MST assisted in enabling scripted joint force air component ACE missions.

119th Fighter Wing Color Guard prepares for the change of command ceremony at the North Dakota Air National Guard, Fargo, North Dakota. Colonel Michael Haugen, NDANG commander since March 1991, was relieved of command and Colonel Lyle Andvik assumed command of the Wing. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force stand in front of an F-35 Lightning II during a tour of Nellis Air Force Base, March 30, 2023. The 65th Aggressor Squadron hosted the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to show how each unit works to organize, carry out, and maintain Nellis' mission sets.

Tuskegee Summer Camp students and staff learn about aircraft maintenance and other support professions at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. The camp is designed as an aerospace immersion for students to learn about aviation careers. June 09, 2022.

Air Cadets from the National Defense Academy of Japan pose for a photo in front of C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during an immersion tour at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 26, 2022. Visitors included students from Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar.

040816-F-6809H-007. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Visitors tour the well deck of the USS Anchorage and view the Orion boilerplate test vehicle secured in its recovery cradle and other support hardware during the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, Expo for L.A. Navy Days at the Port of Los Angeles in California. At right, visitors sign an Orion banner. Behind them is a mock-up of NASAs Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy completed Underway Recovery Test 2 on the Orion test vehicle in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test allowed the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new hardware and personnel in open waters.The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program conducted the underway recovery test. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet

DN-SC-84-08290. Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Expedition 69 Soyuz Landing. Expedition 69 NASA astronaut Frank Rubio left, Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, center, and Dmitri Petelin sit in chairs outside the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft after they landed in a remote area near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The trio are returning to Earth after logging 371 days in space as members of Expeditions 68-69 aboard the International Space Station. For Rubio, his mission is the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut in history.

Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Van Nortwick, 173rd Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator, celebrates his fini-flight with family, Aug. 6, 2022, at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska. Final flight, also known as fini-flight, is a tradition for pilots and some aircrew members who are retiring or moving to another base. Part of the tradition is getting doused with water as soon as they step out of the aircraft after the flight.

Educators from Milwaukee and St. Louis tour inside of a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, during an educators workshop on MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, June 9, 2022. The workshop is designed to inform high school educators about the benefits and opportunities available in the Marine Corps, so they may provide knowledge to their students interested in the military.

020927-M-1103B-011. Subject Operation/Series: BENGAL TIGER 2002 Base: Chittagong Air Base Country: Bangladesh (BGD) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-152

Westfield Technical Academy holds a graduation ceremony for the Aviation Maintenance Technology Class of 2022 May 26, 2022, at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, Westfield, Massachusetts. Col. David 'Moon' Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing vice-commander, gave the keynote address during the ceremony. Staff Sgt. Christopher Chaves, 104th Maintenance Group maintainer and an instructor for the graduating students, spoke on the students behalf and presented them their certificates. Halasi-Kun, Master Sgt. Glenda Schuster and Staff Sgt. Justin Cousineau, Massachusetts Air National Guard recruiters, conducted the oath of enlistment for James Coach, one of the graduates and future member of the engine shop in the 104MXG, during the ceremony.

Retired RF-4 pilots pose in front of RF-4C Phantom, Aug. 6, 2022, during an alumni tour at Lincoln Air Force Base, Neb. The Nebraska Air National Guard flew RF-4C Phantoms from 1971 to 1993 before the unit transitioned to the KC-135R Stratotanker.

The HAF/DSI team takes a tour of the E-3 Sentry AWACS during the TFA health assessment at the 552nd Air Control Wing and 513th Air Control Group May 4, 2022, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The team, led by Maj. Gen. Randal Efferson, conducted several focus group interviews to improve the Total Force Association enterprise.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2019) Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg addresses Royal Norwegian Air Force pilots and U.S. Department of Defense personnel as Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Richard V. Spencer, left, and Capt. T.J. Grady, commanding officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 look on during a reception at the squadron, Sept. 26, 2019. VP-30 held a casual reception in honor of the prime minister and provided a guided tour of the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft.

230207-N-ML137-1024 KEKAHA, Hawai`i (Feb. 7, 2023) NFL cheerleaders pose for a group photo with Sailors assigned to Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, in the hangar during a meet-and-greet while on a Pro Blitz Cheer tour with Armed Forces Entertainment. PMRF is the worlds largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air and space operations simultaneously.

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 Andoya 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.

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