Military Aircraft Cockpits

Photos display pilots in military aircraft cockpits preparing for missions. The atmosphere is focused and professional, showcasing advanced aviation technology.

Alaska Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Alejandro Romero, a special mission aviator assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a HH-60G Pave Hawk at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. The 210th RSQs Guardsmen provide rescue support in Alaska in the case of injuries or natural disasters, recovering personnel in Alaskas extreme conditions.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Ringlein, left, and Maj. Jared Miller, both C-130J Hercules pilots with the 115th Airlift Squadron at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., prepare for a mission Exercise Eager Lion May 26, 2014, at an air base in northern Jordan. During this mission, the C-130 played a supporting role in a scenario between U.S. and foreign fighter aircraft.

Alaska Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Alejandro Romero, a special mission aviator assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron, conducts a pre-flight inspection on a HH-60G Pave Hawk at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. The 210th RSQs Guardsmen provide rescue support in Alaska in the case of injuries or natural disasters, recovering personnel in Alaskas extreme conditions.

PŌHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (Aug. 18, 2022) U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Whitehead, 17th Special Operations Squadron (17th SOS) AC-130J Ghostrider gunship pilot, left, and U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Gordon Kowalkowski, 17th SOS AC-130J Ghostrider gunship co-pilot, fly over the Pōhakuloa Training Area in Hilo, Hawaii, Aug. 18, 2022. The primary missions of the AC-130J are close-air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. The close-air-support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort, and point-air defense.

Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, navigates an MH-60S Nighthawk attached to Helicopter Sea combat Squadron (HSC) 5 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 and 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.

970620-N-3149V-003. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ '97 Base: Uss Denver (LPD 9) Scene Major Command Shown: HM-15

021102-N-3235P-510. Base: USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79)

Katrina Response Ops - Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - 26-HK-163-65. Hurricane Katrina

Soldiers from Hunter Army Airfield, G.A., conduct a training flight over Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., May 20, 2022.The training provided soldiers with additional flight hours as well as an opportunity to view the depot from a birds eye view.

220726-N-XL376-1151 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 26, 2022) - U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Duncan Sutherland, from Oklahoma City, changes radio channels aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker to conduct long-range refueling during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

From left, U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Ludwig, 437th Operations Support Squadron pilot, and 1st Lt. Jonathan Ketron, 14th AS pilot, fly a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft over Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 22, 2024. The aircrew practiced defensive maneuvers and low-level flying during the local flight. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Capt. Dylan Radka, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, flies an airlift mission near Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 14, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

Two S.C. Army National Guard (SCNG) CH-47D Chinook helicopters perform individual and in-formation crew-proficiency training, Columbia and Eastover, South Carolina, Aug. 6, 2016. During the flight, the crews completed several critical tasks, such as Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR) training, crew-chief progression, Night Vision Goggles (NVG), sling load operations, and crew currency training, both in daylight and night conditions. The aircrafts and the crews belong to Detachment 1, Co. B, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), 59th Aviation Troop Command, SCNG. Chinook helicopters 246” and 106” are D Model aircrafts, and are currently in the process of being replaced by the newer CH-47 F-model. (US Army National Guard

U.S. Army Soldiers with Detachment 1, C Company, 1-171st MEDEVAC gear up for flight a Medical Simulation Training Center class on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 9, 2022. The Medical Simulation Training Center provides state of the art training to aid students in gaining proficiency in treating all areas of trauma and basic medical scenarios.

A view of the crew in the cockpit of a C-5 Galaxy as they fly their aircraft to Diego Garcia from Clark Air Base, Philippines. The plane and its crew, participating in Diego Garcia Airlift Operations Project '81, are from Travis Air Force Base, California. Subject Operation/Series: PROJECT '81 Country: Unknown

An aircrew from the Rhode Island Air National Guard perform combat maneuvers in a C-130 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, April 14, 2022 as part of the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course. The Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center hosts the ATAC course monthly to national and international aircrews.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tristan Redmond, 9th Special Operation Squadron loadmaster, conducts a drop in New Mexico, June 27, 2023. Operation Centennial Contact demonstrated units across the U.S. Air Force are engaged, postured and ready with a credible worldwide force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex global security environment.

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jordan Nixon, 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot and aircraft commander, operates a C-17 across the Mariana Islands Range Complex during Exercise Golden Bee Sept. 26, 2022. Exercise Golden Bee is a joint readiness exercise designed to provide training integration and rehearse strategic and operational objectives in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Cpl. Walter Hix, a UH-1Y Venom Crew Chief assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, views the city below while flying to Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 6, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility. Hix is a native of Arab, AL.

Cpl. Walter Hix, a UH-1Y Venom Crew Chief assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, views the city below while flying to Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 6, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility. Hix is a native of Arab, AL.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Colin Sullivan, left, and Maj. Edward Rubio, right, both KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, fly a refueling mission for an U.S. and Royal Bahrain air force aerial operation over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 25, 2022. The U.S. and Bahrain work jointly to enhance interoperability in the interest of regional security.

060227-A-5747J-216. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Brassfield-Mora State: Salah Al Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Alaska Air National Guard Lt. Col. Michael Curry, a 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, prepares to take off from Bethel-Davis Regional Airport after transporting volunteers and gifts during Operation Santa Claus at Bethel, Alaska, Nov. 16, 2022. Operation Santa Claus is the AKANGs yearly community relations and support program that provides gifts to children in remote communities across the state. In partnership with the Salvation Army and more than a dozen volunteers, the program delivered 1,780 pounds of gifts, backpacks, hygiene supplies, and books to 325 children in Scammon Bay.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan Inzitari, right, and Staff Sgt. Daniel Montgomery keep an eye out for aircraft traffic over the Hudson River during a training flight, Jan. 24, 2018. Inzitari and Montgomery are assigned to the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment , New Jersey National Guard. The training flight will take them up New Jersey's coast to the Hudson River, for familiarization with the Special Flight Rules Area.

Coast Guard Structures - Air Stations - New Orleans - 26-HK-95-102. AIRSTA NOLA--back shot of pilots in cockpit, likely a C-130 (4). Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron take off onboard a U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 2, 2024. The 75th EAS, part of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group at Camp Lemonnier, provides airlift capabilities to increase operational access to build relationships with regional partners, strengthen defense institutions and counter a multitude of threats to a stable and prosperous Africa.

A load master with the 211th Rescue Squadron and pararescueman with the 212th Rescue Squadron, 176th Wing, scan for potential infrustracture damage and distressed individuals Nov. 30, 2018, in Southcentral Alaska. In a matter of hours, members of the Alaska Air National Guard's Maintenance and Operation groups turned a planned community engagement into an aerial survey of earthquake damage, reporting findings to the State of Alaska's Joint Operations Center.

The crew in the cockpit of a B-52H Superfortress aircraft fly toward Darwin, Australia, where they will participate in Glad Customer '82 exercises. Subject Operation/Series: GLAD CUSTOMER '82 Country: Unknown

Senior Arm Molly Erickson, 14th Airlift Squadron load master, sits on a C-17 Globemaster III ramp during a mass generation exercise over Charleston Harbor, SC., Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation exercise kicks off Mobility Guardian 23 and involved the launch of 24 C-17s for the largest-ever show-of-force formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation dispersed to sharpen agile combat employment concepts that leverage rapid mobility to maximize lethality.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Mark Hutton, 115th Airlift Squadron, California Air National Guard, looks out the window of a C-130J Hercules to check the placement of a fire retardant line near Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 22, 2011. The C-130 is equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds. The fire retardant acts as a barrier preventing wildfires from spreading across it.

U.S. Air Force pilot Lt. Col. Joe Terry prepares to do in flight refueling during a training flight on board of a C-17 Globemaster on Dec. 14, 2009. Lt. Col. Terry is assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron Charleston AFB, S.C.

Kunduz, Afghanistan - Pilot in the cockpit of a UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter.

Missouri National Guards Public Affairs Office (PAO) traveled on a UH 60 Blackhawk to train Soldiers in Mo., Sept. 21, 2022. The Public Affairs team trains units around the state about the fundamentals of social media while giving public affairs guidance to Soldiers and Airmen. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Sloan Green, 144th Airlift Squadron instructor candidate, receives air refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker during Task Force Red Mammoth near Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 28, 2022. Eight C-17s from the 58th Airlift Squadron participated in Task Force Red Mammoth, practicing student training off station in case of inclement weather or other situations that may inhibit the local training mission.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Roderick Mills, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, flies an aerial refueling proficiency mission near Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 30, 2022. The aircrew members also performed touch-and-go, assault landings, and combat offload maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

An Special Missions Aviator from the 352d Special Operations Wing looks out the back of a CV-22B Osprey as it flies over Cambridge, England, Nov. 11, 2022. The 352d SOW conducted a flyover for the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Carson Wilberg, 93rd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon over New Mexico April 14, 2022. Crews from Fairchild provided air refueling support during a training mission, allowing the F-16 crews to maintain mission readiness.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Neil Gotschall, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot, prepares to receive fuel from a KC-10 Extender prior to a Helicopter Air-to-Air refueling operation within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 7, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable airframe, capable of extending the reach of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, expanding combat search and rescue and personnel recovery operations within the CENTCOM AOR.

041014-M-3988H-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Neil Gotschall, HC-130J Combat King II pilot assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, pilots a combat airlift operation within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, October 31, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable airframe, capable of performing combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and combat airlift missions within the CENTCOM AOR.

030417-M-0857S-032. Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030329-A-1526R-020. Base: Albrook Country: Panama (PAN)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ross Hopkin, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, performs preflight checks at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. Preflight checks are essential to accident prevention and mission assurance.

Technical Sergeant Dale Schreck with the 452 Aircraft Generation Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, performs a preflight check on a C-141C Starlifter that will transport a cargo load from Christchurch, New Zealand, to McMurdo Station in Antarctica in support of Operation DEEP FREEZE 2001. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE 2001 Base: Christchurch State: Canterbury Country: New Zealand (NZL)

California Air National guardsman, Master Sgt. Eric Valdez, MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft loadmaster, looks out across the clear water of Florida's Key region during a reconnaissance and refueling mission supporting search and rescue efforts following hurricane Irma, September 11, 2017.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gary Bryant and Tech. Sgt. Rocky Menard, both 815th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, look out the back of a C-130J Super Hercules over Guatemala, prior to static line operations as part of Resolute Sentinel 22, June 13, 2022. Resolute Sentinel 22 is a multi-national training opportunity that offers real-world benefits to U.S. and partner nation military personnel and the people of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador by promoting well-being and readiness in addition to building long-term partnerships.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sam Petko, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, flies a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft above the Pacific Ocean, June 15 , 2022 during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mason Weston, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot, flies the aircraft during an agile combat employment exercise within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 3, 2022. The HC-130J is a multipurpose airframe that provides the AOR combat search and rescue, personnel recovery, combat airlift, and combat airdrop capabilities.

JOINT BASE PEARL HABROR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 22, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. James Royer, a pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler transport Squadron 152, flies a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29- Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

SULU SEA (Oct. 17, 2019) Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Lt. Tomoya Kataishi, left, assigned to Jambiya 09, and pilots assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 45, look for a simulated vessel in distress from the cockpit of a P-8 Poseidon aircraft during a search-and-rescue exercise as part of Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Sama Sama 2019. Now in its third year, MTA Sama Sama includes forces from Japan, Philippines and the United States, and is designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability.

030505-F-2034C-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Ross, 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS) HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster, watches a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 over the Red Sea, Sept. 7, 2022, during a tactical air refueling mission. The 81st ERQS is a rapidly deployable combat search and rescue force that can conduct tactical air refueling, airdrop and airland of personnel and/or equipment during day or night operations in support of combat personnel recovery within Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa area of responsibility.

031216-F-9629J-005. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

At sea with USS John F. Kennedy, April 24, 2002 - A Naval Flight Officer tracks aircraft at his station as mission commander on an E-2C Hawkeye while on a combat mission over Afghanistan. Kennedy and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) are conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Spencer Dewey, a pilot assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, operates a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III above Tinian, Dec. 3, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing conducted off-station training in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

PFC. Bush, from 1ST Landing Support Battalion, 1ST Air Delivery, cuts the straps that launch an Air Guided Unit (AGU) from the back of a Ch-53. Subject Operation/Series: SPECIAL MARINE AIR GROUP TACTICAL FORCE SUSTAINABILITY EXERC Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division conduct open water free fall operations off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, April 25, 2022. This specialized training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence for deliberate water parachute operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (United States Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jackson Dukes)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, pilots a C-130J Super Hercules during Operation Christmas Drop near Andersen Air Force Base, Dec. 6, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is an annual U.S. Air Force tradition of packaging and delivering donated supplies such as food, fishing equipment, school books and clothing to more than 20 thousand islanders across 56 remote islands throughout the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.

HTCS Al Parker, assigned to Assault Unit 5, Camp Pendleton, California and craft commander of Landing Craft Air Cushion 56 (LCAC 56), breathes a sigh of relief after he and his crew successfully landed their craft onto Jongsa-dong Beach, Republic of Korea (ROK), Oct 31, 1998. The LCAC 56 and two other LCAC's unloaded troops and equipment during an Foal Eagle '98 amphibious assault exercise. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '98KOREA CD Base: Jongsa-Dong Beach Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

041014-M-3988H-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kristopher Goyen, an 8th Special Operations Squadron special mission aviator, looks out of the back of a CV-22 Osprey during a flight exercise near Montgomery, Ala., Jan. 25, 2023. Special mission aviators have many duties, including preflight inspections, the monitoring of engines and other critical aircraft systems, mission management, defensive system operations and fuel computations.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Roderick Mills, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, flies an aerial refueling proficiency mission near Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 30, 2022. The aircrew members also performed touch-and-go, assault landings, and combat offload maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

U.S. Army Sgt. Konner Case, a CH-47 helicopter repairer assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, surveys the area from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter above Fort Myers, Florida, October 4, 2022. The 111th is deployed to south Florida to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

U.S. Navy LT Greg Parker maneuvers his EA-6B Prowler assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 137 (VAQ-137) behind the starboard wing of a British Nimrod MK2 during preparations to receive an air-refueling probe. VAQ-137 is embarked on board the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Maj. Tyler Wright, 33rd Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pave Hawk pilot, conducts a simulated rescue exercise of a stranded pilot at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. The 33rd RQS provide combat search and rescue capabilities, helping Kadena maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Flight crew of Alaska Air National Guard's 144th Airlift Squadron conduct pre-flight checks on a C-17 Globemaster II prior to take off for Eielson Air Force Base, 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 1st Lt. Jack Matson, KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, flies in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 21, 2022. The KC-135 delivers Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A C-130 Hercules air crew from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, takes part in an elephant walk to showcase force and the new modifications to the aircraft prior to takeoff on September 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. The wing's maintenance and operations groups showed their efficiency and force by synchronizing a 6-ship start up and taxi.

031201-F-7234P-001. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Helicopter Combat Support Specia

PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2023) Lt. Jim Ruck, from Alameda Calif., pilots a CMV-22B Osprey, assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, while preparing to receive fuel from a KC-10 Extender, assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Squadron. VRM 30, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9, is currently based out of Naval Air Station North Island in support of routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducted flight training over Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 20, 2022. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

SSGT Kenneth Eaglin of the 1550th Combat Crew Training Wing, a flight engineer aboard a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter, scans the ground below during the joint Air Force/Navy special operations exercise Chili Flag '90. Subject Operation/Series: CHILI FLAG '90 State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chadrick Wisniewski, an UH-1Y Venom crew cheif with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches a missle deploy from an UH-1Y Venom during a specific weapons delivery training in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 2, 2023. The specific weapons delivery training increased the squadrons weapons proficiency in close air support. 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.

US Air Force Major Jeff Waldman, pilot, flies an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Field, while, US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rohekohr, Co-pilot watches a HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter (not shown) hover over the water during the ongoing training rescue operation being conducted in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast. US Air Force SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Dale Fitzgerald, flight engineer, monitors the flight instruments. The aircraft works in tandem with the helicopter during rescue operations. the C-130 is the mission commander and has operational control. The 129th is one of only three Rescue units in the.... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force Major Jeff Waldman, pilot, flies an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Field, while, US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rohekohr, Co-pilot watches a HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter (not shown

An airman helps a tactical air control party (TACP) member from the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron climb into the back of a Marine Corps OV-10D Bronco aircraft for a training parachute jump. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina(SC) Country: United States Of America(USA)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division conduct Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations on February 21, 2024. FARP provides fuel and ordnance necessary for fixed-wing operations. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jack Halovich, a tiltrotor crew chief from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing prepares a GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun weapon system during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 08, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

MAJ. Robert Adams, a T-37 Tweet aircraft pilot instructor with the 560th Flying Training Squadron, maintains exact altitude and distance from another T-37 while demonstrating fingertip formation during a training flight. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A member from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, 1st Airborne Brigade, approaches the paratroop door inside a C-130J Super Hercules near Fuji Training Center, Japan, prior to a static-line jump Jan. 25, 2022, as part of Airborne 22. Airborne 22 demonstrates the JGSDF's capability to employ large-scale airborne insertion anywhere. This event optimizes mission effectiveness through interoperability and the sharing of information, enabling commanders to utilize the full potential of their combined force. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Gustavo Castillo)

Sgt. Matthew Chuml, an MV-22 Osprey crew chief assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, mans the ramp of his aircraft during flight operations during exercise BALTOPS 22, June 8, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is 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 combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

Staff Sgt. Nicholas Metheny, Loadmaster for the Medical Evacuation Crew from G Company 3-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, oversees Fort Chaffee from the air in a routine orientation flight. Metheny and his crew support Arkansas National Guard units participating in annual training by checking units' locations, training areas, firing ranges, and for potentially hazardous areas; the information gathered is then cross-referenced with their area maps. By conducting these daily flights, the crew can stay prepared to aid during natural disasters or instances where individuals are injured in rural, hard-to-reach areas.

David Hauert, 355th Equipment Maintenance Squadron honorary commander, flies in the HC-130J Combat King II simulator at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 14, 2022. Honorary commanders participated in an immersion tour of the 563rd Rescue Group.

Lt. Col. Kelly Church, 203rd Air Refueling Squadron commander, and his co-pilot Maj. Koani Lau, fly a KC-135R Stratotanker April 30, 2022, toward Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The crew embarked on the aircraft's final flight, whereafter the jet was inducted as the first Stratotanker in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Stratotanker, numbered 60-0329, is recognized as the first refueling platform to be awarded the McKay Trophy in 1967, an honor reserved for aviators who demonstrate the highest skill levels by performing the 'most meritorious flight of the year.

DN-SC-87-10932. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Wesley Ladd, 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot, refuels a U.S. Army MH-47G Chinook over an undisclosed location, Oct. 10, 2022. The joint training event, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, demonstrated day and night Helicopter Air-to-Air Refueling capabilities.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 19, 2022) A U.S. Marine assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, observes flight operations in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 19. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC 2022 from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2022 provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Senior Airman Carson Christian, 36th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, gazes out the back of an open C-130J Super Hercules aft loading ramp during cargo air-drop simulations near Okinawa, Japan, July 27, 2022. Readiness is paramount to maintaining a strong deterrent presence in the Indo-Pacific, so 36th AS crews fly and train regularly to ensure their ability to provide rapid airlift skills remain sharp.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Blake Mason, a flight-line mechanic with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, poses for a photo with a GAU-21 .50-caliber machine gun at an undisclosed location, Oct. 9, 2022. HMH-464 provided assault support for Marine Forces Special Operations Command during Exercise Raven 23-1 to enhance combat readiness in an unfamiliar expeditionary environment. HMH-464 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Airman watches a practice bundle fall from a C-17 Globemaster III during an airdrop training mission over Hawaii

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ethan Blair, an Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) crew member with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, mans a remote weapon system in an ACV during a shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore training evolution at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 8, 2022. This training evolution marked the first platoon-level ACV exercise with embarked troops, demonstrating capability and competency during waterborne operations.

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-423-47. Fly away to JAX first day back. Hurricane Katrina

Sergeant Wayne, USMC, Flight Engineer, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-352), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) adjusts the shade visor in the cockpit of a Marine KC-130. They are enroute to a forward area refueling point at a forward operating base in the ENDURING FREEDOM area of operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU

Alabama Army National Guard Sgt. Josh Market, a flight engineer assigned to Company B 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment, sits on the back of an ANG Ch-47F Chinook helicopter in the sky over Dannelly Field, Alabama, Feb. 9, 2024. The Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter with advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircrafts mission performance and handling characteristics. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Mike Coppola, a pilot assigned to the 97th Operations Group out of Altus Air Force Base, Okla., manuvers a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft for an air refueling sequence during a Mobility Air Forces Exercise Nov. 17, 2010. The MAFEX is a bi-annual Air Force-wide training opportunity hosted by the Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

A KC-135 Stratotanker with the 161st Air Refueling Wing flies in formation after conducting a local air refueling mission with Luke Air Force Base on Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Parler, a 108th Training Command (IET) Solider, rides as a passenger in a civilian medical helicopter after completing in a medical lane course during the 2022 Combined Best Warrior Competition at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., April 2. 15 Soldiers traveled to compete in this years Best Warrior, hosted by the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), 84th Training Command, and 108th Training Command (IET) from March 31 through April 5, 2022. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, testing their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tahj Moon, a UH-1Y Venom Crew Chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA-267), Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, looks out the side of a UH-1Y Venom during Summer Fury 22 at Fort Irwin, California, on August 05, 2022. By operating out of forward aviation nodes, HMLA-267 demonstrated expeditionary capabilities in an austere environment. Summer Fury 22 is designed to enhance Marine-Air-Ground Task Force integration and increase aviation operations proficiency with realistic, relevant training to ensure the Marine Corps largest aircraft wing remains operationally excellent, interoperable, deployable on short notice and lethal when called into action.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Gary Bryant, 815th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, looks out the back of a C-130J Super Hercules over Guatemala, prior to static line operations as part of Resolute Sentinel 22, June 15, 2022. Resolute Sentinel 22 is a multi-national training opportunity that offers real-world benefits to U.S. and partner nation military personnel and the people of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador by promoting well-being and readiness in addition to building long-term partnerships.

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