Military Aircraft Ground Operations

Photos of military personnel servicing various types of aircraft, illustrating support operations and air mobility logistics in multiple locations.

Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing is prepared for a training flight on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 31, 2022. The Stratotankers assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Squadron "Tigers" allow the Wing to support Air Mobility Command with mid-air refueling and air bridge support to overseas contingency operations and homeland defense.

041119-M-4711R-006. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR 452

050904-F-4563N-262. Base: Rickenbacker Iap State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031031-F-6809H-021. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

050923-F-7564C-037. Base: Sebring Regional Airport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen with the 62d Airlift Wing and the 366th Fighter Wing maneuver a 10K All-Terrain C.A.T. Forklift off of a C-17 Globemaster III during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. Exercise Rainier War is desinged to evaluate and exercise Team McChords ability to generate, employ and sustain Rapid Global Mobility into and in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

In the early morning hours, Alaska Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Logistics Readiness Squadron maneuver an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter onto the loading ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III at Kulis Air National Guard Base, Alaska. The helicopter is one of two the 176th Wing deployed to the Gulf Coast region to support search and rescue operations expected in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. The wing also deployed approximately 30 Guardsmen to support efforts in the region.

A U.S. Airman ground guides U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division as they disembark a joint light tactical vehicle during exercise Rolling Thunder on Fort Drum, New York, March 24, 2023. This exercise is a live-fire artillery event that tested the 10th Marine Regiments ability to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

U.S. Airmen, with the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri National Guard, unload cargo pallets from a C-130 Hercules upon arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 18, 2021. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women have been authorized to conduct security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. John McNiece, a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster assigned to the 16th Airlift Squadron, conducts engine start procedures prior to an airlift mission to Berlin, 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.

Airmen with the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform B-52H Stratofortress preflight procedures during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 on Jan. 26, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 5 AMXS is one of 32 units from across the U.S. joint forces, United Kingdom (Royal Air Force) and Australia (Royal Australian Air Force) participating in Red Flag-Nellis 22-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378 Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct hot pit refueling operations with a U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron in support of a routine agile combat employment exercise at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 16, 2022. Continual training in ACE competencies enhances mission proficiency and increased readiness to deter regional aggression.

Tech. Sgt. Russell Hudson, 39th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation technician, directs a vehicle as it is backed into a C-130 Hercules aircraft during an engine-running onload at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., April 17, 2019. Hudson is one of six team members representing the 39th APS at the Air Force Reserve Commands biannual Port Dawg Challenge at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., April 22-26

010812-F-3677G-025. Subject Operation/Series: SEAHAWK 2001 Base: Canadian Forces Base, Comox State: Vancouver Island Country: Canada (CAN) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC/ANG

Airmen from the 88th Operations Support Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, provides support to 1st Special Operations Wing as they arrive Sept. 27, 2022, from Hurlburt Field, Florida. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen evacuate to find safety from Hurricane Ian.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron boards a C-130 to return to Poland from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 19, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an arctic agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

020516-F-4300H-010. Subject Operation/Series: HUNGARIAN RESPONSE 2002 Base: Kesckemet Air Base Country: Hungary (HUN)

Airman 1st Class Mark Pennington, a 388th Fighter Wing weapons technician, conducts a post-flight inspection of an F-16 Fighting Falcon after a bombing mission during Red Flag 12-2 joint training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 24, 2012. Coalition partners from South Korea and Saudi Arabia participated in the joint training exercise, which has existed since 1975.

021230-F-7203T-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Qatar (QAT)

Paratroopers with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, board a C-17 Globemaster III on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, prior to an airborne operation onto Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 8, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

An airman marshals a C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft through a crowded flightline at Moron Air Base, Spain, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Participants of the 93rd Joint Civilian Orientation Conference board a C-130 aircraft at Peterson Space Force Base Oct. 26, 2022. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

Airman 1st Class Alexis Gigora with the 185th Air Refueling Wing aircrew flight equipment of the Iowa Air National Guard uses the crew ladder to climb into a U.S. Air Force KC-135 while on the ramp at the Sioux City, Iowa based 185th Air Refueling Wing on January 7, 2020. U.S. Air National Guard

U.S. Marines with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics group, load a container delivery system onto a C-130 with Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, for an air delivery exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2022. The purpose of the exercise was to maintain training and readiness qualifications as well as simulate a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ammunition resupply via air delivery. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Despite the typical rainy weather of McChord AFB, Wash., the flight line is abuzz with activity preparing for RODEO '94 where international and domestic teams will compete in this air mobility competition. Seen here is C-141, No. 65-009397, being towed to spot D29. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '94 Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ted Debauge, assigned to the 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron, boards a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron, to off load cargo as part of Northern Edge 23-2 on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 28, 2023. NE 23-2 provides interoperability training that is vital to the successful accomplishment of future Joint, Multinational endeavors.

031029-F-9429S-007. Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Iraqi citizens

Maintenance professionals from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, prepare C-17 Globemaster IIIs for mission operations during exercise Gunfighter Flag 23-1 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, October 18, 2022. The Mountain Home Rang Complex terrain and airspace provides 9,600 miles of unique and challenging training opportunities for the Department of Defense.

Members of the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Contingency Response Group participate in a weeklong exercise called Operation Huron Thunder at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., from July 22 to 27, 2018. The 123rd CRG worked in conjunction with the U.S. Armys 690th Rapid Port Opening Element to operate a Joint Task Force-Port Opening. The objective of the JTF-PO is to establish an aerial port of debarkation, provide initial distribution capability and set up warehousing for distribution beyond a forward node.

030113-F-1663P-003. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

DN-SC-89-07242. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 321st Contingency Response Squadron prepare to conduct training May 20, 2022, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Airmen assigned to the 321st CRS conducted training on different skill sets used in the CR to develop mission-capable Airmen.

Aircraft crew chiefs Tech. Sgt. Jessica Chatfield and Staff Sgt. Collin Fater, lower the flaps for a preflight inspection on the KC-135 Stratotanker from the 127th Air Refueling Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Oct. 25, 2022. The KC-135 is operated by the 127th Air Refueling Group, flown by the 171st Air Refueling Squadron and maintained by the 191st Maintenance Squadron. Crew chiefs play a vital role in keeping the KC-135s stay operational.

U.S. Airmen with the simulated 7th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron prepare to load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2022. Airmen from multiple Team McChord units came together to form the 7th EAS during Rainier War 22B; which is a full-scale readiness exercise simulating a deployment in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

Alaska Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 176th Airlift Wing prepare a C-17 Globemaster III for departure at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 21, 2022. Approximately 100 members of the AKOM, which includes members 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.

040428-F-1279W-021. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman Robert Adams, a B-52 crew chief from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, places wheel chocks on a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron after a routine Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 26, 2024. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with our Allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. Air Force

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 621st Contingency Response Squadron coordinate operations after carrying simulated patients off of a C-17 Globemaster III while a C-5M Super Galaxy flies overhead during Exercise Dragon Spark at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 14, 2022. Exercise Dragon Spark provided units from the 60th Air Mobility Wing and the 621st Contingency Response Wing an opportunity to sync operations in preparation for a national disaster.

011113-F-5795G-004. Complete Scene Caption: A member of the 93rd Aircraft Generation Squadron, Robins AFB, Georgia, waits for the E-8C JSTARS flight crew to start the engines before moving away the portable fire extinguisher during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. "The E-8C Joint STARS is an airborne battle management and command and control (C2) platform that conducts ground surveillance to develop an understanding of the enemy situation and to support attack operations and targeting that contributes to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy forces. These functions support the primary mission of Joint STARS to provide dedicated support of ground and air theater commanders." Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brendan Gagnon from Dayton, Ohio, a KC-130J Hercules crew chief assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts a pre-flight check before an aerial delivery exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 7, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, 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.

Mi-17 helicopter blades are loaded on to a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 9, 2022. The Department of Defense is delivering Mi-17 helicopters to aid Ukrainian troops around the battlefield and augment the Mi-17 helicopters sent to Ukraine earlier this year.

On display for its rollout, the nose section of an MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron reveals the bulbous housing for its AN/APQ-170 radar; an infrared set is in the bubble beneath. The MC-130H is a special op. Base: Greenville State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

West Virginia Army National Guard Charlie Company 2nd General Support Battalion 104th Aviation Regiment soldiers transport a mock patient to a C-17 Globemaster III during training with 445th Airlift Wing and the U.S Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, May 19, 2022. The joint operation focused on cross training of WVNG personnel on the C-17 Globemaster III and AF personnel on the UH-60L Blackhawk, as well as the chance for personnel to interact and learn patient care and transport procedures, protocols, and techniques unique to each service.

041210-F-5487R-005. Base: Dobbins Arb State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Hurst, 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron evaluator loadmaster, performs a pre-flight inspection of a C-130J Super Hercules in preparation of a static-line jump involving Bangladesh Special Forces during Cope South 2024, Feb. 24, 2024, near Sylhet, Bangladesh. As a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored bilateral tactical airlift exercise, CS24 involved multiple interactions with Bangladesh Air Force service members such as subject-matter exchanges in best-practices in operations, maintenance, and rigging career fields to strengthen relations and support the armed forces of Bangladeshs long-term modernization effort to maintain regional stability. Air Force

STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Len Werner, USAF, Crewchief, controls the nozzle of a fire hose while Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Jeff Cummings, USAF, Fire Prevention SPECIALIST, and TSGT Chris Hofrichter, USAF, Crewchief, back him up as they wash down the aft end of a KC-10 Extender. With no aircraft wash rack available the crewchiefs are willing to try anything to keep their jets clean and serviceable. Both crewchiefs are with the 366th Air Expeditionary Wing, deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Airmen assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing load cargo onto a C-130J Super Hercules during Phase 1 of ROCKI 22-03 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 11, 2022. Designed to validate the full spectrum readiness capabilities of the airlift wing, ROCKI exercises are typically divided into distinct phases, each deliberately intended to assess the wing in various warfighting functions. Phase 1 of ROCKI 22-03 tested the wing's ability to assemble and rapidly deploy more than 300 personnel.

Aircraft loadmasters assigned to the 103rd Operations Group, 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard, and members of the Italian armed forces load cargo onto a C-130H Hercules in preparation for an airdrop mission, May 4, 2022 at Pisa International Airport, Pisa, Italy. Swift Response is a U.S. EUCOM scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted, and SETAF-AF led global exercise, focused on Allied Airborne forces' ability to quickly and effectively respond to crisis situations as an interoperable, multi-national team. Swift Response demonstrates U.S. and Allied force projection and high readiness interoperability in support of NATO Connected Force Initiative (CFI). Swift Response consists of Joint Forcible Entries (JFEs) into the Nordic, Baltics, and Balkans, followed by multinational training, and live-fire exercises.

Engineers prepare to test the parachute system for NASAs Orion spacecraft at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona on Aug. 24, 2015. During the test, planned for Wednesday, Aug. 26, a C-17 aircraft will carry a representative Orion capsule to 35,000 feet in altitude and then drop it from its cargo bay. Engineers will test a scenario in which one of Orions two drogue parachutes, used to stabilize it in the air, does not deploy, and one of its three main parachutes, used to slow the capsule during the final stage of descent, also does not deploy. The risky test will provide data engineers will use as they gear up to qualify Orions parachutes for missions with astronauts. On Aug. 24, a C-17 was loaded with the test version of Orion, which has a similar mass and interfaces with the parachutes as the Orion being developed for deep space missions but is shorter on top to fit inside the aircraft. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to load two AH-64D Longbow helicopters onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft after unloading two AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Clay Kaserne, Germany, Sept. 1, 2023. The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter upgrade is part of the 12th CAB modernization efforts, ongoing training, and new equipment fielding.12th CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Nighttime view with maintenance lights shining on the first C-17 Globemaster III, in the Air Force inventory. It was designated "The Spirit of Charleston" and was turned over to the Air Force's 437th Airlift Wing on 14 Jun 93. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons 60th Aircraft Maintenance Unit perform check on a F-35A Lightning II during a hot pit refueling operation May 3, 2022, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The hot pit refueling, a part of Nomad Lightning, a large force employment exercise, simulated limited resources: operations, personnel, and time, to generate sorties from anywhere with minimal delay.

Airman 1st Class Damien Goodman marshals a C-17A Globemaster III before a flight Feb. 28, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Members of the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron inspect, service, and maintain the C-17s to enable the aircraft to perform global airlift missions ranging from combat support operations and humanitarian relief to aeromedical evacuations. Goodman is a crew chief assigned to the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) conduct post-flight checks on a KC-130J Hercules during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 30, 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.

2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment "Legion" conducted large scale air assault training with 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade. A total of 130 Soldiers were transported in UH-60M Blackhawk and CH-47F Chinook helicopters from Camp Humphreys to train on reacting to a chemical attack and safely seizing simulated WMD, Feb. 2, 2023.

An Iowa Air National Guard 185th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 is parked on the ramp in Topeka Kansas May 19, 2022. A number of the 185th Aircraft are temporarily operating out of Topeka due to improvements being made at the Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Ter Haar)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry walks with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Stuart Jones toward a waiting C-17 cargo plane before it carried the Secretary on a return flight from Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad, Iraq, to Manama, Bahrain.

Rear view of an Air Force Reserve C-130 Hercules, from the 911th Air Wing, Pittsburgh, PA, as heavy cargo is loaded. The equipment will be air dropped at Fort Brag, NC. Subject Operation/Series: BIG DROP II Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041021-F-9429S-015. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS OUTLOOK 2004 Base: Phelps-Collins Angb, Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Sean Orme, 21st Surveillance Squadron, Detachment 1 commander, and Lt. Col. Chris Crouch, 45th Reconnaissance Squadron commander, pose for a photo in front of WC-135R Constant Phoenix tail number 64-14836, which arrived at the Lincoln Airport July 11, 2022. Operated and maintained by the 45th RS in support of Det. 1s global mission, the jet will serve as the Air Forces newest atmospheric collection aircraft.

1st Lt. Anthony Randazzo, co-pilot for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., points out of the window of a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft prior to takeoff as Senior Airman Roy Johnson, Jr., 403rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, looks on June 2, 2022. The 53rd WRS flew its first data collection mission of the Atlantic hurricane season into Invest 91L off the Yucatan Peninsula.

Men from the 101st Airborne Division, prepare for exiting from the ramp of a C-130 Hercules aircraft 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)

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

A ground crew member signals to the pilot of an E-3A Sentry aircraft as it taxis on the flight line during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, NY, prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for takeoff August 29, 2022 on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Stratotanker and crew were on a temporary deployment to support the Pacific Air Forces with refueling capabilities.

Airmen from the 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard, conduct post-flight procedures on a C-130J Hercules during firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 24. The C-130 is bringing new maintenance and air crews to Dyess AFB. The crews swap out periodically to ensure that they are fresh and able to perform at their peak performance.

U.S. Navy Sailors with Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 inspect a MQ-4C Triton assigned to VUP-19 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Due to its geographic location and collocated airfield and harbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced naval integration in support of regional security.

060324-N-2832L-043. Base: Naval Air Station, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Weapons cargo bound for Ukraine is loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 19, 2022. The Department of Defense is providing Ukraine with critical capabilities to defend against Russian aggression under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida unloads baggage from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

970223-F-8748C-011. Complete Scene Caption: United States Air Force personnel from the 86th Airlift Wing out of Ramstein Air Base Germany load supplies and equipment belonging to Economic Community Military Observation Group (ECOMOG) Mali Army Troops onto a United States Air Force C-130E Hercules, at Bamako/Senou Airport in Mali. The troops and supplies will be transported to Roberts International Airport in Liberia for a six month deployment in support of Operation ASSURED LIFT. ASSURED LIFT is a Joint Task Force (JTF) operation to provide airlift and other logistical support to West African states that are deploying more than 600 troops to Liberia as part of the region's ongoing peacekeeping mission. Most of the inbound West African forces will come from the country of Mali, with the Ivory Coast and Ghana also expected to contribute troops. Subject Operation/Series: ASSURED LIFT Base: Bamako-Senou Airport Country: Mali (MLI)

DF-ST-89-00388. Base: Indian Springs Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Civil Engineering Squadron of the 147th Attack Wing on Joint Reserve Base Ellington, TX board onto a C-130 jet for mission-ready airman training in Pennsylvania. The Connecticut National Guard piloted the flight for the unit. (Texas Air National Guard Photo by Airman First Class Asiah Phillips) (Photo enhanced to emphasize the subject.)

detail Raytheon Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes AGM-129 ACM Advanced Cruise Missile nuclear-armed B-52H Stratofortess bomber

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 191st Air Refueling Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, arrives at Sawyer International Airport, Marquette, Michigan in support of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training as multi-capable Airmen during the Northern Agility 22-1 exercise, June 27, 2022. Northern Agility 22-1 tests the rapid insertion of an Air Expeditionary Wing into a bare-base environment, to establish logistics and communications and enhance the ability to operate in austere environments.

Royal Australian Air Force Sgt. Ben Russell, 87 Squadron loadmaster, steps toward a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III May 12, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Aircrew members from the RAAF and USAF shared responsibilities on one anothers aircraft throughout training exercise Global Dexterity. The multinational training environment was permitted through an international proclamation known as the 'Interfly Agreement,' enabling bilateral crew members to operate together in the same aircraft.

040309-F-5646C-002. Base: RAF Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Air transportation specialists with the 621st Contingency Response Wing prepare an aircraft maintenance cart for airlift during Exercise Bamboo Eagle, Feb. 1, 2024, Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. This contingency response team was led entirely by enlisted noncommissioned officers, employing a small number of multi-capable airmen to open and close Air Force operations for this exercise location. Air Force

A crew chief from the 182nd Airlift Wing conducts a wet-wing defuel on a C-130J Hercules at Sawyer International Airport, Marquette, Michigan, during the Northern Agility 22-1 exercise, June 29, 2022. A wet-wing defuel transfers fuel from the wings of an aircraft to either another expeditionary fuel bladder or a fuel truck while the engines run.

U.S. Air Force aircrew members from the 16th Airlift Squadron and U.S. Marines from Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron-1, and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-461 load a CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prior to airlift to Berlin, U.S. Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.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.

A ground crew member guides the pilot of a Military Airlift Command C-5 Galaxy aircraft as it taxis on the flightline. The plane has just arrived with troops and equipment in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Sissel, 380 Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation journeyman, waits for the cargo doors to open on a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash., to unload cargo for Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 31, 2022. The Air Transportation Function at Al Dhafra loads everything from personal baggage to personnel movers for transport via cargo planes around the Air Force Central Command Area of Responsibility.

020329-F-2902B-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

With the engine cart raised into position deployed aircraft maintainers, begin to work on removing the Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-7 turbofan engine on a C-141 on the ramp at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In the background a C-5A Galaxy sits on its parking stop. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Master Sgt. Kent Bohart, a loadmaster assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, carries a fuel hose to a C-130H Hercules aircraft on Feb. 13, 2024, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri. Aircrews conducted a 41-hour sortie in which the aircraft engines ran continuously for 45 hours and the aircraft was refueled three times. This type of training enhances the wings warfighting capability by pushing the limits of the aircraft and personnel. Air National Guard

Airmen with the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform B-52H Stratofortress preflight procedures during Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 on Jan. 26, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 5 AMXS is one of 32 units from across the U.S. joint forces, United Kingdom (Royal Air Force) and Australia (Royal Australian Air Force) participating in Red Flag-Nellis 22-1. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

030327-F-3408B-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

NASA and SpaceX support teams depart from Pensacola, Florida via helicopter to the SpaceX GO Navigator recovery ship to prepare for the landing of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft with NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Shannon Walker, and Victor Glover, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi aboard in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida, Saturday, May 1, 2021. NASAs SpaceX Crew-1 mission is the first crew rotation flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket with astronauts to the International Space Station as part of the agencys Commercial Crew Program.

United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

050103-F-3798Y-030. Base: Utapao Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Orlowski (left), a track data coordinator, and Staff Sgt. Christopher Trimarco (right), an F35 crew chief with 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, refuel a Navy EA-18G Growler on Palau in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29 enter a hangar bay to greet U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command commander, Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Feb. 2, 2023. MAG-29 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). Cavanaugh and respective leadership visited II MEF to tour subordinate commands, discuss capabilities, innovations and meet with Marines.

020103-F-2034C-040. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Thumrait Air Base Country: Oman (OMN) Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing

The 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard and the Utah Air National Guard load four AH-64D Apache helicopters onboard a C-5 Galaxy, to be transported to Morocco in support of African Lion 22, a U.S. Africa Command annual exercise on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

Maintenance professionals from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, prepare C-17 Globemaster IIIs for mission operations during exercise Gunfighter Flag 23-1 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, October 18, 2022. The Mountain Home Rang Complex terrain and airspace provides 9,600 miles of unique and challenging training opportunities for the Department of Defense.

Hungarian cargo personnel transport newly arrived pallets of equipment and baggage out of a C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft. The cargo was brought into Budapest International Airport, Hungary to support troops participating in Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Budapest Country: Hungary (HUN)

Airmen with the 621st Contingency Response Wing, unload a MRZR vehicle from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during Turbo Distribution 22-2 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, July 15, 2022. Turbo Distribution is a joint task force-port opening exercise designed to train U.S. Air Force and Army personnel on how to rapidly respond to humanitarian aid and disaster response missions. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Scott Warner)

Distinguished visitors from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Headquarters Marine Corps, I MEF, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3), F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), and Lockheed-Martin prepare for their visit aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 6. The distinguished visitors were 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cy Snyder III and Senior Airman Naden Lindstrom, C-130 Loadmasters from the 169th Airlift Squadron, Peoria Air National Guard Base, Illinois, work with Crew Chiefs from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, loading a MHU-141 trailer onto a C-130H Hercules aircraft during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

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