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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.

Left side rear view medium shot of the tail section on a USAF C-130 Hercules as US Marines from 2nd Platoon, Company A, 5th Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, walk up the rear entrance of the cargo plane before performing a 6-thousand foot combat jump during the Force Reconnaissance Exercises at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As they pass a Marine KC-130/R, Sergeant Joseph Cook, USMC, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-252 (VMGR-252), Powerline Mechanic watches the road from atop an M1043 High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) while checking out the flightline at a forward operating airbase in the ENDURING FREEDOM area. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-252

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Nicholas Armour, 89th Airlift Squadron pilot, leads a tour Oct. 12 of a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing for prospective honorary commanders at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Honorary Commanders Program objective is to educate local leaders about a units mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community.

040901-F-4201N-033. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 20,000 lb. capacity K-Loader loaded with pallets at the rear of the C-5B Galaxy from the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wings, Travis Air Force Base, California. The equipment will be used by Air Force members who will practice their jobs with wartime scenarios and conditions during the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS REACH 95-02NORTHERN PIKE Base: Malstrom Air Force Base State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. military personnel assigned to United States Central Command deliver critical supplies in support of a USAID-led humanitarian mission at Pakistan Air Base Nur Khan, Pakistan, Sep 9, 2022. USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance, helping people emerge from humanitarian crises, such as the catastrophic flooding currently plaguing Pakistan. This USAID-led delivery was the first of many to be distributed at several locations throughout the country.

U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, prepare to board a B-52H Stratofortress for a routine Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 24, 2024. BTF missions are designed to showcase PACAFs ability to deter, deny, and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors. Air Force

Airmen tested their mental and physical toughness by competing in eight crew chief feats of strength on June 5, 2022 at the Lincoln Air Force Base. The competition was held by the the KC-135 Stratotanker crew chiefs for the Airmen on base for a morale, welfare and recreation event.

C-17 Globemaster IIIs with the 62nd Airlift Wing and F-15E Strike Eagles with the 366th Fighter Wing conduct integrated combat turns, Oct. 18, 2022, Gowen Field, Idaho. These units work in tandem to recover and launch multiple aircraft in a remote location, as they would in a deployed environment.

030812-F-7823A-005. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Weapons load crew members assigned to the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare to compete in a Load of the Quarter competition at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 14, 2022. Weapons load specialists frequently train to maintain their proficiency on their respective airframes.

Airmen assigned to the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue work with members of the New York Air National Guards 105th Airlift Wing to offload 106th HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters from 105th C-17s at a Brazilian Air Force Base in Campo Grande, Brazil on August 20, 2022. The Airmen were in Brazil to participate in Exercise Tapio, a combined Brazilian- U.S. irregular warfare exercise in Campo Grade, Brazil. The New York Air National Guard dispatched 100 Airmen from the two wings to participate as part of the State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil,

A view of an AIM-9L Sidewinder missile, top, and an AIM-7 Sparrow missile mounted beneath the wing of a Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on display at an open house and air show. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SN-86-11722. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, and F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 125th Fighter Squadron, Tulsa Air National Guard, Oklahoma, undergo preflight checks during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th-and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31- Nov. 10, 2022.

A KC-10 Extender sits ready for its next mission July 15, 2011, at the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing in Western Europe.

011011-F-5171M-021. Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jared Soucy, a loadmaster with the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, guides a K-loader into position to load cargo on a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 16, 2022. The cargo, loaded by Airmen with the 378th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadrons Air Terminal Operations Center, will be transported to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

040815-F-3742P-003. Base: Dobbins Air Reserve Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

980620-F-2907C-070. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Robert Byrd, 113th Fuels Flight specialist, rewinds a fuel hose after refueling an F-16 at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. The D.C. Air National Guard Airmen are participating in a two-week Sentry Voodoo exercise in New Orleans.

New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Eric Junquera marshals a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) into a C-130 Hercules aircraft in support of Arctic Edge 24 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Air National Guard

020329-F-8063B-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DF-ST-87-13373. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Airmen from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing and U.S. Soldiers deflate the tires of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System before moving it onto a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 7, 2022. The 41st AES transports cargo to regions around the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

DF-ST-87-00784. Base: Dobbins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nicole Snowden (left), an 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, directs the loading of cargo on a C-17 Globemaster aircraft July 12, 2022 at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. The C-17, assigned to Al Udeid Airbase, Qatar, flies missions throughout the region transporting cargo and passengers.

Straight on long shot of a M2A2 Bradley Fight Vehicle, from the 24th Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, backing up the ramp at the front entrance of a USAF C-5B Galaxy. C-5B loadmaster personnel guide the Bradley up into the cargo plane. The aircraft will transport the Army equipment to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Unidentified personnel using a 10K forklift removes a pallet of supplies from a C-141B. Subject Operation/Series: TANZANIA AIRLIFT Base: Mwanza Country: United Republic Of Tanzania (TZA)

An Airman from the Memphis Air National Guard guides an Army High Mobility Engineer Excavator into the back of a C-5 Galaxy Sept. 29 at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Charleston AFB is the first Air Force base to help in aiding in transporting the vehicles to forward deployed Soldiers and contractors in hostile environments. The HMEE is a newly developed military construction vehicle capable of a wide range of mobility affording more protection for the operator than conventional excavators.

U.S. Airmen with the 353rd Special Operations Wing finish loading a U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket System with the 17th Field Artillery Brigade onto an MC-130J Commando II during Balikatan 22 at Subic Bay Airport, Subic Bay, Philippines, March 30, 2022. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a long-standing bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 is the 37th iteration of the exercise and coincides with the 75th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

Low angle view of a female in a military uniform standing with their hands clasped behind their back on the runway with a cargo

030413-F-9528H-020. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

DN-SD-00-03363. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Airmen assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, unload cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 16, 2022, at Amari Air Base in Harjumaa, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a multinational training exercise designed to demonstrate USAREUR-AFs ability to aggregate US-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe across multiple theaters in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy as well as to leverage host nations capabilities to increase USAREUR-AFs operational reach.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Susan Bet-Sayad, right, 621st Contingency Response Wing Judge Advocate legal advisor, and Capt. Nigel Copeland, 60th Air Mobility Wing JA chief of adverse actions, observe a C-5M Super Galaxy seating while a KC-10 Extender 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 CRW an opportunity to sync operations in preparation for a national disaster.

Air show guests explore a KC-10A Extender on display during the Joint Services Open House 2000. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force Airman walks onto a C-17 Globemaster III upon returning to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022, after relocating in preparation for Hurricane Ian. To carry on the rapid global mobility mission, all of Team Charlestons C-17s were either secured in a hangar or relocated prior to the storms landfall.

Airmen with the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings hot pit refuel a B-2 Spirit during Exercise Agile Tiger on April 5, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Our advantage is our teamwork, resiliency, and adaptability of Airmen. We are united by our mission to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime anywhere, and are determined to stay on the leading edge.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division 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.

021112-F-4649H-016. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

U.S. military personnel assigned to United States Central Command deliver critical supplies in support of a USAID-led humanitarian mission at Pakistan Air Base Nur Khan, Pakistan, Sep 9, 2022. USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance, helping people emerge from humanitarian crises, such as the catastrophic flooding currently plaguing Pakistan. This USAID-led delivery was the first of many to be distributed at several locations throughout the country.

A Miami airliner is loaded with luggage by soldiers from the 1ST Armored Division at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The soldiers volunteered their time to load the luggage, which ensured them first class service to Taszar, Hungary, for some rest and relaxation during Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Gesford, HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, directs a forklift carrying cargo for transport towards his aircraft at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 5, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable aircraft, capable of extending the reach of U.S. and partner rescue forces within the CENTCOM AOR, and providing tactical combat airlift capabilities.

Senior Airman Adam G. Hamel prepares to perform maintenance on the wing's flagship F-22 Raptor at Langley Air Force Base, Va., March 22, 2012. The aircraft bears tail number 09-0192, which shares the namesake of the Virginia Air National Guard unit. Hamel is a 192nd Fighter Wing F-22 Raptor assistant crew chief.(Air National Guard photo/Master Sgt. Carlos J. Claudio)

Rockwell test pilot Doug Benefield steps down the exit ladder of a B-1 bomber aircraft after completing a fly-by and landing at the base. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. military personnel assigned to United States Central Command load critical supplies in support of a USAID-led humanitarian mission to Pakistan Air Base Nur Khan, Pakistan, Sep 9, 2022. USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance, helping people emerge from humanitarian crises, such as the catastrophic flooding currently plaguing Pakistan. This USAID-led delivery was the first of many to be distributed at several locations throughout the country.

An HC-130J Combat King II arrives at Avon Park, Florida during exercise Agile Flag 22-2, July 22, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Pallets of medical supplies are pushed onto a C-130H Hercules here March 19. Medical supplies were flown to Sendai and Hanamaki Airport to be distributed to local hospitals and evacuation centers as part of Operation Tomodachi.

U.S. Air Force maintenance technicians from the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, go over pre-flight inspections on their RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft prior to a flying mission Nov. 23, 2010, while deployed at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, opens the hangar doors to reveal the formation of Marines to their families at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 11, 2022. VMM-161 returned from a deployment serving as the East African Aviation Combat Element 22.1.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-19. Hurricane Katrina

030626-A-XXXXX-7370. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the Air Mobility Command, prepares to receive the upload of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System munitions at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 13, 2022. The munitions cargo is part of an additional security assistance package for Ukraine. The security assistance the U.S. is providing to Ukraine is enabling critical success on the battlefield against the Russian invading force.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules from the 133rd Airlift Wing transports Airmen and cargo as part of a first-of-its-kind wing-wide Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise, Volk Field, Wisc., June 12, 2022. The ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally capable is the competitive edge the wing intends to sharpen over the coming days.

A 40th Airlift Squadron (AS), C-130H is uploaded with cargo by personnel using K-Loaders prior to a mission into Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia at this United States Air Force Europe (USAFE) base. The 40th AS is assigned to the 7th Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas and is deployed to Ramstein for a 45 day Temporary Duty (TDY) tour to support Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 transport an AIM-9X Sidewinder missile at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, VMFA-242 and Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

041203-F-2034C-030. Base: Unknown

030327-F-5098W-002. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

U.S. Army Spc. Mariliz Serrano, petroleum supply specialist with Echo Company, 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, flushes the lines on a fuel truck while watching the sun rise at a forward arming and refueling point in the 28th ECAB's area of operations in the Middle East.

040817-F-4884R-006. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Straight on rear view medium as a Portugese Aircrew and local laborers load a vechicle and blankets onto a Portugese C-130 at the International Airport at Maputo, Mozambique, Africa on 17 March 2000. The aircraft and its crew are deployed to Maputo in support of Operation Atlas Response, a Humanitarian Aid Operation to help the people of Mozambique, after severe flooding (flooding and victims not shown) displaced over a million people from their homes. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Maputo State: Inhambane Country: Mozambique (MOZ)

U.S. Marines from squadrons across 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing transport ordnance into an Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Aug. 17, 2022. The Marine Corps and Air Force worked together to prepare a forward arming and refueling point as the two services integrate aviation capabilities. Both services continue to modernize to further deter adversaries and support allies and partners.

Airmen unload supplies from a C-130 Hercules aircraft for transport to victims of a volcanic eruption near Bogota, Colombia. Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

Medium shot, rear view, AIRMAN First Class Brett Stevenson, USAF, a 319th Air Refueling Wing member, marshals a KC-135 Stratotanker into position on the Alpha ramp at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota The base is continuing its participation in an Operational Readiness Inspection on April 11, 2000. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the 502nd honorary commanders program tour a T-1, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

The 168th Wing host a recreational hockey team from the Mustang Hockey Association in Eagle River, Alaska, December 10, 2022. The house hockey team players and parents toured a KC-135 Stratotanker at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, where they learned about the aircraft and the Alaska Air National Guard. (Alaska Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, 1st Marine Aircraft prepare to refuel a MQ-9A Reaper with 163d Attack Wing, California Air National Guard during Balikatan 23 at the Subic Bay International Airport, Philippines, April 7, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minnesota load cargo onto a C-130 from the 133rd Airlift Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard in preparation for deployment to the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. More than 850 Minnesota Guardsmen will join Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen from across the Nation who have been authorized to provide security, communications, medical evacuation and other support to civilian authorities.

Former POW and U.S. Air Force MAJ Richard Eugene Bolstad (Captured 6 Nov 65) at the microphones talks to the people who came out to greet the returning former POWs on their nighttime arrival at Scott. GEN Paul Carlton, Commander, Military Airlift Command looks on. MAJ Bolstad was released by the North Vietnamese in Hanoi on 12 Feb 73. Subject Operation/Series: HOMECOMING Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020326-F-0365G-016. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MASTER Sergeant Osamu Tanaka, Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF), explains to Masanori Imanishi, who is interested in aircraft, the finer points of the CH-147 Chinook helicopter assigned to the Naha Helicopter Airlift Squadron. From June 30 - July 1, 2001, Kadena Air Base opened its gates for AmericaFest 2001 to promote friendship between Americans and Okinawans. Static aircraft displays, musical performances and a wide variety of food booths were featured. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Catalina Pineda Rojas, left, a 62d Aerial Port Squadron passenger services agent, and Staff Sgt. Sarah Hutcherson, a 62d APS ramp services supervisor, conduct Combat Offload Method B training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Jan. 11, 2024. The training exercise simulated a combat offload event ensuring readiness in executing todays global airlift mission and providing mission-ready crew and aircraft.

030401-F-8362B-041. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 621st Tanker Airlift Control Ele

Cargo is loaded onto an USAF C-130 Hercules at the port city of Spilt. The cargo is bound for Sarajevo as part of the United Nations relief effort to the besieged city. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Split Country: Croatia (HRV)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael Meek, left, 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III instructor pilot, Capt. Tanner Carlock, center, 21st AS flight surgeon, and 1st Lt. Joshua Englebert, C-17 pilot, inspect the aircraft in preparation for its participation in Exercise Golden Bee, Travis Air Force Base, Sept. 22, 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.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brendan Tipton, 35th Maintenance Squadron ammo technician, looks out the hangar doors while waiting to move cargo during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-04 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 7, 2022. Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-04 offered Airmen the opportunity to accelerate change by testing their ability to tackle Agile Combat Employment and persistent logistics through techniques previously associated with special operations forces, but at a much larger scale.

050202-F-2907C-061. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army All-Terrain Lifter System operator moves to unload Counter-ISIS Train and Equip Fund cargo aboard a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during a supply mission in northeast Syria, Jan. 11, 2023. CTEF is a funded program that provides Partner Forces with resources designed to assist in the enduring defeat of ISIS under Operation Inherent Resolve.

FEMA Personnel and equipment goes to help Somoa. American Samoa Earthquake, Tsunami, and Flooding. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 stages in the early morning at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 22. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air space areas in the wor

DN-ST-85-04086. Subject Operation/Series: INTENSE LOOK Base: Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

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.

A U.S. Air Force pilot signals upon arrival for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 5, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

DF-ST-86-12158. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031127-F-9629J-007. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

980330-F-7910D-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

James Njane, member of the Red-Tailed Hawks Youth Program, takes a photo of the McChord airfield during an Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship (AIM) Wing event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 16, 2022. AIM Wing is an community outreach program with a mission to inform, influence and inspire the next generation of Air Force aviators.

A C-17 Globemaster III and aircrew from the 176th Wings 249th Airlift Squadron prepare to depart Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, with 24 personnel and a Joint Incident Site Communications Capability system bound for Puerto Rico to provide disaster relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria Oct. 6, 2017. In Puerto Rico, a 10-member communications and maintenance team from the Alaska Air Guards 168th and 176th Wings and the Alaska Army National Guard will operate and maintain the JISCC system, which will increase overall communication connectivity between the territory and mainland. Fourteen aerial port personnel from the 176th Wing will also operate logistical functions such as processing personnel and cargo, loading equipment, and preparing air cargo for transport.

Maintenance Airmen from the 730th Air Mobility Squadron line up and attach sectional towing bars during Crash Damaged Disabled Aircraft Recovery training on a C-5M Super Galaxy on Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 13, 2022. The 730th AMS mission is to facilitate the efficient movement of personnel and cargo throughout the Indo-Pacific region, providing critical logistical support to U.S. and allied commands. The C-5M is the largest strategic transport aircraft in the Air Force inventory and its primary mission is to transport cargo and personnel for the U.S. Department of Defense. Maintenance Airmen of the 730th AMS train on a series of critical support functions for the C-5 from towing, nitro servicing, tire and brakes, external power and more.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron unload cargo from a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 23, 2022. The 816th EAS conducts rapid global mobility operations vital to the multinational coalition effort dedicated to militarily defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to depart during well deck operations aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the East China Sea, July 30, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S.Air Force personnel from the 621st Contingency Response Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., off load cargo from a Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., C-17 Globemaster III, Jan. 15, 2010, at the Port-au-Princce airport in support relief efforts to Haiti in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

011105-F-4406B-015. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

041117-F-5145S-042. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

041112-F-1740G-010. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 12, 2012) An MH-60S Sea Hawk from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 picks up stores from the flight deck of the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) during a replenishment-at-sea with aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

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