Military Aircraft in Action

Photographs showcasing military aircraft in various operations including airstrikes and training exercises, with a focus on C-130s and F-15s.

Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters await takeoff clearance at Nellis Air Force Base.

On a forward operating airstrip in the ENDURING FREEDOM area of operations at the rear of their KC-130/R Hercules, Marines from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352) watch a CH-53E Super Stallion from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-163 (HMM-163) taxi down the flight line during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-352

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 US Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 37th Airlift Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, lands on Ben Guerir Air Field, Morocco, during Operation BLUE SANDS 2001. The tail section of a second C-130 aircraft is in the foreground. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE SANDS Base: Ben Guerir Country: Morocco (MAR)

A left side view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft taking off during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and Travis Air Force Base, California, and two Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicles sit on the flight line Jan. 26, 2022, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. The two C-17s participated in a joint training with a HIMARS, Rapid Aerial Insertion (HIRAIN) with U.S. Marines from the 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Merchak)

Air to air front view of a flight of four C-141 Starlifters, assigned to the 63rd Military Airlift Wing, Norton AFB, California, flying in formation over the southern California desert. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

031018-F-3356N-002. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-89-00397. Base: Indian Springs Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Marine KC-130 with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-352), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) takes off from a forward area refueling point at an undisclosed location in the Enduring Freedom area of operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU

Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters await takeoff clearance at Nellis Air Force Base.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to Nellis Air Force Base taxies down the flightline during Red Flag 22-3 operations at Nellis AFB, Nevada, July 14, 2022. Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 provides realistic combat training while increasing combat effectiveness.

A B-1 Lancer takes off for a U.S. Air Force Weapons School 22-A training mission at Nellis AFB, Nevada, May 19, 2022. The U.S. Air Force Weapons School teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers and enlisted specialists of the combat and mobility air forces.

020528-N-5362A-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: Joint Forces

070321-M-2166H-080. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 2D MAW

DF-ST-88-00994. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle takes flight during a training mission at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, September 22, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 151st Air Refueling Wing and a F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, and flown by the 388th FW and 419th FW, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, leaves Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, during a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

DN-SC-85-00491. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, fly alongside Saudi Arabian Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles during an agile combat employment exercise Agile Spartan within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sep. 5, 2022. Joint training enhances international partnership and interoperability in the interest of regional security.

A B-1B Lancer takes off in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. The multi-role B-1B can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision munitions against any adversary, anywhere - anytime.

COB Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq - A T-6 Texan trainer aircraft of the Iraqi Air Force

A B-1B Lancer takes off in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. The multi-role B-1B can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision munitions against any adversary, anywhere - anytime.

An RQ-1L Predator from the 57th Wing Operations Group, Nellis AFB, Nevada, makes its way back to the hangar at a forward operating base in ENDURING FREEDOM area. This aircraft just returned from a flight over Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicle system used for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 57th Wing Ops Group

Two F-16's from the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, fly in formation while flying low level over the Arizona desert.

A U.S. service member assigned to Fort Huachuca, Ariz., taxis in an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle during Exercise Agile Angel at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Feb. 20, 2024. The MQ-9 was a remotely piloted aircraft system that could collect adversary intelligence and tactically launch precision weapons. Air Force

April 7, 2011 - An MV-22 Osprey aircraft blows dust into the air while taking off from Landing Zone Bull in the Chocolate Mountains of Imperial County, California.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II moves into position behind a KC-135 Stratotanker before refueling. The A-10, deployed to Afghanistan from Moody AFB, GA, in on a mission providing close air support to coalition forces in Afghanistan.

An air-to-air right side view of four F-104G Starfighter aircraft during the training of German military pilots by members of the 69th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SC-88-08440. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-1B Lancer takes off at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., for a CONUS-to-CONUS mission into the Indo-Pacific, Sept. 10, 2022. Bomber missions to the Indo-Pacific contribute to joint-force lethality and deter aggression by demonstrating USAF ability to operate anywhere in the globe at any time.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) conduct ground threat reaction drills in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 near Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 6, 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.

A right side view of a B-1 bomber aircraft being refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft over the base range during testing and evaluation. The KC-135 is assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at their final show of the 2022 season, Aviation Nation, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 3, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds team has served as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, employ a Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) during Marine Littoral Regiment Training Exercise (MLR-TE) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 1, 2023. The TRUAS enables 3d MLR to conduct tactical resupply missions from inside an expeditionary advanced base. MLR-TE is a large-scale, service-level exercise designed to train, develop, and experiment with the 3d MLR as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, led by 3d Marine Division, operating as a Stand-in Force across a contested and distributed maritime environment.

030327-F-3488S-041. Base: Andersen Air Base Country: Guam (GUM)

050513-F-9528H-395. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 820th RED HORSE Squadron operate heavy equipment to pave a new road at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 31, 2022. The construction will provide training for future deployments without having to operate in a contested environment.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265,Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing transports Marines over Hokkaido, Japan,Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen thedefensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control,targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadrons F-16s sit on the flightline at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., before Aviation Nation, Nov. 11, 2016. The Air Force Thunderbirds demonstrate the capabilities of the Air Force and the decisive combat power Airmen bring to threats against the U.S.

A Hawk missile is prepared for firing from Launch Complex 39. Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 357th Fighter Squadron, taxis down the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 25, 2022. The 357th Dragons conducts all formal course directed aircraft transition, day and night weapons and tactics employment, air refueling and dissimilar air combat maneuvers.

980416-F-4116M-020. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A view of the tail section of a United States Air Force C-130 Hercules as a United States Marine Corps F/A-18D lands in the background at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

DF-ST-87-12671. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HORIZON '86 Country: Ecuador (ECU)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show on McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision and professionalism of 695,000 total force American Airmen across the globe.

Surplus Navy Phoenix missiles like this one mounted on the centerline pylon of NASA's F-15B research aircraft may be used to acquire hypersonic flight test data.

AN air-to-air view of three UH-60 Black Hawk (Blackhawk) helicopters and three camouflaged A-7 Corsair II aircraft over the airfield during exercise Bright Star '80. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

DF-SC-85-02849. Country: Unknown

Senior Airman Tristan Austin, a crew chief assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, launches a B-1 Lancer for a mission for a Weapons School Integration (WSINT) mission at Nellis AFB, Nevada, May 25, 2022. The B-1B was first used in combat in support of operations against Iraq during Operation Desert Fox in December 1998.

An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft flown by 163d Attack Wing pilot Lt. Col. Paul Brockmeier, with sensor operator Master Sgt. Anthony Martinez, views the smoky San Gabriel Mountains of southern California in transit to a fire mission in northern California, late August, 2020. The beauty of the sunsets doesn’t begin to mitigate the tragedy of the fires,” said Brockmeier. But it’s always a beautiful evening when you’re flying to the aid of your fellow Californians.”

Aerial view of sun-drenched warplanes cast long shadows on the ochre desert floor at the aircraft boneyard., Tucson, Arizona, United States.

View of air force fighter planes flying over a desert

Air to air in flight view of a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey during a combat operation over the Helmand Province, Afghanistan

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 ground guide F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMFA-121, VMFA-242, and Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 conducted live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 prepares to land in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 9. The Osprey was picking up coalition and Afghan government officials following a visit to a remote area. The officials were checking the status of a 6th Zone Afghan Border Police clearing operation.

060421-A-6365W-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Remagen State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

A .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the tail section of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, during a mission over Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

030307-F-3408B-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

X-45A in flight with F-18 #846 chase aircraft, during first GPS-guided weapon demonstration flight.

September 4, 2003 - Aerial shot over Iraq of a KC-130 Stratotanker firing flares that are used to counter attack surface to air missles .

020313-F-3805C-004. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Two T-38 Talons from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, fly in formation with 2 F-16 Falcons from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, on April 7, 2022. The 4 aircraft joined up together to practice formation flights over southwest Texas before heading back to Laughlin for a presentation to student pilots.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

One-half left front view of eight Lockheed F-80 Shooting Stars taxiing, somewhere in Korea. The aircraft are equipped with wing tip tanks and bear the markings of the 36th Fighter Bomber Squadron (FBS). Another aircraft sits to the right of the runway.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, takes off, from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2022. During their deployment rotation, the 79th EFS "Tigers" projected combat airpower across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, supported personnel and demonstrated coalition airpower to enhance regional security.

DF-ST-86-07784. Country: Egypt (EGY)

U.S. Marine Corps aircraft are being displayed before a close air support exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 8, 2023. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 775, along with the other squadrons on the air station, provide aviation support that enables I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton tenant commands and visiting units to maintain and enhance their mission capabilities and combat readiness.

010831-F-2171A-003. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, performed for Aviation Nation Nov. 4, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The Thunderbirds have been based out of Nellis since 1955.

220714-N-XN177-1063 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 14, 2022) - An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepares to land aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 14, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Airmen flying a HH-60G Pave Hawk during a pararescue training mission perform a brown-out landing during a training mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 24, 2010. The pararescuemen are assigned to the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron.

020701-F-5435R-012. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

040306-F-3745E-108. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two A-10 Thunderbolt's from the 124th Fighter Wing's 190th Fighter Squadron fly over the Saylor Creek bombing range in Central Idaho.

The 15th Air Force Change of Command Ceremony took place on a warm and sunny day on the flightline at Travis Air Force Base, California, on November 1, 1999. Also taking place immediately after the Change of Command was the official retirement of Lieutenant General John B. Sams, the previous 15th Air Force Commander. This view from the tower shows all planes currently flown in the Air Mobility Command inventory displayed on the Travis flightline. Clockwise, from the left of the image, are a C-130 Hercules, KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-10 Extender, C-5 Galaxy, C-17A Globemaster III, C-141 Starlifter and the C-9A Nightingale. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps V-22 Osprey flies as maintenance personnel service U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors Aug. 12, 2022, during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The airshow included a wide range of joint aerial performances and included interactive static displays, demonstrations and vendors. The event was held to celebrate the militarys longstanding relationship with the local community.

Three F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron perform a flyover above Las Vegas, Nevada, in honor of 9/11 on Sept. 11, 2022. The flyover was dedicated to the 2,977 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and to the more than 6,000 others who were injured.

A view of the launch of a CQM-10A Bomarc target missile. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right underside view of a two ship formation of USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 57th Tactical Fighter Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada flying over the Nevada Desert. From AIRMAN Magazine's May 1995 issue back cover. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

June 8, 2010 - A U.S. Soldier launches an RQ-11B Raven unmanned aerial vehicle at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar, Afghanistan. The Raven provided imagery of areas ground troops had no visibility.

DN-SC-04-08723. Country: Unknown

August 8, 2007 - Six F-22 Raptors taxi following touchdown at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, during a ceremony marking the aircraft's arrival.

airshow hosted by MFA

4191-V111112088

A C-130E Hercules aircraft from the 934th Tactical Airlift Group, U.S. Air Force Reserve, passes over a ridge while returning to Howard Air Force Base. Subject Operation/Series: JUST CAUSE Country: Panama (PAN)

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) departs after delivering Stinger missiles to Marines with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, during exercise Steel Knight 23 on San Clemente Island, California, Dec. 3, 2022. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

A Guppy aircraft is parked on the flight line in preparation for use during Operation Alliance, a project of Joint Task Force 6 (JTF-6). JTF-6 is charged with monitoring borders between Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico. The U.S. Combat Pictorial Detachment is providing photographic coverage as part of the 5th Army's involvement in the operation. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIANCE State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Heritage Flight performs at The Wings Over Solano May 14, 2022 at Travis Air Force Base, California. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 conduct reduced-visibility landing training near Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Jan. 12, 2023. VMM-261 trained to support Marine ground units during Service Level Training Exercise 2-23, a series of exercises designed to prepare Marines for operations around the globe. VMM-261 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, foreground, and C-130 Hercules aircraft, background, line an airfield during Operation Desert Shield. The aircraft are assigned to the 157th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

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