Military Aircraft in Action

U.S. Air Force aircraft, including F-15s and C-17s, captured during takeoff and landing, highlighting their roles in various military operations and humanitarian missions.

A B-25 Mitchell takes off from the flightline at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 18, 2019. The B-25 was flown April 18, 1942, during the Doolittle Raid - a World War II operation to bomb Japan. The mission was the United States response to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) fly an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The 389th FS deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

A C 5 Galaxy prepares to touch down at a base in Southwest Asia, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A B-25 Mitchell takes off from the flightline at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 18, 2019. The B-25 was flown April 18, 1942, during the Doolittle Raid - a World War II operation to bomb Japan. The mission was the United States response to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wa., lands at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 24, 2010. Department of Defense assets have been deployed to assist in the Haiti relief effort following a magnitude 7 earthquake that hit the city on Jan. 12, 2010.

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.

Two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft's from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, arrive at Sidi Slimane Air Base, Morocco, in support of exercise AFRICAN EAGLE. African Eagle is a biannual exercise designed to practice dissimilar air to air training with the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: AFRICAN EAGLE Base: Sidi Slimane Air Base Country: Morocco (MAR)

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Travis Air Froce Base, California, takes off during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 17, 2022. Exercise Rainier War is the 62d Airlift Wings most expansive exercise, where they deploy as the lead wing and provide command and control and airlift capabilities like airdrop and airland.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 355th Wing takes off from the runway at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 26, 2022. The 355th Wing focuses on operational readiness across its rescue and attack assets by constantly training to deter and defeat near-peer adversaries in a high-end fight.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

The Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing hosted the biennial A-10 Thunderbolt II competition, Hawgsmoke, Sept. 6-9, 2022. On Sept. 8, nearly 30 A-10s from across the nation took off from Gowen Field's flight line for the competition that took place at Idaho's Saylor Creek Range. At the previous competition, Hawgsmoke 2021, the 124th Fighter Wings 190th Fighter Squadron was recognized as the top pilot team at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The winning team traditionally hosts the next competition. The 190th Fighter Squadron won all three team awards in 2021: overall champion, top bombing team and top tactical team. The 190th was announced winners of the 2022 Hawgsmoke on Sept. 9, making this overall win the squadrons fourth since 2003. More than 150 pilots, maintainers and weapon teams from approximately 14 active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units from across the globe are in the competition.

DF-ST-88-09901. Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Nevada Air National Guard C-130H Hercules aircraft flies over Pyramid Lake, Nevada, during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss Lift, April, 15, 2022. One of the Nevada National Guards strategic priorities is to be engaged and involved with the local communities, and these flights are one of the ways the “High Rollers” build support from members of the Greater Reno Area.

A C-130 Hercules from the 363rd Expeditionary Airborne Squadron (EAS), Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, takes off for its daily mission during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The 363rd EAS is part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

041016-F-9429S-044. Base: Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, take off from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 22, 2022. Airmen from various career fields traveled alongside aircrew with the 91st and 50th Air Refueling Squadrons to participate in the Agile Combat Employment programs capstone event. In order to successfully qualify, Airmen must demonstrate skills acquired from a years worth of tasks and objectives within 3 days while conducting 24-hour operations.

DF-ST-87-09738. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, lands at Nevatim Airbase, Israel, Jan. 24, 2023, during Juniper Oak. Juniper Oak is a large-scale bilateral multi-domain exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Israeli armed forces contributing to integrated regional security.

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 62d Airlift Wing flies over Idaho during Exercise Rainier War 22B, Oct. 19, 2022. Alongside airlift operations, Team McChord also conducted cargo and personnel processing, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, and force protection scenarios, communication and connectivity degradation incidents and crisis scenarios during Rainier War 22B.

Members of the Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) fly C-130 during an interfly with the U.S. Air Force on June 22, 2022, in Morocco. The mission was conducted during Exercise AFRICAN LION 22, which showcases the longstanding security relationship between the U.S. and Morocco. The United States consults closely with the Government of Morocco on issues of common interest, including regional security and sustainable development. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

A United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet attached to Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115), Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, South Carolina, lands on the runway at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Queensland, Australia. The aircraft tailhook latches on to the M-21 arresting gear assisting the aircraft in coming to a complete stop. The aircraft is taking part in a combined U.S./Australian exercise Crocodile '99. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE '99 Base: Raaf Amberley State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, executes a vertical landing after a mission during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on Feb. 15, 2024. The AV-8B Harrier was used to test the vertical landing capabilities to highlight the aircraft's versatility in supporting tactical joint operations. Green Flag-West allows the 549th Combat Training Squadron to provide relevant air-to-surface integration training within the joint and now allied forces that began in 1981 in a robust, contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle flies over Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 25, 2022. The F-15s primary mission is a tactical fighter, and it can carry a variety of ordnance to include AIM-9 and AIM-120s.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

Airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, from South Burlington, Vermont, launch their F-35A Lightning II jets for a training mission at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield , Fort Drum, New York, April 3, 2023. The Airmen are participating in an Agile Combat Employment exercise which tests the wing's ability to deploy and conduct tactical missions with minimal personnel and resources.

A Military Airlift Command (MAC) C-130 Hercules aircraft drops a pallet of supplies using the low altitude parachute extraction system (LAPES) during the joint US/South Koren Exercise TEAM SPIRIT '84. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '84 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, prepare to take off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 12, 2022. Members from Hill AFB are here to participate in Agile Combat Employment operations, ensuring agility, deterrence, and resiliency in a contested or degraded environment.

A fire truck from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department heralds the return of a B-1B returning from striking targets in Libya in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, March 30, 2011. This mission from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. marked the first time the B-1 fleet has launched combat sorties from the continental United States to strike targets overseas.

Air to air front view of five 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

An HH-60W Jolly Green II performs a capabilities demonstration during the Thunder and Lightning over Arizona airshow at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 26, 2023. The HH-60 simulated a rescue as part of a combat search and rescue capability demonstration.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 from the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing takes off from Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), Sept. 14, 2022. This recurring Noble Defender operation, demonstrated the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions across the continent from all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and control network to deter, detect, and defend against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace.

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 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.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft lands to pick up paratroopers during Fuerzas Unidas Bolivia, a joint U.S. and Bolivian training exercise. Subject Operation/Series: FUERZAS UNIDAS BOLIVIA Country: Bolivia (BOL)

A KC-10 Extender takes-off from a runway in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, executes a vertical landing after a mission during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on Feb. 15, 2024. The AV-8B Harrier was used to test the vertical landing capabilities to highlight the aircraft's versatility in supporting tactical joint operations. Green Flag-West allows the 549th Combat Training Squadron to provide relevant air-to-surface integration training within the joint and now allied forces that began in 1981 in a robust, contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment. Air Force

An MQ-1 Predator flies a training mission over the White Sands National Monument in Southern New Mexico.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III takes off to support a multinational formation over Guam, Feb. 6, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of airpower from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

A B52H Stratofortress takes off during Exercise Prairie Vigilance, Nov. 7, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

A 35th Tactical Fighter Wing F-4G Wild Weasel aircraft takes off on its return flight to the United States in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

041118-F-7203T-010. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A Hellenic Air Force F-16D and an Israeli Air Force C-130J Shimshon at Ovda Air Force Base, Israel.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, taxi down the flight line in support of a Bomber Task Force Mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 24, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions are designed to showcase Pacific Air Forces ability to deter, deny and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors.

DF-ST-87-09703. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 12, 2022) - A U.S. Air Force MQ-9A Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 military forces from Australia, Canada, Malaysia and the U.S., fired upon and sunk the decommissioned ex-USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), July 12, during a sinking exercise (SINKEX) to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live firing against a surface target at sea. Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extend the capability of interconnected manned platform sensors to enhance the warfighting capacity of multinational joint task forces. SINKEX vessels are put through a certified cleaning process, including removing all environmentally harmful material including trash, floatable material, mercury, fluorocarbon and petroleum. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawai

Air Force Lt Col Dan Hale takes his Fini-flight at Roland Wright Air Base on 08 June. Hale had over 4000 hours of flight time. (Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Perez)

A Kawasaki C-2, assigned to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron, flies in formation with a C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 15th Operations Group, during a bilateral exercise around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 28, 2022. The exercise was held to strengthen partnerships with allies and increase interoperability for future operations between the JASDF and the 15th Wing.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, takes off during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise 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 U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 takes off from a helicopter outlying landing field during exercise Steel Knight 23, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 2022. VMX-1 demonstrated F-35B expeditionary advanced base capabilities through landings and take-offs at an austere airfield, and receiving fuel from a forward arming and refueling point set up by Marine Wing Support Squadron 372. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

030313-F-8982F-009. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aerial view of a US Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 440th Airlift Wing, General Mitchell Milwaukee International Airport Air Reserve Squadron, Wisconsin, as it flies at low-level mission over southern Arizona as part of the training received during Advanced Airlift Tactics Training. From AIRMAN Magazine, Aug 2000 Article "Surviving the Heavy Hunters". An aerial view of a US Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 440th Airlift Wing, General Mitchell Milwaukee International Airport Air Reserve Squadron, Wisconsin, as it flies at low-level mission over southern Arizona as part of the training received during Advanced Airlift Tactics Training. From Airman Magazine, Aug 2000 Article "Surviving the Heavy Hunters".

A C-5A Galaxy aircraft prepares to touch down as it arrives on base carrying cargo and troops returning from deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea(KOR)

A right side view of an A-7D Corsair II aircraft from the Ohio National Guard as it is towed to the bomb loading area during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Naval Air Station, China Lake State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 takes off from the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Due to its geographic location and co-located airfield and harbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced naval integration in support of regional security.

Maj. John Fuccillo, an air mobility liaison officer, looks on as a C-130 Hercules takes off during exercise Cerberus Strike 16-02 at the Red Devil Landing Zone, Colo., Sept. 12, 2016. Contingency response forces rehearsed potential real-world situations by training with Army counterparts during the exercise. Fuccillo is with the 621st Mobility Support Operations Squadron assigned to the Army's 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo.

050311-N-1539M-002. Base: El Centro State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An educator with 9th Marine Corps District, observes the airfield during an Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 18, 2022. The Educators' Workshop program provides selected educators, coaches, directors and influential community members with an experiential opportunity to see how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into Marines. The program is designed to demystify recruit and officer candidate training, foster stronger relationships among recruiting personnel and the communities they serve, and increase advocacy among influencers who help shape decisions of young men and women.

An A-10 Thunderbolt takes flight for a mission for a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range May 4, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The NTTR, formerly the 98th Range Wing, provides the warfighter a flexible, realistic and multidimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of U.S. national interests.

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle takes off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2022. Kadena Air Base's strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific.

A long-range front view of a 7th Wing B-1B Lancer as it takes off. Three aircraft and 112 personnel from Dyess AFB, TX. participated in Red Flag from October 19 through November 2, 1996. Although 12 out of 41 missions scheduled for the B-1's were canceled due to poor weather, Dyess personnel still managed to defend themselves effectively against the "RED AIR". The Nellis aggressors of simulated anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles kept the B-1 crews focused. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two F-35B Lightning II assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 taxi before take off during exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 29, 2022. RF-A exercises are focused on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.

A B-1 Lancer, assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 28, 2022. The Weapons School provides academic and advisory support to numerous units enhancing air combat training for thousands of Airmen from the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. allied services each year.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 16th Weapons Squadron takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 30, 2022. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.

A U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft takes off Oct. 7, 2010, from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. This was the Global Hawk's first take-off since its arrival Sept. 20, 2010, and it's the only permanently-stationed aircraft on Andersen.

DF-ST-85-03797. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A right side view of a parked C-130E Hercules aircraft, covered by windblown snow. The aircraft is assigned to the 40th Tactical Airlift Squadron, which is involved in exercise East Arctic '80. Subject Operation/Series: EAST ARCTIC '80 Base: Thule Country: Greenland (GRL)

DF-ST-88-10348. Base: Tamara Country: Honduras (HND)

U.S. Air Force airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, watch as an F-15E Strike Eagle flies past at Wendover Airfield, Wendover, Ut., 21 May 2022. The 366th Fighter Wing maintains two fighter squadrons that fly the F-15E Strike Eagle: the 389th Fighter Squadron and 391st Fighter Generation Squadron.

AN air-to-air right side view of four F-4E Phantom II aircraft flying in formation during exercise PROUD PHANTOM. The 347th Tactical Fighter Wind and Egyptian air force aircraft are flying over a tent city. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD PHANTOM Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs from the 3rd Airlift Squadron out of Dover Air Force Base (AFB), Delaware; the 21st Airlift Squadron from Travis AFB, California; and the 6th Airlift Squadron from the 6th Airlift Squadron, McGuire AFB, New Jersey; await loading at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, June 29, 2022. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, loaded UH-1Y Venoms and AH-1Z Vipers into C-17 Globe Master IIIs as part of exercise Patriot Hook. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings warfighting readiness directly enables aviation superiority in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and joint operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Rachaelanne Woodward)

DF-ST-87-09695. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

021004-F-1131H-009. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Norway, Feb. 16, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is VMFA-542's first overseas operational exercise as an F-35B Lightning II jet squadron. Marine Corps

A C-130 Hercules takes off from the flightline carrying both Army and Air Force paratroopers, Dec. 11, 2013, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The Hercules is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, performs dirt strip operations at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 17, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

021013-F-3805C-001. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An MQ-1B Predator, left, and an MQ-9 Reaper taxi to the runway in preparation for takeoff June 13, 2014, on Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The aircraft are assigned to the 432nd Wing, which trains pilots, sensor operators and other remotely piloted aircraft crewmembers, and conducts combat surveillance and attack operations worldwide.

A MV-22 Osprey from the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (VMM-161), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., conducts high-altitude landing at Mammoth Yosemite Airport in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. May 24, 2022. The VMM-161 conducted a logistics support mission and high-altitude flight trianing during an exercise at Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif.

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 prepare to land at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 30, 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.

DN-SC-89-10796. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), takes off for flight from Łask Air Base, Poland, April 27, 2022. 2nd MAW units are deployed to enhance NATO's capabilities in Eastern Europe at the invitation of the host nation.

An air-to-air right front view of an Airborne Early Warning Squadron 110 (VAW-110) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft lowering its landing gear. Country: Unknown

MISAWA, Japan (May 13, 2022) - A U.S. Navy C-12 Huron, a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) E-2C Hawkeye, and a JASDF CH47J Chinook taxi into position during an "Elephant Walk" at Misawa Air Base. The Elephant Walk showcased Misawa Air Base's collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice to ensure regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.Naval Air Facility Misawa provides aviation and ground logistics support and services to all permanent and transient U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps forces in Northern Japan.

The MQ-9 Reaper Aircraft assigned to 163d Attack Wing completes autonomous landing and is taxied to maintenance position on San Clemente Island, California on June 23. 2022. The MQ-9 was rapidly maintained, refueled, rearmed then redeployed by a small number of Airmen with the 163d Attack Wing in support of Operation Rhino Strike. The goal of the exercise was to enhance the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and Multi-Capable Airman (MCA) concept. (Photo by U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds headlined the 2022 Arctic Thunder Open House for a crowd of more than 300,000 spectators.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" train in Edwards Air Force Base, California, Jan. 22 - Feb. 5, 2024. This marked the third annual Thunderbirds winter training trip, which allows the team to rehearse the show prior to kickstarting the season in March. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II with 74th Attack Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 23rd Wing, returns to base after a joint terminal attack controller training with German Armys 6th Battery, 345th Artillery Battalion, and U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists with 15th Air Support Operation Squadron, supporting the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, at Townsend Bombing Range, Georgia, Feb. 22, 2024. German joint tactical air control and joint fire observers practiced coordinating aircraft, infiltrating and exfiltrating an area of operations with American military assets. Joint branch training with NATO allies ensures personnel utilize similar procedures and can operate together. Marine Corps

A Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 333 (VMFA-333) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft passes close to a group of Korean civilians as it comes in for a landing during the joint South Korean/U.S. Exercise Team Spirit '89. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '89 Country: South Korea

A C-130 Hercules aircraft releases a drogue chute as members of the 345th Tactical Airlift Squadron execute a low altitude parachute extraction system (LAPES) drop during a training flight. Eight air crews and two aircraft are deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan, to Clark Air Base for the exercise. Country: Philippines (PHL)

Two of six MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Tiltroater Squadron 266 arrive aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of the Batallion Landing Team with 3rd Batallion, 8th Marine Regiment January 15. The Marines from the 26th MEU will provide security for the Route 611 project, which connects Northern Sangin Valley and Kajaki to the Route 1 beltway, over the next 3 months.

060815-N-7526R-066. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Two US Marine Corps (USMC) AV-8B Harrier strike aircraft take off on a Combat Qualification (Qual Com) mission in Iraq, at a Forward Arming and Refueling Point, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Air to air front view of a C-141 Starlifter, assigned to the 60th Military Airlift Wing, Travis AFB, California, flying over the runway at Travis AFB during a training mission. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

STS114-S-042 (9 August 2005) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery, with its crew of seven astronauts onboard, glides to a pre-dawn landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Touchdown occurred at 5:11 a.m. (PDT) August 9, 2005. Astronauts Eileen M. Collins and James M. Kelly, STS-114 commander and pilot, respectively, guided the ship as it made its 17,000 mph descent from space into the morning darkness. The landing concludes a historic 14-day, Return to Flight mission to the international space station. Also onboard were astronauts Stephen K. Robinson, Andrew S. W. Thomas, Wendy B. Lawrence, Charles J. Camarda, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi, all mission specialists.

An F-22 Raptor takes flight for a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range May 4, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The NTTR, formerly the 98th Range Wing, provides the warfighter a flexible, realistic and multidimensional battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of U.S. national interests.

A 147th Attack Wing MQ-9 Reaper flys over Galveston, Texas on January 10, 2024. The Wing tested satellite launch and recovery operations at Scholes International Airport in Galveston as part of its innovative approach to the Agile Combat Employment Concept.

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