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Military Aircraft in Action

Images of military aircraft such as C-17s and C-130s during deployments and humanitarian missions, showcasing their role in military logistics.

Air National Guard C-17 transport plane during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Wunstorf, Germany.

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.

After the devastating Hurricane Mitch, ranked number two as deadliest on record, hit Honduras, relief began coming into the Central American nation from around the world. Here an Air Force C-5 Galaxy filled with relief supplies to help the hurricane struck Hondurans, taxies to a stop on Soto Cano Air Field in Honduras. Base: Comayagua Country: Honduras (HND) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale AFB lands on the flight line at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Aug. 16, 2022. The B-52s landed at Fairchild to conduct their own Agile Combat Employment exercise creating more multi-capable Airmen ready to deploy anywhere, anytime.

U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., arrived at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 9, 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria and the wider international community, and as needed in the region. The B-52 offers diverse capabilities including the delivery of precision weapons.

A right front view of a C-130 Hercules aircraft airdropping cargo using the low altitude parachute extraction system (LAPES) during a training exercise. Country: Unknown

020129-F-8619S-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Akrotiri Country: Cyprus (CYP) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174 and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 153 prepare to load a joint light tactical vehicle onto a KC-130J Hercules during a training event, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 21, 2023. The training was conducted to familiarize Marines with procedures for loading a JLTV onto a cargo aircraft.

020829-F-3329S-007. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Aerial Refueling Wing based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, participate in the NATO Exercise STRONG RESOLVE 98. Using Sola Air Station, Norway, as home base, the 351st Aerial Refueling Squadron tankers fly missions supporting NATO aircraft. This tanker, The Big Stick, gets airborne. Subject Operation/Series: STRONG RESOLVE 98 Base: Sola Air Base Country: Norway (NOR)

Six C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Georgia Air National Guard execute an elephant walk on the flightline at the 165th Airlift Wing in Garden City, Georgia, Sept. 11, 2022. The entire 165th AW fleet of C-130H aircraft was modernized with NP-2000 eight blade propellers and T-56 3.5 engines. The eight-bladed propellers deliver more power and efficiency while reducing maintenance labor.

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- Urban Search and Rescue equipment of New York Task Force 1 is loaded aboard a 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 by Air National Guardsmen of 105th Airlift Wings' Logistics Squadron. The 105th AW is providing support to NY TF 1 pending a military flight that will transport the team to Haiti for search and rescue operations.

Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft on static display in support of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley Air Force, Virginia. The SACLANT Seminar was attended by 100 delegates from 18 countries, the purpose was to bring NATO leaders together to discuss issues from a Maritime and North American perspective and give leaders a hands on opportunity. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Airmen with an Air Force Reserve Command aircrew for a C-17 Globemaster III work with Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment (1-147) of the Wisconsin National Guard on loading and unloading UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 10, 2022, at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 1-147th was set up with numerous Black Hawks and support equipment and personnel at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport throughout the first two weeks of June for annual training. The 1-147th and its UH-60s regularly support training operations at Fort McCoy as well as supporting distinguished visitor flying operations.

030827-M-7837W-044. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Blaire Airfield, Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing taxis on the flight line at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, May 3, 2022. The large formation event emphasized tactical events, including a large formation sortie, formation threat reactions, low altitude training and airdrops.

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II, assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, taxis down the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

C-141 Starlifter aircraft undergoes chemical warfare decontamination by being hosed down upon arrival during Exercise Reforger '81. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '81 Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Five C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, taxi on the runway after a large formation flight that showcased the force and the new modifications to the aircraft on September 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. Over the last 18 months, the entire 165th AW fleet of C-130H aircraft was modernized with NP-2000 eight blade propellers and T-56 3.5 engines. The eight-bladed propellers will deliver more power and efficiency while reducing maintenance.

A US Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft, a version of the C-130H, modified by the USAF for special tactical missions including day/night infiltration and exfiltration, resupply of Special Operations ground forces, psychological warfare missions, aerial reconnaissance, and airdropping and surface-to-air retrieval of personel, from the 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, lands at Taegu Air Base, Republic of Korea, after a mission during Exercise FOAL EAGLE 2000. FOAL EAGLE is held annually in South Korea to demonstrate U.S. and South Korean military cooperation and is the U.S. Militarys largest Joint-Service, Multi-National field training drill. This years .... Complete Scene Caption: A US Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft, a version of the C-130H, modified by the USAF for special tactical missions including day/night infiltration and exfiltration, resupply of Special Operations ground forces, psychological warfare missions, aerial reconnaissanc

U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kari Nettle is promoted to Chief Master Sgt. during a ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, March 4, 2023. Nettle currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 121st Force Support Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 41st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, prepare a C-130J Super Hercules to fly in a combat exercise with members of the Royal Air Force of Oman at Thumrait Air Base, Oman, during Accurate Test 22, May 19, 2022. This exercise took place in conjunction with a RAFO C-130 aircraft and simulated a low altitude pursuit, which employed tactical evasive maneuvers and a mid-flight payload drop.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurburt Field, Florida taxis to the runway in preparation for departure from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 29, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen had been repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

030318-F-4806N-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

Staff Sgt. Micah Hackett watches a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the back of a C-17 Globemaster III at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, May 5, 2012. The C-17 aircrew from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., transported a Turkish air force UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to Kabul from Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Hackett is a 6th Airlift Squadron loadmaster.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurburt Field, Florida starts its engines in preparation for departure from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 29, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

020311-M-7370C-054. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR 352/234

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and U.S. Airmen with 21st Airlift Squadron, 60th Air Mobility Wing load a Humvee onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a joint training exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2022. This exercise included aircraft from five different U.S. Air Force squadrons and Marines with 3/5, 1st MarDiv to enhance their expeditionary operations in a joint-training environment. This was the first time MCAS Camp Pendleton staged five C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on the air station at one time.

An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship with the 1st Special Operations Wing arrives at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 27, 2022, from Hurlburt Field, Florida. Planes, equipment and Airmen came to Wright-Patt to get out of the way of Hurricane Ian which was bearing on the west coast of Florida.

Illinois Air National Guard C-130H departing Hohn Air Base, Germany.

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron is parked on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. The 909th ARS is the premiere force for aerial refueling in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, ensuring U.S. and allied nation aircraft are postured to maintain regional peace and stability in the region.

A 410th Bombardment Wing KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft departs for Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Tech. Sgt. Calin Caracol and Staff Sgt. Dylan Callais, flight medics with the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., carry a litter onto a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron June 23, 2022. The 36th AES is an Air Force Reserve unit within the 403rd Wing tasked with the lifesaving mission of providing care to patients in various airframes as they're transported to accommodating medical facilities.

A U.S. Navy Sailor marshals a C-130J Hercules assigned to the 29th Weapons Squadron (WPS) in support of a training exercise with the 66th WPS and Naval Special Warfare Group 1 at San Clemente Island, California, Nov. 7, 2022. The 66th WPS collaborated with Naval Special Warfare Group 1 and 29th WPS to load a DATM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD), the training variant of an ADM-160 MALD on to an A-10 Thunderbolt II for the first time in an austere environment.

Medium long shot, right rear view, 105mm towed howitzer M119A1, on a flatbed "K" loader at the rear of a C-130E, Hercules. Aircraft has "USAFE" on vertical stabilizer. Not shown: Howitzer is to be dropped at Bunker Hill Drop Zone, Grafenwohr, Germany, in Exercise Lion Drop 12, 9 August 2000. The 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, dropped members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1/508th Infantry (Airborne Battalion Combat Team), from Vicenza, Italy. Subject Operation/Series: LION DROP 12 Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

030324-F-8156G-009. Base: RAF Fairford Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Airmen with the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard and the 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard assist the Idaho Air National Guards Air Support Operations Squadron as they prepare for their departure out of Gowen Field, ID, January 6 & 7, 2023. The ASOS will travel to Fort Smith, Kansas where they will conduct predeployment training throughout the month of January.

050227-F-9429S-005. Base: Karshi-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

Multiple aircraft are displayed during a 37th Airlift Squadron 80th Anniversary static display event at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 26, 2022. Throughout the years, the 37 AS has used a variety of cargo aircraft, the current aircraft being the C-130J Super Hercules.

040610-F-3488S-001. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Six C-130H aircraft from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, take part in an elephant walk to showcase force and the new modifications to the aircraft prior to takeoff on September 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. The entire 165th AW fleet of C-130H aircraft was modernized with NP-2000 eight blade propellers and T-56 3.5 engines. The eight-bladed propellers deliver more power and efficiency while reducing maintenance labor.

DF-ST-85-12981. Subject Operation/Series: KINDLE LIBERTY Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Scott Lewis drives the MB2 Tow Tractor as AIRMAN First Class Mike Miller performs the brake operation on a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker, as they move the aircraft to another location. SSGT Lewis and A1C Miller, both Crewcheifs with the 319th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS) Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, depoloyed to Moron Air Base, Spain, in support of Phoneix Duke II. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX DUKE II Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is off-loaded from a C-17 at Fort Bliss, Texas, Aug. 24. This first shipment from Afghanistan marks the beginning of the redeployment of more than 400 Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division. The unit deployed in February of this year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During deployment its mission was to provide rotary wing reconnaissance and security platforms as well as support relief assistance with MEDEVAC and medium-lift aircraft. The unit is scheduled to return this fall after a nine-month deployment.

011201-F-2034C-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2001 Base: Diego Garcia Country: British Indian Ocean Territory (IOT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENCOM

040320-F-2828D-055. Base: Port-Au-Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

Airmen at the 134th Air Refueling Wing gather in the new aircraft hangar under the first KC-135R Stratotanker to be parked in the hangar. The aircraft was moved into the hangar for the grand opening of the new $31 million facility.

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska arrive in Bethel for disaster relief response Sept. 21, 2022, via a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 176th Wings 211th Rescue Squadron. Approximately 100 service members from 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. A JTF in Nome is standing up concurrently as part of Operation Merbok Response. (Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso)

NATO C-130 Hercules of the US Air Force during a NATO exercise A C-130 Hercules of the US Air Force during a NATO exercise: iconic military transport aircraft in action, delivering troops, equipment, and supplies to a field airstrip for joint operations. Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 22601735

040727-F-1789V-004. Base: Lajes Field State: Azores Country: Portugal (PRT)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, prepares for flight at Andoya Air Base in Andenes, Norway, ready to conduct Agile Combat Employment training in support of the Swift Response exercise, May 6, 2022. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners.

Service members participate in ajoint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station.

980620-F-9580Z-001. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Loring Commerce Centre welcomes home an old friend August 11th, 2022, Limestone, Me. It was one of the largest bases of the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Air Command during its existence and was home to the B-52 Stratofortress.

Air National Guard C-130H Hercules during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Wunstorf, Germany.

The Boeing C-17 doing an aerial demonstration at the Watsonville airshow. The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force and is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating base anywhere in the world. It has the ability to rapidly deploy a combat unit to a potential battle area and sustain it with on-going supplies.

A KC-10A Extender aircraft of the 911th Aerial Refueling Squadron (911th ARS) taxis after landing following an airlift mission moving equipment, personnel and conducting refueling for Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Silhouette view of a C-130 Hercules aircraft being loaded with cargo during exercise Reforger '80. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '80 Base: Deurne Airport, Antwerp Country: Belgium (BEL)

The MC-130H Combat Talon II used for the airframes final flight under the 492nd Special Operations Wing is photographed before take-off at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 31, 2022. Combat Talon IIs first arrived at Hurlburt June 29, 1992, and after acceptance testing, began official flying operations Oct. 17, 1992.

A French Air Force A400M Atlas aircraft lands on Hubbard landing zone, during the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, September 28, 2022. This was the first aircrew from France to attend the course as well as the first Atlas aircrew. Since 1983 the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center has provided advanced tactical training to airlift aircrews from the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Mobility Command, U.S. Marine Corps and 17 allied nations.

Two United States Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia

040110-F-7436C-004. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

C-5B Galaxies from the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California line the ramp. The C-5Bs are supporting the relocation of Operation Southern Watch and the 4404th Wing (Provisional) from Dhahran after a terrorist bomb attack killed 19 Air Force personnel. Thousands of personnel will arrive in the days ahead. Subject Operation/Series: Desert Focus Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

DF-ST-87-07866. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 turns in front of the Smoky Mountains during an exercise. The 134th Air Refueling Wing staged a readiness inspection here this weekend, April 1st and 2nd, 2023. Units hold regular inspections to insure the proper functioning and performance of all members and equipment.

040428-F-1279W-016. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II receives scheduled maintenance at at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Dec. 30, 2013. The A-10 Thunderbolt II has a wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capabilities, as well as being able to provide close-air support for troops on the ground.

980620-F-3645W-042. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, C-17, prepares for takeoff at at Rinas Airport, Tirana, Albania, on April 18, 1999. Limited flightline space at Rinas, creates tight conditions for aircrews and ground personnel. Rinas has become the staging point for relief missions in support of Kosovar refugees. This mission is in direct support of Operation Sustain Hope. Subject Operation/Series: SUSTAIN HOPE Base: Rinas State: Tirana Country: Albania (ALB)

011116-F-4406B-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

May 10, 2006 - A C-17 Globemaster III performs touch and go landings while another C-17 prepares for take-off.

030402-F-4539R-001. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with 21st Airlift Squadron, 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California prepares to land on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, during a joint training exercise, July 25, 2022. This exercise included aircraft from five different Air Force squadrons and U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division to enhance their expeditionary operations in a joint-training environment. This was the first time MCAS Camp Pendleton staged five Globemaster III aircraft on the air station at the same time.

SENIOR MASTER Sergeant Bill Wunderlin of the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Moffett Federal Airfield, California listens to communications from the aircraft crew as he stands in front of an MC-130 "Combat Shadow" aircraft and performs his pre-start checklist. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-02-05597 or 001130-F-8708H-063). Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal Air Force flight crew assigned to No. 47 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton, England, completes post-flight checks during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 10, 2022. Approximately 2,200 service members from the U.S., Great Britain and Canada are expected to fly, maintain and support more than 90 aircraft from over 25 units during this iteration of the exercise.

A MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft lands while taking part in a long range, over water search and rescue mission that originated 1,400 miles off the Coast of Acapulco, Mexico Sept. 9, 2012. This was a joint mission involving the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau and saved the lives of two injured Ecuadorians. The aircraft is assigned to the California Air National Guard 129th Rescue Wing.

179th Airlift Wing Maintenance members prep the fleet of C-130H Hercules as a blanket of snow decends on them Feb. 9, 2017, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The 179th Airlift Wing is always on mission to be the first choice to respond to community, state and federal missions with a trusted team of highly qualified Airmen.

020103-F-2034C-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Thumrait Air Base Country: Oman (OMN) Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing

A U.S. Air Force crew chief prepares a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron for take off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 24, 2024. Bomber missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating USAF ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the NDS. Air Force

Left side front view medium long shot as a Ramstien Air Base C-130E stands ready at Aviano Air Base Italy to deliver an Army airborne unit (Not shown) into Bosnia for Rapid Resolve II, a show of force exercise, 17 july 00. Subject Operation/Series: RAPID RESOLVE II Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Straight on long shot as US Army troops from the 1ST of the 508th Infantry Airborne Battalion Combat Team (ABCT), 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare to load onto a row of US Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo planes from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The Army paratroopers will be dropped over a drop zone at Grafenwohr, Germany. This mission is in direct support of Operation Lion Drop 12. Subject Operation/Series: LION DROP 12 Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

980620-F-2907C-018. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-10A Extender aircraft takes off in the rain as it deploys to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, are loading High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle HMMWV)) inside of the C-5 Galaxy departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport on July 18, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) taxis the flight line 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 Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardization advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A 10th Military Airlift Squadron C-23 Sherpa aircraft is ready to depart from the base after taking on passengers, cargo and fuel. A 436th Military Airlift Wing C-5A Galaxy aircraft being serviced in the background. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

011014-F-4406B-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A US Air Force C-130 Hercules Cargo aircraft, based out of 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, taxis in at Ben Guerir Airfield, Morocco, for Operation Blue Sands 00-01 on April 12th, 2000. The C-130 is about to pick up Royal Moroccan Army HALO jumpers (Not shown). Subject Operation/Series: BLUE SANDS 00-01 Base: Ben Guerir Airfield Country: Morocco (MAR)

DF-ST-87-10675. Base: Canadian Forces Base, Edmonton State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

A Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 (VMAQ-1) EA-6B Prowler aircraft stands on the flight line. Planes of the squadron are deployed to NAS, Fallon, for training on the electronic warfare range. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Chandler Lee, left, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor mechanic, and Lance Cpl. Christian Gunter, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor mechanic, both with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, inspect for corrosion during a 364-Day Inspection on a MV-22B Osprey on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 12, 2022. VMM-266 aviation maintenance Marines conduct routine preventative maintenance on MV-22B Ospreys to ensure a constant state of readiness. MCAS New River provides aviation support, force protection, infrastructure, and community services to promote the readiness, sustainment and quality of life for II Marine Expeditionary Force and other military forces, tenant commands, personnel and their families.

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 127th Wing, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, takes off for a refueling mission during a surge exercise on July 27, 2022. The week-long increase in flying July 25-29, 2022 was designed to bring full-time and drill-status guardsmen together for maximum training exposure in a short amount of time.

A U.S. Air Force C130 Hercules assigned to Air National Guard, 133rd Airlift Wing, St. Paul, Minnesota, arrives at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. The Air National Guard assisted in transporting a U.S. Marine Corps High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022. Exercise such as Valiant Shield allows 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.

A US Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft from the 964th AWACS squadron, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma takes off from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, for a mission during Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2001. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A French C-130 from Ancona, Italy taxies on the runway at Sarajevo Airport. It is delivering the last pallet which will be part of the Sarajevo Air Bridge Humanitarian Aid termination ceremony. The longest humanitarian airlift in history is ending. During the past three and one half years the operation has provided 160,000 metric tons of supplies in 12,900 sorties involving 21 nations. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A KC-135R Stratotanker belonging to the 117th Air Refueling Wings fleet sits on the flight line at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Feb. 10, 2024. The mission of the 117 ARW is to provide quality worldwide air refueling, airlift, support, logistics, intelligence, and medical services in support of its community, state, and the nation with its KC-135R Stratotanker fleet. Air National Guard

A member from the California National Guard makes his way to a C-130H Hercules from the Texas Air National Guard at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 11, 2017. Supplies, equipment and personnel were transported to the Florida Keys to help with the recovery efforts underway in the area. As the largest reserve force in the Department of Defense, the National Guard has the capacity to simultaneously mitigate disaster in our local communities, and secure our national interests abroad.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III taxis past the 621st Contingency Response Wings tent city 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.

020212-N-9777F-001. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: VP-40

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