← Military & Defence

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.

A tail of a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington, at Moron Air Base, Spain, to continue aerial refueling operations in support of Operation Phoenix Duke II. A tail of a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington, at Moron Air Base, Spain, to continue aerial refueling operations in support of Operation Phoenix Duke II.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis on a runway after landing in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 25, 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. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force 336th Air Refueling Squadron photo at March Air Reserve Base, California June 07, 2022. The 336th ARS is the first Air Force Reserve flying unit to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker. The 336th maintains round the clock readiness support to March Air Reserve Base and Air Mobility Command's airlift and air refueling requirements.

040123-F-3677M-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

970223-F-8748C-009. Complete Scene Caption: Economic Community Military Observation Group (ECOMOG) Mali Army Troops prepares to board a United States Air Force C-130E Hercules assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing at Bamako/Senou Airport in Mali. The troops will be transported to Roberts International Airport in Liberia for a six month deployment in support of Operation ASSURED LIFT. ASSURED LIFT is a Joint Task Force (JTF) operation to provide airlift and other logistical support to West African states that are deploying more than 600 troops to Liberia as part of the region's ongoing peacekeeping mission. Most of the inbound West African forces will come from the country of Mali, with the Ivory Coast and Ghana also expected to contribute troops. Subject Operation/Series: ASSURED LIFT Base: Bamako-Senou Airport Country: Mali (MLI)

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from the 391st Fighter Squadron taxi past a C-17 Globemaster III from the 62d Airlift Wing during Exercise Rainier War 22B, at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. Rainier War is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Grayson Jones, crew chief, prepares a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron for take off, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb.12, 2024. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with our Allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises. Air Force

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY - Aircraft from the 106th Rescue Wing depart F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in preparation of Hurricane Sandy. The aircraft are repositioned out of the storm track and are prepare to return for recovery response operations. The 106th Rescue Wings mission is to provide worldwide Personnel Recovery, Combat Search and Rescue Capability, Expeditionary Combat Support, and Civil Search and Rescue support to Federal and State authorities. The unit provides Personnel Recovery to the state of New York and deployed operations that we are tasked to support.

DF-ST-85-12418. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-130 Hercules from the 23rd Airlift Wing, Pope AFB, North Carolina, is about to be loaded with ammunition at Griffiss AFB in New York. The C-130 Hercules is headed for Cap Haitien, Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

A U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus taxis during an integrated mission sortie consisting of four KC-46As and three KC-10s at Travis Air Force Base, California, Feb. 8, 2023. The 6th and 9th Air Refueling Squadrons trained alongside Airmen from 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, and 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell AFB, Kansas, in support of U.S. Air Force ready Airman training and force generation initiatives.

Two B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana taxi at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, April 7, 2023. The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defense and deterrence of any actors that would look to undermine or threaten the U.S. and any of our allies.

Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, 152nd Airlift Wing Chief of Safety and Nevada Air National Guard C-130 navigator, flies his final flight with the 152nd Airlift Wing before he retires from the military in Reno, Nev., June 25, 2022. Hudson is set to become the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) commander at North Valleys High School in Reno.

Captains Michael Osgood and Levin Scott, 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, C-17 Globemaster III pilots, land a C-17, Aug. 8, 2014, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The aircrew air dropped 40 bundles of water for Iraqi refugees during a humanitarian air drop over Iraq.

Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron load a C-17 Globemaster III with cargo here Aug. 1, 2011. The 455 EAPS's mission is moving passengers and cargo all throughout Afghanistan. More than 80 percent of all people and supplies traveling through the country come through 455 EAPS.

The 192nd Wing hosts a Boss Lift event on June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Airmen nominated supervisors from 14 civilian employers for exceptional support of their Virginia Air National Guard careers. The employers flew in an Ohio Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker and witnessed aerial refueling of F-22 Raptors. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented awards to the employers. ESGR is a U.S. Department of Defense program promoting cooperation and understanding between civilian employers and their Guard and Reserve employees.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135T prepares for landing after a refueling mission over Germany.

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.

Two U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing sit side-by-side during sunset on Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, June 30, 2022. The KC-135 has provided the core aerial refueling capability to the U.S Air Force for more than 60 years.

U.S. Air Force Airman Robert Adams, a B-52 crew chief from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshalls in a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron after a routine Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 26, 2024. The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defense and deterrence of any actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests. Air Force

Personnel of the 608th Aerial Port Squadron load U.S. Army baggage onto a chartered 747 jumbo jet for deployment to a base in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.

At dawn as one C-17A Globemaster III launches on a mission another waits on the taxiway for its turn at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy. The aircraft are carrying troops and cargo to forward locations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Overall high angle view of flightline area with Air Mobility Command C-141 Starlifters, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and C-5 Galaxies parked on the ramp. The aircraft and crews are on a temporary deployment supporting a pending air movement of troops and equipment for the humanitarian mission in Central Africa. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX TUSK Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

041202-F-0558K-042. Base: Barksdale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Nebraska Air National Guard 155th Air Refueling Wingís fire and rescue team participate in an egress exercise during a compliance inspection at Lincoln, Nebraska. The 155th Air Refueling Wing was getting inspected to ensure compliance with U.S. Air Force standards.

MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) aircrew assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing test the MAFFS from inside a C130J Super Hercules aircraft during annual MAFFS recertification training at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, April 25, 2022. During the wing's annual MAFFS training. Air National Guard aircrew from the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard's, 146th Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing, train together to accomplish their aerial firefighting certification alongside the U.S. Forest Service and other wildfire prevention agencies. In the event of activation during the fire year, First Air Force (AFNORTH), U.S. Northern Command's Air Component Command, is the DoD's operational lead for the aerial military efforts to support USDA Forest Service-National Interagency Fire Center requests for fire suppression support.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off during Polar Force 22-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 31, 2022. Polar Force is a two-week exercise to test JBERs mission readiness and strengthen skills that service members need to operate efficiently when facing adverse situations and austere environments.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Republic of Korea Air Force sits on the flight line at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, May 12, 2022. C-130s from the ROKAF, Little Rock Air Force Base, and Dyess AFB were attending the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course. The AATTC provides aircrew training to international partners which strengthens coalition interoperability.

U.S. Air Force crewchiefs with the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshal a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Nov. 30, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Three Yokotas C-130Js carried with Airmen who participated in OCD arrived at same day. OCD is one of many events where U.S. and partner nation forces operate side by side, with this event emblematic of our mutual respect and cooperation with our friends and neighbors.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken holds a Meet and Greet with National Science Foundation and Air National Guard, in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on May 20, 2021.

020223-F-9082S-008. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

The engine of a German Air Force A400M transport plane.

040829-F-9209C-001. Base: Tampa State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles assigned to the U.S. Marines 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division stage outside of a C-17 Globemaster III at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii Oct. 31, 2022, during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01. The 15th Wings ability to provide rapid global mobility and surge combat-ready forces across the theater is critical to supporting regional alliances and the existing security architecture.

010920-F-3354H-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

B-1B Lancer, a multi-role, long range bomber, on static display in support of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley AFB, 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

An AC-130J Ghostrider, assigned to the 14th Weapons Squadron, Hurlburt Field Air Force Base Florida, takes off during a U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration exercise at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Dec. 5, 2022. The AC-130J Ghostrider's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing Airmen, Illinois Air National Guard, and their families take part in Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 10, 2022. The event was organized to promote resiliency in Airmen and families.

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, LA, flies over during The Doolittle Raiders 80th Anniversary ceremony, April 18, 2022 at Okaloosa Island. On May 23, 2014, President Barack Obama signed Public Law 113-106 awarding the Congressional Gold Medal - the highest civilian recognition Congress can bestow - to the 80 members of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid in recognition of their service.

031031-F-6809H-052. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

980620-F-2171A-018. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 182nd Airlift Wing make a stop at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, on June 28, 2022. The aircraft and crew from the Illinois Air National Guard picked up cargo and personnel to deliver to K.I. Sawyer International Airport in Michigans Upper Peninsula as part of exercise Northern Agility 22-1. NA 22-1 exercises Agile Combat Employment, a universal application to U.S. Air Force operations that enables Airmen to deliver air power anytime, anywhere to complicate an adversarys decision making.

Service members participate in a joint 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.

Service members participate in a joint 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.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, takes off in support of a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Nov. 5, 2022. BTF missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating the USAFs ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the National Defense Strategy.

The West Virginia National Guard is proud to announce that the 130th Airlift Wing has met the requirements to be declared a C-130J-30 unit with Initial Operational Capability as of January 1, 2024. Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the 130th has been in the process of transitioning airframes from the C-130 H3 Hercules model to the advanced C-130J-30 Super Hercules model since 2021. The unit currently operates eight C-130J-30 aircraft, each valued at approximately $90 million.

050117-F-8164Z-019. Base: Pago Pago Country: American Samoa (ASM)

040108-F-9232S-115. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 927th ARW

A C-5M Super Galaxy sits on jacks during a number three main landing gear strut repack at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 6, 2022. Hydraulic system maintainers assigned to the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron removed and replaced internal seals as part of the repack procedure.

050902-A-0000H-195. Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: TN 268th Military Police Co

A flight crew member from the 165th Airlift Wing, exits the flight line from on September 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia after a large scale formation sortie. 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 wing showcased the modernization during a 6-ship syrchronization and flight.

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-84-03859. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL SHIELD '83 Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

A group of 27 glider pilots from various flying clubs in Rheinland-Pfalz walk around a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft while on a tour at Ramstein Air Base, Sept. 9, 2022, during a Mid-Air Collision Avoidance Meeting. During the event, the glider pilots were able to better understand American procedures and ask questions in regards to how German and American operations differ, and swap flying experiences.

A1C Todd Rutledge, aerial port specialist from the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron, Pope AFB, North Carolina directs a fork lift in the offloading of an Air National Guard's 136th Air Wing C-130 Hercules at Moi International Airport. The C-130 from Dallas Naval Air Station is flying relief missions supporting the refugees of the Rwandan civil war. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

A USAF 14th Airlift Squadron (ALS) C-17 Globemaster III aircraft sits parked on the tarmac at the International Airport in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The 14th ALS is conducting transport missions in support of force participating in Operation Joint Guard. Operation Joint Guard is part of Operation Joint Endeavor, which is a peacekeeping effort by a multinational Implementation Force (IFOR), comprised of NATO and non-NATO military forces, deployed to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDJOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

On Thursday 8th October 2020, Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces, visits two defence companies essential to the economic fabric of the Brittany region. The Minister of the Armed Forces then visits SABENA TECHNICS, a company specialising in aeronautical maintenance, aircraft conversion and cabin fittings. Half of this company's turnover is in the military sector. SABENA TECHNICS will benefit from the government's aeronautics support plan with, in particular, the anticipation of the order for a light surveillance and intelligence aircraft (ALSR). Saint-Lunaire on 2020-10-08.Le jeudi 8 octobre 2020, Florence Parly, ministre des Armees, visite deux entreprises de defense essentielles au tissu economique de la region Bretagne. La ministre des Armées visite ensuite la societe SABENA TECHNICS, spécialisee dans la maintenance aeronautique, la transformation davions et laménagement des cabines. La moitie du chiffre daffaire de cette entreprise concerne lactivite militaire. SABENA

980622-F-9580Z-031. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-10400. Base: Palmerola Air Base Country: Honduras (HND)

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken holds a Meet and Greet with National Science Foundation and Air National Guard, in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on May 20, 2021.

A truck is loaded aboard a 136th Tactical Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft during Reforger '83. Base: Gilze Rijen Air Base State: Rijen Country: Netherlands / Holland (NLD)

Airmen from the 139th Maintenance Group cover assets to prepare for a simulated attack as part of a Large Scale Readiness Exercise at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, June 3, 2022. This exercise tested the wing's ability to deploy into a contested environment.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules and two CH-53E Super Stallions, with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, demonstrate aerial refueling capabilities during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, 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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen gather near a F-35A Lightning II aircraft during the 1st quarterly weapons load competition April 15, 2022, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The quarterly weapons load competitions are wing events that bring together maintenance professionals from every AFSC.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules taxis down a runway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 1, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is the longest-running Department of Defense humanitarian mission that delivers critical aid to island communities throughout the western Pacific while also providing an opportunity for aircrew to hone important skills needed for future operations.

Crew chiefs from the 117th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron taxi a KC-135R Stratotanker out of a maintenance hangar on Nov. 5, 2022, at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama. The crew chiefs were returning the KC-135R to its spot on the flightline because they had finished fixing a landing gear issue.

Marines load cargo on an MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), April 24. The Osprey continues to prove a valuable asset for "shrinking the battle space" in 3rd MAW (FWD)'s operations area, flying faster and farther than any assault support aircraft in the region.

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 exercise tested the wings ability to perform large-scale formations and a show of force.

A Swedish Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft lands at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria, during Exercise COOPERATIVE KEY 2003. The Exercise is designed to promote dialogue between North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) partner nations, while conducting peace support operations. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE KEY 2003 Base: Graf Ignatievo Air Base Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

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.

980622-F-9580Z-009. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flight line before the first training mission of Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2022. Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 brought a RAAF C-17 and crew to the 15th Wing to fly alongside both active duty U.S. aircraft and Hawaii Air National Guard aircraft.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 12, 2023) Members of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay Air Cargo team and Naval Air Crewmen assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 55 unload cargo from a C-130 as part of the joint U.S. military support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, following the Feb. 6, 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Türkiye. U.S. military forces, assigned to U.S. European Command and under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, are providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in support of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and the international community to the Turkish people during this tragedy. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

A head on view of a US Air Force C-5 Galaxy, from the 3rd Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Del., is parked on the ramp at an airport in east Africa. US Air Force aircraft are bringing in material and equipment to support the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers. Subject Operation/Series: UNITED SHIELD Base: Modadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)

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.

The 315th Airlift Wing hosted a spouse flight on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, May 14, 2022, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. The flight touched down in Myrtle Beach before returning back to Charleston where the spouses got to see a demonstration of different landing and taxiing maneuvers.

Members of the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron speak to Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo attendees at the Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida, April 9, 2022. The expo started in 1974 as a fly-in for sport aviation enthusiasts and now has grown to one of the largest air shows in the world. As part of its anniversary, the expo highlighted the B-1B Lancer as one of its top static displays.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey begins a long-range insertion of more than 800 miles during Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa to mainland Japan, June 9, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as part of a series of integrated no-notice drills to maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to maintain regional security. 3/2 is forward-deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

The 315th Airlift Wing hosted a spouse flight on a C-17 Globemaster III, May 14, 2022, at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. The flight touched down in Myrtle Beach before returning back to Charleston where the spouses got to see a demonstration of different landing and taxiing maneuvers.

Northern Thunder Air And Space Expo attendees view a variety of military aircraft on June 18, 2022, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The expo offered over 20 aircraft on display, representing the Civil Air Patrol, University of North Dakota, historical aircraft, and nearly every military branch.

Lieutenant Colonel Matt Mckeon, from the 49th Fighter, Holloman Air Force, New Mexico, discusses the capabilities of the F-117 Stealth Fighter with delegates to 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

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron taxis prior to takeoff on a training mission during exercise Poseidon's Rage 22, at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 11, 2022. PR22 focuses on the partnership between the U.S. and Hellenic Air Forces in order to validate F-35 and F-15E deployment capabilities and is the first iteration to feature the F-35 at Souda AB.

A Royal Air Force C-130 parked on the ramp with C-130's from other countries, prepares for the launch of three formations of 57 C-130's for Big Drop III Exercise, the largest peacetime single day airdrop since World War II. Subject Operation/Series: BIG DROP III Base: Myrtle Beach Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft taxis at McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Tennessee after landing. The 134th Air Refueling Wing is home to the KC-135R Stratotanker refueling aircraft.

Teams peform Orion Parachute Test Vehicle (PTV) loading operations on July 22, 2013 in preparation for the July 24 parachute drop test at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 75th Fighter Generation Squadron load weapons equipment onto a C-130J Super Hercules during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 26, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Commands first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wings 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.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (Aug. 1, 2022) U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment exit a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during an amphibious raid for a multinational littoral operations exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, Aug. 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

030201-M-0523L-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Commando Country: Kuwait (KWT)

051017-A-2814M-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Members from Andersen Air Force Base gather in Hangar 5 during the Operation Christmas Drop push ceremony on Andersen AFB, Guam, Dec. 5, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop 2022 will deliver over 200 drops to 56 islands across the Pacific, benefitting over 23,000 people.

981121-F-4190S-001. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT THUNDER 2 Base: Naval Station, Diego Garcia Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan - A KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma en route to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan March 13. The supplies will be delivered to mainland Japan to be used humanitarian assistance operations following the earthquake and tsunami that struck northern Japan, March 11. The proximity of Marine aviation assets at MCAS Futenma has allowed Marines from III MEF to rapidly deploy critically-needed supplies and aid to support the relief effort.

A C-130J Hercules, carrying a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), lands at Allen Army Airfield during a joint force operation conducted by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marines at Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 16, 2024. The purpose of the operation was to conduct HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2024. Army

U.S. Air Force 336th Air Refueling Squadron photo at March Air Reserve Base, California June 07, 2022. The 336th ARS is the first Air Force Reserve flying unit to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker. The 336th maintains round the clock readiness support to March Air Reserve Base and Air Mobility Command's airlift and air refueling requirements.

Republic of Singapore Air Force A330 MRTT tanker aircraft, Dresden, Germany.

of 4