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Military Aircraft Maintenance

Images showcase airmen performing maintenance on various fighter jets, including F-15s and F-16s, highlighting the operational environment of military airbases.

A U.S. Marine with Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 visually inspects an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 25, 2023. VMFA-312 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to conduct joint-level training as a part of the Aviation Training Relocation Program and enhance the squadrons readiness and combat capabilities.

Airmen of the 124th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform pre-flight maintenance on the A-10 Thunderbolt II, February 9th, 2020, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. The aircraft were being prepared to fly for the day.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Madison Woo, 157th Fighter Squadron Commander of South Carolina Air National Guard, Colombian Air Force Major Rommel Rodriguez, 111th Fighter Squadron Commander and SSgt. Mason Dewitt, crew chief prep the jet to taxi for a familiarization flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon flight during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Douglas Kansier, pilot and executive officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 climbs into an F-35B lightning II aircraft Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 routinely conduct arming, expeditionary refueling and flight operations to maintain proficiency and readiness in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 335th Fighter Squadron prepare for takeoff during a local training mission at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Dec. 17, 2010.

U.S. Air Force F-35A before a training mission.

011017-F-0308N-461. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flight operations at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

Maintainers and crew chiefs prepare several T-38 Talons for takeoff Jan. 26, 2011, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 check GBU-38 bombs while attached on an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft after being exchanged with an AN/AWW-13 Advanced Datalink Pod during a hot loading validation event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 24, 2023. Marines with VMFA-115 conducted the first ever hot load of an AGM-84D Harpoon missile during a validation event. The validation further enables loading of different types of ordnance while the aircraft is running, giving greater capability and increased sortie generation of tactical aircraft in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Zero” Kelvin, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-22 pilot prepares to taxi for take-off at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 3, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATO’s Air Shielding mission.

020104-F-8006R-027. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing

An Arizona Air National Guard F-16C Fighting Falcon taxis out for departure.

F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, prepare for take off for shield and assurance missions over Europe from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 21, 2022. Aircraft and Airmen from Vermont's 158th Fighter Wing deployed to Germany for more than three months as part of ongoing NATO efforts in Europe.

Pilot Drinks From a Water Bottle Before Launching an F-16

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher White, 315th Fighter Squadron commander, currently deployed to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, prepares an F-35A Lightning II aircraft for take off prior to reaching his 1,000th flight hour milestone, June 3, 2022. Airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard are deployed to Europe in full coordination with host nations and NATO military authorities to increase readiness and enhance NATO's collective defense.

AN F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath stands on display at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England, July 20, 2022. U.S. military support in the British-sponsored event demonstrates our strong European presence and strengthens our ties with NATO allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anna Phakhonekham, a fixed wing air-safety equipment mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, conducts safety inspections on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 12, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States, and exercises like Red Flag-Alaska are committed to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.

Col. Henry Jeffress, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander, is marshalled in to park an F-16 Fighting Falcon after completing the final flight of his current assignment, May 12, 2022, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Jeffress first boarded an F-16 as the 51st FW VC in September 2020. The completion of his fini-flight marks the end of his two year tour at Osan AB.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Aaron Jacobs, left, and Senior Airman Williams Richardson, crew chiefs assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, perform a preflight inspection on an F-35A Lightning II during exercise Poseidons Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece`, July 11, 2022. PR22 marks the first concurrent deployment of fourth and fifth-generation fighter squadrons by U.S. Air Forces in Europe to the same forward operating location, showcasing the ability to conduct large force employment exercises and strengthening the NATO alliance.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, Hawaii (July 25, 2022) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dwain Tribble, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, removes chalks prior to take off during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 25, at Marine Corps Air Station, Hawaii. Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extend the capability of interconnected manned platform sensors to enhance the warfighting capacity of multinational joint task forces. 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 worlds 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 worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise is in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Airmen assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and Barnes Air National Guard wait to recover aircraft during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A U. S. Air Force Airman from the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, (SANGB) Mich., performs Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training while marshaling an A-10 Thunderbolt II also from SANGB during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) during Northern Agility 22-2/Northern Strike 22, at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Mich., Aug. 8, 2022. Northern Agility 22-2 is incorporated seamlessly with Northern Strike 22, a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise, to demonstrate joint integration into the Air Forces ACE concept. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot from the 90th Fighter Squadron, performs pre-flight checks before deploying from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 26, 2022. The F-22 Raptor is a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force and is designed to project air dominance rapidly at great distances to defeat emerging threats. The 90th FS will support the NATO Air Shielding mission in the European theater.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the F-35 Heritage Flight team marshalls an F-35A Lightning II to its parking spot on the flightline at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, June 30, 2016. The team is scheduled to do a heritage flight during the upcoming Royal International Air Tattoo.

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

A 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon sits on the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 31, 2022. The 8th Fighter Wing aircraft participated in a Pacific Air Force sponsored Combined Flying Training Event, VIGILANT STORM 23. Combined Flying Training Events are a regularly scheduled training event intended to increase the readiness of U.S. and ROK forces and sustain capabilities, strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance.

U.S. Air Force maintainers from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare F-22 Raptors for take-off in support of the NATO Air Shielding Mission at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 7, 2022. The NATO Air Shielding mission is a multinational effort and a long-term deterrence and defense posture.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 94th Fighter Generation Squadron prepares an F-22 Raptor for flight 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.

040114-F-6809H-002. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Airmen with the 104th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, communicate with F-15C Eagle pilot during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, May 12, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, does a pre-flight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia on May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kelly, 1st Fighter Wing pilot, prepares for takeoff in an F-22 Raptor during Red Flag 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 12, 2022. The F-22 Raptors ensure air superiority by protecting the freedom to attack and the freedom from attack in high-end contested environments.

YUMA, Ariz. (March 21, 2013) An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepares to make a vertical landing at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. This marks the first vertical landing of a Marine Corps F-35B outside of a testing environment.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 transport a missile at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 routinely conduct arming, expeditionary refueling and flight operations to maintain proficiency and readiness in support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A close-up view of the nose of a Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) F-14D Tomcat aircraft as it is serviced on the flight line. An NC-8A mobile powerplant is in the background. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Edwin Watkins, a crew chief with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conducts pre-flight checks on an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a training mission during the Green Flag West 11-2 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base Nev., Dec. 10. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.

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

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 refuel an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 routinely conduct arming, expeditionary refueling and flight operations to maintain proficiency and readiness in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Nicholas Gibson, an F-35B Lightning II pilot assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), prepares for flight during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on April 15, 2022.  WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

030317-F-5712B-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brian Chokshi, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, salutes an F-22 Raptor pilot as he taxis for take-off, Sept. 7, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission.

U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic Petty Officer 3rd Class Oleksandr Mostovskyi with Electronic Attack Squadron 138 (VAQ-138) salutes E/A-18G Growler pilots assigned to VAQ-138 in a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, taxies at Young Landing Zone on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, June 13, 2022. The aircraft are exercising and honing their skills in support of agile combat employment and preparing for a near peer conflict.

A pilot assigned to the 199th Fighter Squadron maintains visual communication with ground crew prior to take-off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 6, 2022. Kadena is hosting F-22A Raptors to strengthen the readiness and interoperability needed to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Scott, foreground, a flightline crew chief with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing, works at the end of the runway with other members of the 177th Maintenance Squadron in order to launch an F-16 Fighting Falcon during night operations as part of Red Flag 16-3, July 13, 2016, on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintainers and crew chiefs, prepare B-2 Stealth Bombers for Operation Odyssey Dawn March 19, 2011.

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs park on the Air Dominance Center flightline after arrival at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Training Readiness Center, April 30, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah 2022 is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

040812-F-5544L-021. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 works on an F/A-18D at Marine Corps Air station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 7, 2022. VMFA-115 supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing supporting arms coordination, conducting multi-sensor imagery reconnaissance, and destroying surface targets and enemy aircraft, day or night, under all weather conditions, during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

F-14B Tomcat USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

031007-F-0703J-002. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040928-F-9322C-002. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030405-F-9448S-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

040310-F-5759C-008. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110208-N-2055M-344 ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 8, 2011) A plane captain performs a pre-flight inspection on an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

030709-F-6911G-002. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The final F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, taxis to the runway for the units final departure with the aircraft at Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin Oct. 5, 2022. The F-16 first arrived at Truax Field in 1992 as the eighth primary airframe since the unit's inception in 1948 and is scheduled to be replaced by the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in the Spring of 2023.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron awaits permission to taxi as an F-22 Raptor assigned to the 27th FS takes off in the background, Dec. 4, 2018, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Together, F-22s and F-35s successfully flew over 140 sorties and fired 13 missiles to culminate the first post-Hurricane Michael Combat Archer air-to-air exercise.

220404-N-XN177-3177 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 4, 2022) - F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13 sit on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 4. MAG-13 is embarked aboard Tripoli as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft wherever they are required.

Members of 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath United Kingdom, volunteered to help restore an F-15E aircraft static display at Imperial War Museum, Duxford, England. The F-15E, which is on loan from the United States Air Force Museum, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, is one of about 40 American aircraft on display at the Imperial War Museum. Base: Duxford Country: United Kingdom (UK)

020205-F-1631A-016. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-ST-87-12667. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HORIZON '86 Base: Taura Air Base Country: Ecuador (ECU)

F-16C Fighting Falcons with the 13th Fighter Squadron, assigned to Misawa Air Base, Japan, sit on the south ramp at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 28, 2019. Misawa ABs F-16s were among the nearly 100 aircraft participating in this years COPE North exercise in Guam.

Lt. Col. Greg Pohoski closed out a 26-year Air Force career as an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with the traditional fini flight at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 24, 2022. Pohoski was in the very first F-16 B-Course class at the 149th and later returned as an instructor pilot. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Mancuso)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Daniel Wynn, 36th Fighter Squadron director of operations, assists Dr. Victoria Coleman, USAF Chief Scientist, into an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 23, 2022. The 36th FS provided Coleman with operations briefings and a familiarization flight to inform her on the equipment and technology utilized to complete their mission in the ROK.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Logan Lantz, 357th Fighter Generation Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2022. The 357th FGS provides direct maintenance support to the 357th Fighter Squadron, following Air Combat Commands Oriented Maintenance Organization construct.

EAST CHINA SEA (Mar. 5, 2018) An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 touches down on the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), marking the first time the aircraft has deployed aboard a U.S. Navy ship and with a Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Indo-Asian-Pacific region. VFMFA-121, assigned under the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, will remain embarked aboard Wasp for a regional patrol meant to strengthen regional alliances, provide rapid-response capability, and advance the Up-Gunned ESG concept.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 inspect the exterior of an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 25, 2022. VMFAT-501 deployed to NAS JRB New Orleans to increase entry-level pilots' proficiency in offensive-air support, electronic warfare, and routine flight operations for their future fleet assignments. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Justin Elliott, commander/leader of the Thunderbirds, prepares for takeoff at Skyfest 2022 on Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 14, 2022. The Thunderbirds have been performing since 1953 to exhibit the capabilities of modern, high-performance aircrafts as well as showcasing the professional skill that is required to operate the machinery.

Airmen assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron reveal a name tape on an F-16 Fighting Falcon for Lt. Col. Cory Farrer, newly appointed 36th Fighter Squadron commander, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 30, 2022. As the new 36th FS commander, Farrer commands more than 50 personnel and is responsible for the operations of the Pacific Air Forces largest fighter squadron.

A B-1B Lancer departs Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., on a CONUS-to-CONUS mission into the Indo-Pacific region, Sept. 10, 2022. The U.S. is committed to upholding a rules-based, free and open Indo-Pacific that protects the sovereignty of every nation, ensures the peaceful resolution of disputes without coercion, promotes free, fair and reciprocal trade, and preserves freedom of navigation.

DF-ST-85-11866. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET COLT Base: Flesland Air Base Country: Norway (NOR)

060403-F-3177P-042. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Jackson Carroll, Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, Crew Chief, performs a physical function check on an F-15C before taking off at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 30, 2022. As a part of OND, a routine operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers intended to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and sp

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle maintainers assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, await take-off following pre-flight inspections during the first day of the Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 19, 2022. TLP has become the focal point for NATOs Allied Air Forces tactical training, developing the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to face today's tactical challenges in the air.

061027-N-1205S-049. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Loading crew members of the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Unit wait for the signal to begin loading their OV-10A Bronco aircraft during munitions loading competition Sabre Spirit I. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An F-35A Lightning II parks at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 7, 2022. United States Air Force F-35 aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska arrived in the ROK to conduct flight operations alongside their ROK Air Force counterparts.

040831-F-4690N-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 conducts a short takeoff during field carrier landing practice (FCLP) at Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. Marine Corps pilots with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 conduct field carrier landing practice training to maintain a high level of readiness in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard prepares to depart from Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 12, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

A U.S. Air Force maintainer assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron marshals an F-22 Raptor for takeoff, Oct. 18, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 29, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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 worlds 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 worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A U.S. Air Force F-16A is being removed from static display at the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa on May 18, 2022. The historic aircraft is being towed across the runway to the Air National Guard paint facility where it will be cleaned and painted. The 185th flew F-16 fighter aircraft during the 1990s before converting to KC-135 in the early 2000s. U.S. Air National Guard photo: Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 taxis at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 12, 2022. U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 are conducting unit level training in Australia to maintain readiness, test expeditionary capabilities, and increase interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, prepares for takeoff during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing is serviced on the flight line during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" maintainer prepare an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Jan. 26, 2022. The team spent nearly a month away from their home station at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to give them an opportunity to simulate the airshow environment and practice with dedicated airspace and challenging terrain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver)

F/A-18 Hornet and two C-130 Hercules aircrafts

Service members, assigned to 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, perform post-flight checks on a B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after returning from a Bomber Task Force mission with the Royal Australian Air Force, June 20, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

011107-F-0308N-202. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit taxis during a Bomber Task Force mission at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, July 26, 2022. U.S Indo-Pacific Command routinely and visibly demonstrates our commitment to Allies and partners through the employment of military forces, demonstrating strategic predictability while becoming more operationally unpredictable to adversaries.

The U.S. Air Force 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 12 performed a capabilities demonstration during a pre-planned readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 7, 2022. The demonstration included U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, F-35B Lighting IIs, KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and F-35A Lighting II aircraft, showcasing a high level of readiness and joint service capability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Swiss Air Force F 18 Hornet during an exercise in Switzerland Swiss Air Force F/A-18 Hornet in action during a training exercise in Switzerland. Showcasing precision, agility, and advanced aviation technology, highlighting Swiss defense and airpower expertise Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 22587967

U.S. Air Force Nathalie Olarte, crew chief, launches an F-16 Fighting Falcon from an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 14, 2024. The F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. The U.S. Air Forces expeditionary capability enables U.S. and coalition forces to rapidly establish credible, combat-ready forces within U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility to proactively deter potential adversaries.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Oct. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

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