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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.

A member of the 80th Fighter Generation Squadron marshals an F-16 Fighting Falcon for hot pit refueling at Kunsan Air Base Republic of Korea, Jan. 17, 2024. Hot pit refueling is a technique used to eliminate downtime, increase reliability and enhance agility.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct flightline operations as an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft lands in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 21, 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

NORAD aircraft prepare to take off from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's Operation Noble Defender March 24, 2023. Continental U.S. NORAD Region coordinated the launch of the U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles from the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing and an E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft to conduct intercept operations with a B-52 Stratofortress bomber as it entered the U.S. Air Defense Identification Zone off the coast of New Orleans. NORAD units exercised maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats in this particular OND.

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing, takes off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2022. For decades, Kadena Air Base has served as the keystone of the Pacific. The base's strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific.

An F-16 fighter jet stands ready for departure at Truax Field in Madison, Wis. early on the morning of September 22, 2009. The 115th Fighter Wing launched 14 F-16s early Tuesday morning as part of the wings scheduled Aerospace Expeditionary Force rotation that began last week when approximately 200 of the unit's members deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

031204-F-1545M-025. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

An airman performs the End Of Runway (EOR) inspection, at Tyndall AFB Fl. on an F-22 prior to the night flying exercise for the 43rd Fighter Squadron. The F-22 is also lit from underneath by the newly installed EOR lighting, further aiding in the airman's ability to better see the aircraft undergoing inspection without disrupting the pilots night vision ability.

Eric Domagalski, a member of the Texas A&M University male cadet choir and Captain Connor Blackwood, an F-15 Eagle aircraft pilot, from the 493rd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom prepare to disembark an F-15D. Members of the choir meet them. As a recruiting initiative aimed at stateside audiences, base officials, with the approval of higher headquarters, offered an F-15 incentive flight to one student. Eric's teachers chose him out of the 72 members. He received a flight physical, egress training and a full mission briefing before the afternoon take off. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 waves at Lance Cpl. Dominic Youngren, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with VMFA-242, before taxiing down the flight line for routine flight operations 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.

STAFF Sergeant Amber Goodman, Crew CHIEF, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG), taxies an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG) is deployed to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, in support of an F-15 Eagle Weapons Training School. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, rests on the flight line at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 1, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing and 509th BW performed a specialized fuel operation, marking the first time a C-17 refueled a B-2, increasing flexibility for the bomber to conduct agile combat employment operations.

040812-F-2295B-008. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-15A on display at Otis Air National Guard Base. Dedicated to retired Brig. Gen. Anthony 'Kimo' Schiavi.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 taxis to the fuel pits at Ie Shima Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force hosted a media workshop event for Okinawan media representatives to provide a better understanding of what III MEF does in order to enhance relationships with their host nation. The media representatives had the opportunity to fly on military aircraft, observe live-fire ranges, and visit the Jungle Warfare Training Center.

030917-F-3488S-041. Base: Andersen Air Base Country: Guam (GUM) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A 325th Fighter Wing F-22A Raptor takes off for a mission March 24 at Eglin Air Force Base,Fla. The 325th FWs Raptor aircraft has been at Eglin since 2018 after Hurricane Michael destroyed the Tyndall AFB facilities. The Raptors will soon depart Eglin for their new home, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

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.

011107-F-3356N-012. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

An F-35 Lightning II is marshaled down a runway for a capabilities demonstration during RED FLAG-ALASKA 22-3, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. TThe demonstration showcased the ability to rapidly generate and launch different fighter aircraft to include fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor.

An EF-2000 Typhoon of the Italian Air Force emerges from a shelter at Istrana Air Base, Italy.

BF-2 flt 79 with LtCol Schenk as pilot, STO, hover, and first VL. CF-1 flt 28 with LtCol Kelly as pilot, CTO.

980319-F-7910D-012. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 conduct pre-flight inspections on an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft prior to takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 22, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 received an opportunity to fly aboard an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft to reward those who excelled at their duties and embodied the Marine Corps spirit.

Fighter pilot First Lieutenant (1LT) Dave "A-Bee" DeAngelis gives a thumbs up from the cockpit of his F-16 Falcon, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

020426-F-4814D-029. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH 2002 Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: Combined Task Force

A Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is lowered by crane onto the deck of the aircraft carrier USS KITTYHAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

041108-F-3118K-007. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, taxis on the runway upon initial arrival at Palau International Airport in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 11, 2022. VS22 is the ninth iteration of the series that began in 2006. It is a field training exercise that aims to prepare the Joint Force to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across the spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to armed conflict.

The Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85) A-6E Intruder aircraft of CMDR. Dave Polatty, deputy commander, Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1), arrives at the station. The wing, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66), has just returned from deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221020-N-XN177-2037 EAST CHINA SEA (Oct. 20, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) taxis across the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 20, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 4, 2022. The F-22 Raptor continues its mission to the 32nd Tactical Air Base, Łask, Poland, to support NATO Air Shielding in the European Theater.

011107-F-3356N-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Bailey, 31st Fighter Wing commander, left, flies with U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, during his final flight in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a visit at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 20, 2022. Harrigian is a command pilot with more than 4,100 hours in the F-22, F-15C, A/OA-37 and MQ-1 aircraft.

An A-10 Thunderbolt taxies past a B-2 Spirit during Exercise Agile Tiger on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri on April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability, while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime anywhere.

NASA test pilots Jim Clue” Less and Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg step to the F/A-18 research aircraft at Ellington Field and conduct pre-flight safety checks on the aircraft prior to a supersonic research flight for the QSF18 series.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, lands at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 12, 2022. The 33rd FW is utilizing the Vermont ANG air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather in Florida.

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, prepares for take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

220523-N-XN177-1230 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 23, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis across the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 23, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

A view of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing's seven new F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Live AIM-9M missile on a Belgian F-16 jet.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jimmy Root, a student pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to fly a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 58th FS, 33rd FW, Eglin AFB, for a training mission during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 18, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field to participate in exercise Northern Lightning, a joint training exercise emphasizing user-defined objectives resulting in tailored, scenario-based, full-spectrum, high-end training.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, sit static after landing for Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 15, 2022. TLP prepares NATO and allied forces flight leaders to be mission commanders, lead coalition force air strike packages and provide tactical air expertise to NATO agencies.

Italian Navy F-35B on the flight deck of the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier.

25th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chiefs, perform post flight maintenance on an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 5, 2022. The A-10s assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron recently returned from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, after providing close-air support during Red Flag 22-2.

USAF C-5 Galaxy supporting the humanitarian relief effort to Rawanda shares space on the crowded Moi International Airport flight line with a Kenyan Air Force F-5 Freedom Fighter. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds” perform during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 24, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds perform all around the world while displaying professionalism to recruit and inspire the next generation of service members.

040608-F-3488S-015. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Senior Airman Banessa Cervantes Gomez, 52nd Operations Support Squadron airfield management shift lead, demonstrates how to use a measuring wheel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month was first established as a week-long period in 1968.

Senior Airman Banessa Cervantes Gomez, 52nd Operations Support Squadron airfield management shift lead, demonstrates how to use a measuring wheel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 29, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month was first established as a week-long period in 1968.

DN-SN-88-01957. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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 five U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, eight F-35B Lightning IIs, a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, 10 U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and 10 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, showcasing a high level of readiness and joint service capability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Lt. Chandalar Pensley from Anchorage, Alaska, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 for initial carrier qualifications, climbs into an F/A-18F Super Hornet on Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Jan. 19, 2024.

Ground crew members refuel and service an A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft prior to a mission during CALFEX '90, a joint service, combined arms live-fire exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX '90 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Ryan Alfke, 55th fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, maintains a close eye on the nozzle of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft as the pilot runs through different throttle settings at Malacky Air Base, Republic of Slovakia. The 555th Fighter Squadron deployed to Slovakia with 220 personnel from Aviano for weapons training. Base: Malacky Country: Slovakia (SVK)

DF-ST-88-07141. Base: Pease Air Force Base State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 6, 2022) Cpl. Jeremy Waggoner Jr., assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Kaneohe, Hawaii performs post landing maintenance on F/A-18 Hornets during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the 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.

F-15A on display at Otis Air National Guard Base. Dedicated to retired Brig. Gen. Anthony 'Kimo' Schiavi.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II aircraft with No. 75 Squadron and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft Marine Aircraft Group 12 taxi the runway at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 19, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 2022. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant William LeSage, 31st Supply Squadron, Fuels Flight, Aviano Air Base, Italy, deployed to Malacky Air Base, Republic of Slovakia, refuels F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in between sorties. SSGT LeSage is one of 220 personnel deployed in support of the 555th Fighter Squadron during a weaponstraining deployment to Malacky Air Base, Republic of Slovakia. Base: Malacky Country: Slovakia (SVK)

An F-22 Raptor pilot from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker to be refueled May 19, 2014, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, or JPARC, during Red Flag-Alaska 14-1. The JPARC is composed of extensive military operations areas, special use airspace and ranges for a total of more than 67,000 square miles of airspace.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard Blake, a fixed-wing aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, signals to an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft during pre-flight checks at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. Under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, VMFA-312 participates in the Aviation Training Relocation Program to improve operational readiness and interoperability with Japan Air Self-Defense Forces in the Indo-Pacific theater.

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 357th Fighter Generation Squadron, perform maintenance on an A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 357th Fighter Squadron, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 7, 2022. The 357th FGS is responsible for the maintenance of all A-10s assigned to the 357th FS.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 13, 2022) - U.S. Air Force maintenance specialists, assigned to the 29th Air Maintenance Unit, tow the MQ-9A Reaper through the hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 13. 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, four 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.

DN-ST-89-09023. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Esteban Vera, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, left, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Guy Hinton, a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist with 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, inspect an Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned with 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard in a hangar operated by 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 Airman assigned to Shaw Air Force Base looks on during Exercise Iron Hand 22-09 at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. During the exercise, Airmen went through specific medical and security forces training while still performing their primary duties.

Frontiers in Flight Open House & Airshow participants arrive Sept. 22, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The show will feature 12 performers, including Tora Tora Tora, two A-10s, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. These events serve as a way for military installations to show appreciation for local communities and showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities.

010516-F-2021R-005. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

220801-N-XN177-1188 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) - Command Master Chief Matthew Logsdon, Command Master Chief of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) observes flight operations on the flight deck, Aug. 1, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Cpl. Devon Schoff, a CH-53 crew chief at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), signals to the pilot as the aircrew prepares to return a recently overhauled CH-53 helicopter to the fleet. In order to provide the fleet with quality and capable aircraft, Marines working in FRCEs H-53 Military Branch oversee a range of critical functions including inspections and safety checks conducted during each phase of the maintenance, overhaul and repair process. (Photo by Joe Andes, Fleet Readiness Center East Public Affairs.)

An F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 taxis to the runway 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)

021119-F-7709A-022. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041109-F-2295B-393. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron perform maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon used to support the Enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO at 86th Air Base, Romania, May 15, 2022. The 510th EFS is deployed from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

Five maintenance personnel from the 53rd Fighter Squadron, Bitburg Air Base, Germany, gives a fist salute to an F-15 Eagle flying over them. The 53rd Fighter Squadron is enforcing the No-Fly Zone over Bosnia. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, inspects an air refueling panel on an F-35A Lightning II aircraft during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 29, 2022. ACE operations and exercises are designed to teach and validate new ways to deploy and maneuver assets during a crisis or conflict.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C assigned to the 18th Wing is prepared for a flight during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 14, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of Air Power from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, sits on the flightline at Eielson AFB, Alaska, during the Baked Alaskan exercise, Sept. 9, 2022. Two B-1s and approximately 50 total force Airmen from the 7 BW and 307 BW engaged in the Agile Combat Employment exercise to refine multiple skills in under 24 hours.

A U.S. Air Force F35A Lightning II assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, prepares to depart from Andersen AFB, Guam, in support of Agile Combat Employment operations, June 29, 2022. ACE is a new warfighting concept that U.S. Pacific Air Forces is operationalizing to ensure agility, deterrence and resiliency in a contested or degraded environment.

DF-ST-89-05029. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen assigned to Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, pose for a photo during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, 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.

011017-F-0308N-465. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, prepares to take off for Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 27, 2022. Leadership with the 33rd FW directed the repositioning of aircraft to Barksdale AFB, to prepare for possible damaging winds caused by Hurricane Ian.

1st Lt. Kelsey Flannery, an F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, returns from a training mission from South Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, Sept. 7, 2022. Flannery, who is the Air National Guard's first female F-35 pilot, made her first flight with the 158th after returning from three years of flight training.

011107-F-0308N-068. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

040909-F-5040D-130. Base: Andersen Air Force Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 taxis the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 17, 2022. Following successful completion of Exercise RED FLAG 22-1, VMFA-242 achieved full operational capability, allowing them to execute a full set of missions as an F-35B Lightning II squadron.

A U.S. Air Force pilot stands in front of a McDonnell Douglas F-15C aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Capts. John Marshall, left, and Anthony Demarzo, 13th Fighter Squadron pilots, walk to their F-16 Fighting Falcons during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. RF-A, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise, provides a unique opportunity to integrate various joint and multilateral forces in a realistic threat environment. Primarily taking place in the more than 77,000 square mile airspace of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the exercises reinforce the United States' continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific region as a Pacific nation, leader and power.

011024-F-1705S-014. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

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 five U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, eight F-35B Lightning IIs, a KC-130J Super Hercules, 10 U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and 10 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, showcasing a high level of readiness and joint service capability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely qualified to enable the Joint Force, be it through providing use of the station's collocated harbor and airfield, serving as a staging point for non-organic aircraft operations, or any number of other operational activities.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 taxi the flight line prior to takeoff from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2023. Marines with VMFA-242 will take part in their first deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit since becoming fully operationally capable in 2022.

F-16C Fighting Falcons are stowed in a hangar in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 29, 2022. As the base prepares the flightline and other facilities for the intense weather approaching, the 20th Fighter Wing Commander has authorized a reduced manning footprint to keep service members and families safe.

A security policeman guards aircraft parked in a hangar during training exercise Cope North '83-1. Aircraft parked in the hangar include F-15 Eagles, F-4 Phantom IIs and F-104 Starfighters. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH '83 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C assigned to the 18th Wing is prepared for a flight during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 14, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of Air Power from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

STAFF SGT. Richard Baldez, dedicated Crew CHIEF from the 53rd Fighter Squadron, 53rd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany, marshals out an F-15 Strike Eagle. American forces from the 53rd Fighter Wing are deployed to the Royal Danish Air Force Base. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL WEAPONRY '95 Base: Flyvestation State: Karup Country: Denmark (DNK)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Carrie Burgireno, a crew chief with the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 33rd Maintenance Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, launches a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 9, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field to participate in exercise Northern Lightning, a joint training exercise emphasizing user-defined objectives resulting in tailored, scenario-based, full-spectrum, high-end training.

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