Military Aircraft Operations

Military aircraft preparation and operations during various exercises, showcasing air mobility and support operations for U.S. forces.

A HC-130P Combat King of the 71st RQS at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

A C-130 Hercules prepares for flight during the inaugural Bamboo Eagle exercise at Edwards Air Force Base, CA., Jan 29, 2024. Bamboo Eagle provides Airmen, allies, and partners with a multidimensional, combat-representative battle-space to conduct advanced training in support of U.S. national interests.

Members with the 27th Special Operations Wing Mission Sustainment Team Detachment 1 move cargo during exercise Emerald Warrior 22.1 in Smyrna, Tennessee, May 6, 2022. The MST establishes forward-operating bases by providing initial site security, receiving cargo and personnel, and setting up shelter.

A HC-130P Combat King of the 71st RQS at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.

020927-F-4649H-034. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

061221-F-3886C-014. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-130 transport aircraft with VMGR-234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve prepares to depart the Camp Shelby Joint Training Center Auxiliary Airfield with Marines from 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Operation Santa Drop in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, November 10, 2022. This combined effort brought gifts to military children via parachute operations in support of Toys for Tots 75th anniversary. Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps Reserve charitable program that collects, organizes, and distributes toys to less fortunate children across the nation in hopes of bringing happiness to children, and relief to families, during the Christmas season.

An M998 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle carrying a tube-launched, optically tracked, wire guided (TOW) missile launcher is offloaded from a 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130E Hercules aircraft that has made a grass strip landing at Drop Zone Juliet near Aviano Air Base during an evening training mission. Country: Italy (ITA)

A C-130 Hercules taxis on the flightline July 14, 2014, at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. The C-130 crew picked up 12 Airmen assigned to the 439th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. AE units provide tactical aeromedical evacuation for injured U.S. troops and regional unified commands. Flight nurses and medical technicians have the capability to fly patients on more than five different aircraft, which include the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-21, C-130, and the KC-10 Extender.

041118-F-9629J-025. Base: Biggs Army Air Field State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

980623-F-2171A-003. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040217-F-9232S-091. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 127th Wing

Pilots with the Air National Guards123rd Airlift Wing out of Louisville, Kentucky, taxi their C-130J Hercules aircraft at the Cincinnati Municipal Airport, April 6, 2023. The aircraft was part of training between the U.S. Air Forces 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Critical care air transport teams (CCATTs) trained on trauma and critical care aboard the aircraft as part of the C-STARS course

PACIFIC MISSILE RANGE FACILITY, Barking Sands, Hawaii, (July 27, 2022) A U.S. Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) attached to 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division unloads from a C-17 Globemaster III during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Hawaii, July 27. 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.

A right side view of a US Air Force C-5 Galaxy from the 3rd Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Del., as its cargo is unloaded on the ramp at the airport. 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)

040804-F-0209C-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing from Hurlburt Field, Fla., prepares to depart Edwards Air Force Base, California, April 14. The aircraft recently underwent electronic weapons countermeasures testing at the Benefield Anechoic Facility. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

An EC-130H Compass Call aircraft is parked at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan Sept. 12, 2014. The aircraft is configured to execute worldwide information warfare tactics.

A front view of an AC-130H Hercules aircraft after engine start during Exercise Team Spirit '81. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '81 Base: Kwang Ju Air Base Country: Korea

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics One (MAWTS-1) prepares for an aerial delivery exercise during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on Oct. 11, 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.

Working jointly, Marines of Marine Air Group 11 and Working jointly, Marines of Marine Air Group 11 and Airmen of the Air Force C-17's Test Team, kick-start the C-17's engines while preparing its first take off from Marine Corps Air Station. Base: Marine Corps Air Station El Toro State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Yokota Air Base, Japan - C-130 Hercules aircraft taxi out for a mission during a six-ship sortie.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III flies in front of a U.S. C-17 during an aerial maneuver training mission around the Hawaiian islands as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 4, 2022. The RAAF and USAF conducted joint flying missions alongside each other and swapped aircrew members to better learn of each others procedures and techniques.

A C-130J Super Hercules taxis on the flightline after completing a roughly 30-hour single-aircraft maximum endurance mission during the Gnarly Explodeo readiness exercise at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Feb. 1, 2024. The execution of this maximum endurance mission demonstrated the 19th Airlift Wings multi-day mission generation capabilities while only landing to refuel. Air Force

A C-130J Super Hercules with the 36th Airlift Squadron takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, during the Samurai Readiness Inspection, Oct. 12, 2022. Yokota AB conducted formation flights on the first day of the wings base wide readiness inspection. Formation flights can be used as a show of force to project power while defending the base during wartime or contingency operations.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft prepares to take off from Alexandria Airport, Louisiana. Canadian Air Force aircraft and personnel from the 2nd Air Movement Squadron, Trenton, Ontario, US Air Force aircraft from the 2nd Airlift Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, and aerial port personnel from the 821st Air Mobility Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jeresey, combined forces to provide airlift support for the US Army's 2nd Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, from Fort Drum, New York, during JRTC 01-06, a joint readiness training exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Base: Alexandria State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011021-F-9931S-144. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

030307-F-9032T-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Details of the electronic countermeasures on the back of a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey.

030415-F-1631A-005. Base: Camp Sarafovo, Burgas State: Bourgas Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

Aircrew members assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron perform engine start procedures with an HC-130J Combat King II prior to a helicopter aerial refueling (HAAR) agile combat employment exercise with HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 1, 2022. The ACE exercise enabled pilots, loadmasters, and special mission aviators to increase their combat search and rescue proficiency by extending the reach of HH-60G helicopters in an austere, contested areas.

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship lands on the flight line following a base wide repositioning, Sept. 29, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The repositioning was coordinated in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

DF-ST-88-08540. Subject Operation/Series: BUSY BREWER Base: Grafenwoehr Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

A Republic of Korean C-130 lands on McChord Air Force Base, Wa. July 7, 2009. RODEO is an international combat skills and flying operations competition designed to develop and improve techniques, procedures and interoperability with our international partners to enhance mobility operations.

U.S. Airmen from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron exit a C-17 Globemaster Feb. 6, 2023, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The Airmen traveled to Alpena CRTC to perform two weeks of annual training in a cold weather environment.

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) lands at 4 Wing Cold Lake. The E-3 had completed its first flight in the exercise that will test the response of the air intercept and air defense capabilities of the American and Canadian Forces, supporting the mission of NORAD (North American Air Defense command). Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

A C-17 Globemaster III is on display for Airmen attending the First Term Enlisted Course at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 29, 2024. Airmen attending the course were able to learn what it takes to provide tactical airlift capabilities and global mobility.

An HC-130J Combat King II aircraft taxis for departure from Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 conduct an air delivered ground refueling (ADGR) on multiple aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 25, 2022. VMGR-152 conducted ADGR to train toward rapid-refueling in austere environments for aircraft that cannot be refueled in flight, allowing them to stay in the fight.

U.S. Air Force aircrew members from the 16th Airlift Squadron and U.S. Marines from Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron-1, and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-461 load a CH-53K King Stallion Helicopter onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prior to airlift to Berlin, U.S. Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., June 14, 2022. The C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in the airlift force, capable of rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo.

011007-F-3573Z-026. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

030325-F-1131H-007. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

An air-to-air front view of a 919th Special Operations Group AC-130 Hercules gunship flying over the northeast coast of Honduras during Exercise Pegasus '87. The aircraft, nicknamed "The First Lady," is flying day and night combat air support for Honduran and U.S. Army Special Forces. Subject Operation/Series: PEGASUS '87 Country: Central America

Two Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) equipped C-130 aircraft from the Nevada Air National Guards 152nd Airlift Wing and the California Air National Guards 146th Airlift Wing prepare to be launched on a fire suppression mission at the Boise Tanker Base, Idaho, September 10, 2022. The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service activated two Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS to assist with increased fire activity in several western states.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is loaded into the back of a C-17 Globemaster aircraft at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter is loaded into the back of a C-17 Globemaster aircraft at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022, in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Ian. The decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

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

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globe Master III, arrives carrying search and rescue workers to assist in civil relief recovery operations Mar. 13. The search and rescue team is from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Calif.

A Nevada Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft conducts operations during an exercise at Amedee Army Airfield in Herlong, Calif. October 15, 2022. Airmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing participated in the exercise, Ready Roller, to test capabilities in a simulated contested environment, utilizing the Agile Combat Employment concept

A C-17 Globemaster III crew from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, lands here March 20, with 10 pallets of food, water and blankets. This marked the first C-17 landing at the airport since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, reopened the runway to fixed-wing aircraft March 16 and cleared the rest of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft such as the C-17, enabling larger shipments of humanitarian aid.

U.S Air Force reservists from Travis Air Force Base, Army National Guard members from Fairfield, and U.S. Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing are participating in Exercise Nexus Rising, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., June 3-5, 2022. Nexus Rising is a readiness exercise designed to test the ability of the 349th Air Mobility Wing to generate, employ and sustain air operations in a simulated combat environment. Missions in NEXUS RISING include air rescue, aeromedical evacuation, airlift for cargo and personnel, aerial refueling deployment processing, aerial port operations, and command and control.

DN-SC-89-04608. Country: Unknown

030626-A-XXXXX-7399. Base: Mosul Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030204-F-1740G-002. Subject Operation/Series: BALANCE PISTON 03-5 Base: Clark Field State: Luzon Country: Philippines

A C-130 Hercules is on display during Montana's Military Open House Flight Over the Falls” at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 22, 2022. The C-130 primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission and operates throughout the U.S. Air Force under the Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, ANG and Air Force Reserve Command.

P-3M Orion of the Spanish Air Force.

Several Aircrew members from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, celebrated their final flights June 16th, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The "Fini" flight tradition is one where aircrew members are hosed down with water by their peers, family, and friends upon their completion of their final flight.

A MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) equipped C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, departs the runway during annual MAFFS recertification training at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, April 25, 2022. 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.

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

020517-F-4300H-008. Subject Operation/Series: HUNGARIAN RESPONSE 2002 Base: Kesckemet Air Base Country: Hungary (HUN)

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

Sixteen KC-46 Pegasus and five KC-135 Stratotankers perform an elephant walk during Exercise Lethal Pride at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 27, 2023. After the elephant walk the aircraft participated in an aircraft flush where they all took off in rapid succession.

041202-F-0558K-049. Base: Unknown Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines and Marine Air Control Squadron 4 off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsukai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Airmen from the 9th Air Refueling Squadron inspect a KC-10 Extender at Travis Air Force Base, California, Jan. 11, 2024, prior to flying it to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), known as The Boneyard, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. This aircraft, with tail number 79-1946, was designated as the 9th ARSs flagship because of its history with the squadron.

Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 349th Air Mobility Wing, Soldiers from the California Army Guard's 49th Military Police Brigade, and Airmen from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing prepare a C-130 Hercules during Nexus Rising at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California, June 4, 2022. Nexus Rising is three-day joint combat readiness exercise that challenges Airmen and Soldiers to effectively deploy and operate in a contested, degraded environment.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Cashman, HC-130J Combat King II loadmaster assigned to the 26th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, performs engine start procedures, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, October 31, 2022. The HC-130J is a rapidly deployable, multi-capable airframe, capable of performing combat search and rescue, aerial refueling, and combat airlift missions within the CENTCOM area of operations.

U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Soldiers and Airmen with the 424th Air Base Squadron partake in a joint C-130J Super Hercules orientation flight Aug. 2, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.

A 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit Crew Chief from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, guides a 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress to its parking apron at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Aug. 18, 2022. Strategic bombers contribute to stability in the European theater, they provide a critical role in strategic deterrence. If called upon, U.S. bombers offer a rapid response capability.

030424-F-5098W-001. Country: Unknown

Airmen from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, along with Airmen from the New York ANG's 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, position wooden ramps to assist with loading equipment onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Dec. 4, 2022. The multi-capable Airmen concept entails training Airmen in basic tasks outside of their usual specialty, so by having 158th Fighter Wing Airmen receiving exposure and training from the 105th, allows the Vermonters to be more versatile and contribute to the mission where needed.

US Air Force KC-135R aircraft with the 319th Aerial Refueling Wing sit at a forward Air Base during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A C-130 with relief supplies lands in Goma. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Goma Country: Zaire (ZAR)

050521-N-0295M-017. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Air Forces in Europe MC-130J aircraft.

A U.S. Air Force C-17A holds position for refueling.

Airmen assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing conduct a pre-flight check of a C-130J Super Hercules during ROCKI 22-03 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, May 18, 2022. Designed to validate the full spectrum readiness capabilities of the airlift wing, ROCKI exercises are typically divided into distinct phases, each deliberately intended to assess the wing in various warfighting functions.

031005-F-3175F-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron unload a U.S. Army M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank off a U.S. C-17A Globemaster III aircraft at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 27, 2022. The 816th EAS conducts rapid global mobility operations vital to the multinational coalition effort dedicated to militarily defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

A combat controller from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan, waits for a C-17 Globemaster III to taxi back after landing at Sendai Airport March 20. The combat controller used his all-terrain vehichle as a "follow me" car to guide the C-17 to its cargo offload point. Sendai Airport has become a main hub for bringing humanitarian aid to those affected by the earthquake and tsunami from March 11.

Marines from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-252 (VMGR-252) refuel their KC-130/R Hercules at a forward airbase in the ENDURING FREEDOM area. They are using an Air Force R-9 Refueling Truck. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-252

A US Marine C-130J Hercules Readies to Launch from Al Asad Air Base in Iraq's Anbar Province

011114-F-4406B-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

220716-F-KO270-1099 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 16, 2022) An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the 4th Special Operations Squadron lands at Marine Corps Base Hawaii to participate in 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 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.

Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

220716-F-KO270-1043 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 16, 2022) An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the 4th Special Operations Squadron lands at Marine Corps Base Hawaii to participate in 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 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 C-130 Hercules aircraft lands during Exercise Cool Snow Hog '82-1. Subject Operation/Series: COOL SNOW HOG '82-1 Base: Kotzebue Air Force Station State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

8th Medical Group personnel load Wounded in Action airmen into a C-130 for transport to Yakota Air Base, Japan. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '96 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A TR-1 reconnaissance aircraft piloted by CAPT. Mostar takes off during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

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

Six C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft line up before flying Feb. 21, 2013, during a readiness week at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Members of the 374th Airlift Wing use C-130s to support combatant commanders in the Pacific region.

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing, conducts touch-and-go landing tactics on a taxiway during the Tactics Advancement Course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Feb. 8, 2024. Airmen assigned to the 6th Airlift Squadron loaded cargo onto the C-17 to support F-22 Raptors at JBLE. The advancements course postures Air Mobility Command Airmen to execute agile operations on a global scale. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Long, the 16th Airlift Squadron Commander, and C-17 Globemaster III pilot, steps to his aircraft prior to flight on Joint Base Charleston, S.C., June 8, 2022. The aircrew performed low-level, assault landings, and touch and go maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

041016-F-9429S-047. Base: Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mid-air Refueling

A C-17 Globemaster III from the Tennessee Air National Guards 164th Airlift Wing taxis to the arrival gate at Grayling Army Airfield in Grayling, Mich. Aug. 1, 2022. The 164th Airlift Wing is transporting soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guards 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion to take part in Northern Strike 22-2. Northern Strike tests multi-component and coalition forces through a challenging, realistic and detailed scenario based on relevant real-world security challenges and future conflicts (Michigan Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Chris Estrada).

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

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Charles Kirchen, 36th Airlift Squadron, watches as the engines start up on a C-130H Hercules March 19 before a mission. Medical supplies were flown to Sendai and Hanamaki Airport to be distributed to local hospitals and evacuation centers as part of Operation Tomodachi.

010924-F-7930W-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, refuels an A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 12, 2022. Black Flag creates an environment to adequately test and validate Tactics Improvement Proposals put forth by senior leaders at the annual weapons and tactics conference.

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