Military Aircraft Operations

Images showcasing various U.S. Air Force aircraft, maintenance operations, and airmen preparing for missions at different bases under clear skies.

U.S. Air Force loadmasters assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron place cargo onto a Globemaster III at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 15, 2022. The 816th EAS is deployed in support of Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) to transport cargo and personnel for U.S. and partner nation forces predominately within U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, watches a McDonnell Douglass KC-10 Extender taxi to the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. The KC-10 serves as transport and is capable of aerial refueling.

011222-A-0384P-010. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Southeast

A C-141B Starlifter aircraft is positioned on the flight line at Luxembourg International Airport in preparation for uploading troops of the 1ST Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 10th Mountain Division. The troops are en route to West Germany during exercise REFORGER '90. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '90 Base: Luxembourg International Airport Country: Luxembourg (LUX)

Engineers prepare to test the parachute system for NASAs Orion spacecraft at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona on Aug. 24, 2015. During the test, planned for Wednesday, Aug. 26, a C-17 aircraft will carry a representative Orion capsule to 35,000 feet in altitude and then drop it from its cargo bay. Engineers will test a scenario in which one of Orions two drogue parachutes, used to stabilize it in the air, does not deploy, and one of its three main parachutes, used to slow the capsule during the final stage of descent, also does not deploy. The risky test will provide data engineers will use as they gear up to qualify Orions parachutes for missions with astronauts. On Aug. 24, a C-17 was loaded with the test version of Orion, which has a similar mass and interfaces with the parachutes as the Orion being developed for deep space missions but is shorter on top to fit inside the aircraft. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

A 437th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III taxis down the flight line at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 29, 2022. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo, making it the most flexible cargo aircraft in the force.

U.S. Airmen with the simulated 7th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron prepare to load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 19, 2022. During this exercise, Air Mobility Command Airmen showcased the ability to provide fuel to fighter jets in designated locations so pilots do not have to return to their home stations for fueling or wait for an aerial refueling aircraft. Members of the 62d Airlift Wing, and their joint partners, loaded their own full R-11 refueler truck onto an aircraft and successfully refueled several fighter jets at various locations; the first time a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft has ever done this.

A Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, England.

Members of the 914th Maintenance Group de-ice and prepare a KC-135R Stratotanker for flight to MacDill Air Force Base, FL. at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. on Jan. 25, 2022. Aircrew and maintainers are taking part in "Annual Tour Winter Fly-Away 2022" to maximize flying hours and training opportunities during inclement winter weather at home station. (U.S. Air Force photo by Peter Borys)

031223-F-3886C-007. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Airmen perform an aeromedical evacuation at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 30, 2024. Aeromedical evacuation involves the rapid and safe transportation of injured or critically ill military personnel and civilians, utilizing specialized aircraft and trained medical teams to provide essential medical care during transit.

U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 131st and 509th Bomb Wings, perform a hot-pit refuel of a B-2 Spirit with a Royal Australian Air Force hydrant cart at RAAF Base Amberley, Australia, July 13. The BTF will conduct joint training and missions alongside Allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Hundreds of Marines with 25th Marine Regiment wait for their flight to Maputo, Mozambique July 21, 2010 at Steward Air National Guard Base, N.Y. The Marines are traveling to Africa to participate in Exercise Shared Accord 2010, a humanitarian and peacekeeping operation.

A United Arab Emirates Air Force C-17A Globemaster III prepares for landing.

Pilots and maintenance crews from the 916th Air Refueling Wing await transport after landing on Sep. 29, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. 41 Airmen accompanied the nine KC-46As sent to escape the path of hurricane Ian.

030415-F-1631A-020. Base: Camp Sarafovo, Burgas State: Bourgas Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

030326-F-0762P-010. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

The Versatile Integrating Partner-Nation Equipment Refueling (VIPER) kit is on display at Fairchild Air Force Base, July 15, 2022. The VIPER kit is used during hot refueling and allows for better mobile fuel support.

220709-N-CR843-0464KOROR, PALAU (July 9, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Damon Mcphee, assigned to The Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, renders a hand salute to the pilots of a P-8A Poseidon aircraft as it taxis toward the runway at the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, Palau on a mission flight over international waters around Micronesia, Jul. 09. VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

Senior Airman Kris Lewis, of the 41st Aerial Port Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., performs an engine-running offload of a forklift from a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., Sept. 10, 2022. Lewis took part in "Smoked Mullet," an event designed to further the Multi-Capable Airman training Airmen from outside of the aerial transport career received during the 403rd Wing's February Unit Training Assembly.

010904-F-0158T-006. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030314-F-2164A-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

A C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, arriving from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, prepares to offload U. S. Army Task Force Hawk personnel (not shown) at Rinas Airport, Tirana, Albania the base camp for members of Operation Sustain Hope. Sustain Hope is a combined NATO and joint U.S. military humanitarian relief effort in conjunction with civilian relief agencies. Sustain Hope is bringing relief to thousands of refugees (not shown) in Albania and Macedonia displaced by the current unrest in the region of Kosovo, Yugoslavia. Subject Operation/Series: SUSTAIN HOPE Base: Rinas State: Tirana Country: Albania (ALB)

Kawasaki C-2 taxis on an airfield at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 25, 2022. The C-2, assigned to the JASDF 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron, will be utilized during a 3-day bilateral exercise along with the 535th Airlift Squadron and the C-17 Globemaster III. Combined exercises between the USAF and JASDF advances the operational concepts and capabilities of both countries.

041029-F-4185F-019. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030429-F-4441R-019. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen in an all-terrain 10K forklift and a Halvorsen 25K Loader assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing offload cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III in eastern Europe, April 29, 2022. The 621st Contingency Response Wing recently deployed Airmen as a Contingency Response Element to move resources in support of U.S. European Command operations.

DN-SD-03-11295. Base: Hainan Country: China (CHN) Scene Major Command Shown: USPACOM

030404-F-8362B-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Engineers prepare to test the parachute system for NASAs Orion spacecraft at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona on Aug. 24, 2015. During the test, planned for Wednesday, Aug. 26, a C-17 aircraft will carry a representative Orion capsule to 35,000 feet in altitude and then drop it from its cargo bay. Engineers will test a scenario in which one of Orions two drogue parachutes, used to stabilize it in the air, does not deploy, and one of its three main parachutes, used to slow the capsule during the final stage of descent, also does not deploy. The risky test will provide data engineers will use as they gear up to qualify Orions parachutes for missions with astronauts. On Aug. 24, a C-17 was loaded with the test version of Orion, which has a similar mass and interfaces with the parachutes as the Orion being developed for deep space missions but is shorter on top to fit inside the aircraft. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker piloted by Lt. Col. Doug Booser flies over Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey during his fini flight on April 14, 2022. Booser, with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing, retired after 21 years of service and more than 4,000 flying hours.

A KC-10 Extender assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing is prepped for divestment at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Sept. 15, 2022. The retirement of the KC-10 was heralded by the arrival of the KC-46 Pegasus, which now serves the 305th AMW as the backbone of its strategic global refueling mission.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshals in a C-17 Globemaster III following Hurricane Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022. Base personnel executed the rapid recovery of the C-17s, ensuring the continuation of Team Charlestons rapid global mobility mission.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company assists members of the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron with loading Container Delivery System (CDS) bundles onto the ramp of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during exercise Chasing Sol in Zaragoza, Spain, Jan. 26, 2023. Members of the 86th Airlift Wing, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, and Soldiers assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Commands 16th Sustainment Brigade are in Zaragoza to participate in exercise Chasing Sol with the Spanish air force.

040306-F-9616R-007. Base: Altus Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force members of the 174th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard, and the 119th Wing, of the North Dakota Air National Guard, work as a cohesive unit to launch MQ-9 Reaper aircraft at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, during Exercise Valliant Shield, June 7, 2022. Valiant Shield 2022 was a 12-day joint field training exercise (FTX) aimed to enhance integration between the US forces by conducting joint operations at sea, on land, in air, and in cyberspace. It provided an opportunity for the MQ-9 enterprise members to partner together and make a difference while providing dynamic force employment, and maritime domain awareness in a new location. Members of the 119th Wing and 174th Attack Squadron partnered together to demonstrate the capabilities of the MQ-9 Reaper in an overseas location.

A US Air Force C-17 is unloaded of supplies for both troops and migrants staying at Guantanamo Bay. Base: Guantanamo Bay Country: Cuba (CUB)

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepare to load two AH-64D Longbow helicopters onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport aircraft after unloading two AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Clay Kaserne, Germany, Sept. 1, 2023. The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopter upgrade is part of the 12th CAB modernization efforts, ongoing training, and new equipment fielding.12th CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

970205-F-2829R-512. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

020504-F-3188G-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A patient from the Lower Keys Medical Center in Florida is loaded onto a North Carolina Air National Guard C-130 that arrived to assist with evacuation efforts prior to the arrival of Hurricane Irma, while at the Key West Naval Air Station, Key West Florida, Sept. 6, 2017. The patients were evacuated prior to the arrival of Hurricane Irma, a category five storm that is expected to cause catastrophic damage to the regions it makes landfall. The 156th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of the North Carolina Air National Guard provides medical care for wounded individuals while transporting them to alternate locations for further care.

011114-F-4406B-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

U.S. Air Force Airmen hold a mission brief behind a C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 169th Airlift Squadron, Peoria Air National Guard Base, Peoria, Illinois, during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Maj. Kathryn Veseth conducts a preflight walk-around on a C-17 Globemaster III prior to take-off March 13, 2014. Veseth, along with Capt. Sarah Forte and 1st Lt. Jocelyn Booker, conducted normal flight training, which included touch-and-goes, assault landings and an aerial refueling. Verseth is an aircraft commander with the 60th Operation Support Squadron. Forte and Booker are C-17 pilots with the 21st Airlift Squadron.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer from the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, begins to slow down after landing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after a mission to participate in a joint maritime strike rehearsal to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment on June 14, 2022, during exercise Valiant Shield 22. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Airmen from the 36th Munitions Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, conduct training alongside the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022 at Andersen AFB. This training is designed to increase integration with conventional forces and demonstrate the capability of ready and postured forces within the Pacific theater.

About 25 civilian passengers board a Boss Lift KC-46A Pegasus flight that shuttled the group from Pease Air National Guard Base to Fort Drum, New York, to watch 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, fire their High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems on July 21, 2022.

DF-ST-86-11312. Base: Tinker Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040507-F-9072P-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-ST-88-03835. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT PARTNER 87-1 Base: Chievres Air Base Country: Belgium (BEL)

221005-N-CR843-0023NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon Aircraft assigned to the Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 comes in for a landing at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Oct. 04, 2022. VP-8 is returning from a six month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S, Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, Fort Eustis, Va., load cargo and relief supplies onto a U.S. Air Force Reserve C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of Haiti earthquake relief efforts at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 16, 2010. The C-17 crew is from the 729th Airlift Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., taking part in Operation Unified Response.

At Manas International Airport, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, fuel operators refuel a C-5 Galaxy aircraft which transported the 86th Contingency Response Group (CRG) from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Manas International Airport Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 16, 2022) A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force plane lands at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 16. 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.

Festival visitors wait in line to tour the C-17 Globemaster III during the Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. The festival embodied the true spirit of friendship, welcoming more than 110,000 Japanese neighbors to meet with our Airmen and tour static displays of U.S and Japanese Aircraft while sharing our cultures and stories.

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

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 62d Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, lands at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 18, 2022, during Exercise Rainier War 22B. Rainier War is the 62d Airlift Wings most expansive exercise, where they deploy as the lead wing and provide command and control and airlift capabilities like airdrop and airland.

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

U.S. Marines prepare to load a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS, onto a C-17 Globemaster III at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Oct. 19, 2022. Airmen and Marines trained together to carry out HIMARS rapid infiltration, or HI-RAIN, training to maximize lethality through rapid global mobility.

070117-F-1131H-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing and 305th Air Mobility Wing team up with members of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team to load cargo onto a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 8, 2024. The joint exercise included the loading and offloading of equipment and vehicles onto a C-17, as well as various inspections and documentation. Exercises like these are made possible by the leveraging of assets of Joint Force partners across the Department of Defenses only tri-service base. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron board a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, during a rapid deployment training exercise at Souda Bay, Greece, Aug. 12, 2022. The KC-135 crew is part of an agile combat employment support package that included a U.S. Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft. The Rivet Joint is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, prepared for dynamic operations across a variety of environments.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Joe Wilde, 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., wing walks the B-52H Stratofortress to its parking spot for the airshow, Apr. 20, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 23 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

A KC-46A Pegasus assigned to McConnell Air Force Base taxis toward 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2022.

A KC-135 air refueler crew from the 917th Air Refueling Squadron (ARFS) flies its last flight out of Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The 917th ARFS inactivated from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas on 30 June 1994 and moved to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing flies past A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, Indiana, and U.S. Army Reserves UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 31, 2023. Airmen assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing utilized MacDill AFB as a temporary duty location during Operation Guardian Blitz 2023, an exercise focused on Agile Combat Employment concepts and maneuverability.

980620-F-9580Z-026. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Corey Simmons, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, disembarks from a C-17 Globemaster III after he finished his final flight at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 22, 2022. A final flight, also known as a "fini flight," is an Air Force tradition typically marking an aircrew members departure from the his or her unit or the last time flying a specific aircraft. Simmons and his family arrived at Travis AFB July 2020 and will depart to Scott AFB, Illinois, July 2022.

220713-N-KD414-0250 Three C-130T Hercules, assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 55, await flight operations onboard Point Mugu Jul. 09, 2022. NBVC is comprised of three distinct facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island. It is the largest employer in Ventura County and actively protects Californias largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental programs.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Bongiovi, a Crew Chief from 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, prepares the A-10 Thunderbolt II for a mission on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 13, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

041015-F-5742K-001. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030916-F-1601R-003. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Digital

A view of the tail sections of a row of parked C-5 Galaxy aircraft from the Military Airlift Command. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground-to-air front view of a C-141B Starlifter aircraft coming in for a landing during training exercise Team Spirit '83. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '83 Base: Kimhae Air Base Country: South Korea

040924-F-2559D-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to Air front view of a 314th Airlift Wing, Air Mobility Command, C-130 Hercules as it flies the approach to Little Rock Air Force Base. Exact Date Shot Unknown. State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Infantry troops boarding a C-130J Shimshon of the Israeli Air Force.

041006-F-9429S-007. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041110-F-1740G-002. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

Soldiers from the Fort Benning-based Warrior Training Center teach students sling load operations a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during U.S. Army Pathfinder School at Fort Pickett, Va., Aug. 19, 2011. The mission of a Pathfinder is to provide technical assistance and advise the ground unit commander on combat assault operations, sling load operations, air movement, airborne operations, and aerial re-supply by fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

DF-ST-85-12255. Base: Mcconnell Air Force Base State: Kansas (KS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040423-F-0558K-009. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031031-F-8155K-005. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

980620-F-3645W-024. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Airman from the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron climbs through the hatch of a C-130J Super Hercules after an engine test at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 12, 2016. The 455th EAMXS ensures aircraft are prepared for flight and return them to a mission-ready state once they land.

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron is parked on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, before a Bomber Task Force mission Feb. 19, 2024. The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the Department of Defense, supporting the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and Allied nation aircraft. Air Force

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

040116-F-9796L-003. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

010421-F-6701P-020. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC NIGHTINGALE III Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Slayton, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron commander, observes a U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegaus' arrival for Juniper Oak at Nevatim Airbase, Jan. 23, 2023. Juniper Oak is a large-scale bilateral multi-domain exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Israeli armed forces contributing to integrated regional security.

030903-M-7837W-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III takes off Aug. 12, 2022, during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The C-17 is assigned to Joint-Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and was operated by a total-force aircrew from the C-17 Demonstration Team and Hawaii Air National Guard throughout the demonstration. The event was held to celebrate the militarys longstanding relationship with the local community and give the public an opportunity to witness the capabilities of the joint force.

A U.S. Air Force service member, assigned to 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, salutes a B-1B Lancer taxing for takeoff at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, for a Bomber Task Force mission, June 25, 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.

A C-17 Globemaster III sits in Hangar 34 at Joint Base Pearl Habor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 25, 2022. The cargo aircraft is assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron, which performs over 3,200 flight hours a year to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker)

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