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.
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.
239 assets in this story
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Air to air view of Air Mobility Command's 62nd Military Airlift Wing's C-141 Starlifter after takeoff, with base hangers in background, from McChord AFB, Washington. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown
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U.S. Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Maintenance Group and 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) load a Polaris Military RZR onto a KC-135R Stratotanker at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah, in preparation for a joint force exercise being held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 1, 2022. The exercise is designed to challenge the status quo and allow the U.S. military to improve strategies against their greatest competitors.
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A B-52G Stratofortress bomber aircraft from the 1708th Bomb Wing is prepared for a mission during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown
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Sen. Maggie Hassan stands before the "Spirit of Portsmouth," a KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueler at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington on July 8, 2022. Hassan was part of a congressional delegation that attended the 64th Air Refueling Squadron's assumption of command ceremony, a unit that was temporarily deactivated after the 157th Air Refueling Wing divested the KC-135 Stratotanker. The 64th returned to help support the Wing's modern KC-46A aircraft, which has grown to a complement of a dozen planes since 2019. The unit is expected to staff 160 Airmen at Pease by December 2023. "The 64th will play an essential role in supporting the KC-46A refuelers, just as they did with the KC-135," Hassan said. "To those who haven't served in the Granite State, welcome. To those who are returning, welcome home."
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A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing sits in a hanger during maintenance at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, August 2, 2022. Maintainers are crucial to the success of the Air Force mission.
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Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment unload a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMV) at the Allen C. Thompson Field Air National Guard Base, in Flowood, Mississippi, July 23, 2022. The unit recently completed their Rim of the Pacific rotation at Fort Shafter, Hawaii and they were able to transport their HMMVs with the support of the 172d Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants, which are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and the security of the worlds oceans.
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A U.S. Air National Guard C130J aircraft equipped with the MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) departs the 146th Airlift Wing Port Hueneme California to assist with the containment of the Garza Wildfire blazing near Fresno, California. July 10, 2017.
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030820-F-1540F-001. Base: Ramenskoye Air Field Country: Russia (RUS)
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041022-F-9429S-003. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS OUTLOOK 2004 Base: Phelps-Collins Angb State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Members of the USSTRATCOM Component Commanders Conference wait beside an E-6B Mercury to view a flyover by an Air Force B52, Feb. 5, 2024. During the conference, leaders of the nations nuclear triad will discuss ways to enhance joint warfighting collaboration and strengthen strategic deterrence to ensure the safety and security of the United States and its allies. Navy
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Lockheed LC-130H of the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard and C-141 from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing parked on the ramp at Christchurch, New Zealand in support of Operation DEEP FREEZE 2001. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE 2001 Base: Christchurch State: Canterbury Country: New Zealand (NZL)
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010323-F-2022C-004. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve begin onloading a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) onto a C-130J Hercules during a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) at Eielson Air Force, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. The HIRAIN training demonstrated Marine Forces Reserves ability to rapidly deploy the HIMARS to meet and deter any threats in any environment, including harsh arctic environments. AE24 is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps
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Airmen from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron perform pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker before a refueling mission at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. Kadena Air Base is the hub of airpower in the Pacific, and home to the 18th Wing and a variety of associate units to form a world-class combat team ready to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
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KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (June 29, 2014) Sailors assigned to the Golden Eagles of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 unload a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft as the squadron returns to its home station at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. VP-9 returned after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility, where the squadron was assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the European and African areas of responsibility.
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U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point prepare to load a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III on MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina., May 5, 2022. The training gave the Marines and the 14th Airlift Squadron Airmen, assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, the opportunity to train side by side in preparation for future contingency operations.
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US Air Force Aerial Port Specialists from the 36th Aerial Port Squadron, McChord AFB, Washington load a 105mm Howitzer Cannon and High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) onto an USAF C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft. The members of the 36 APS are deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska in support of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2001. US Air Force Aerial Port Specialists from the 36th Aerial Port Squadron, McChord AFB, Washington load a 105mm Howitzer Cannon and High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) onto an USAF C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft. The members of the 36 APS are deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska in support of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2001.
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U.S. Air Force E-3 AWACS during Exercise Cope Tiger 2017 in Thailand.
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DF-SC-85-03337. Base: Mcconnell Air Force Base State: Kansas (KS) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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030810-F-9624D-004. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Smoke pours from smoke grenades near a 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130E Hercules aircraft during a simulated attack, part of exercise Bluetail maneuvers, designed to test the operational readiness of the 435th Tactical Airlift Wing and wing tenant organizations. Subject Operation/Series: BLUETAIL Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)
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April 7, 2009 - The C-130J landed on Ramstein Air Base for the first time during a ceremony. A ceremony held to not only honor the arrival of the new aircraft, but also a new era in operations for the 86th Airlift Wing. The ceremony also included a ribbon cutting for a new 68,000 square feet dual-bay maintenance hangar, which can hold two C-130J aircraft or one C-17.
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DF-ST-87-08891. Subject Operation/Series: COMBAT CHALLENGE Base: Patrick Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyler Williams, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals the last C-17 Globemaster III to leave the base during relocation operations in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. To effectively prepare the aircraft for relocation, base personnel worked together to ensure the C-17s were fueled and loaded with the necessary equipment. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sara Jenkins)
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U.S. Air Force CMSgt Daniel B. Williams and MSgt Kurt Armstrong take their Fini-flight at Roland Wright Air Base on 17 Nov. CMSgt Williams had 5900+ hours in the sky and MSgt Armstrong had over 3700 hours in the sky. (Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Perez)
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Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on static display in support of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley AFB, Virginia. The SACLANT Seminar was attended by 100 delegates from 18 countries, the purpose was to bring NATO leaders together to discuss issues from a Maritime and North American perspective and give leaders a hands on opportunity. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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Master Sgt. JPaul Biek and Senior Airman Austin Palmer, crew chiefs with the 191st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, warm their hands around a mobile power unit in front of a KC-135T Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft during arctic weather at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan on Jan. 16, 2024.
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A line of U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers wait for the day's missions as the sun rises Nov. 14, 2010, near the Pittsburgh International Airport, home of the 171st Air Refueling Wing.
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911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Steel Airmen perform snow clearing and routine inspections on a C-17 Globemaster on the flightline at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 16, 2024. Aircraft maintenance members rely on side-by-side vehicles and snow shovels to clear snow in areas near the aircraft that larger vehicles cannot reach for hazard removal to ensure mission readiness.
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220513-N-CR843-0069 Misawa, Japan (May 13, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, taxis into position during an Elephant Walk at Misawa Air Base. The Elephant Walk showcased Misawa Air Base's collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice to ensure regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.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.
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980620-F-2171A-012. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Nighttime view with maintenance lights shining on the first C-17 Globemaster III, in the Air Force inventory. It was designated "The Spirit of Charleston" and was turned over to the Air Force's 437th Airlift Wing on 14 Jun 93. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" fly the diamond formation over Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station during the Wings Over Pittsburg Air Show Sept. 12, 2010.
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Fundamentals Muslims attacked America on September 11, 2001, in a series of brutal suicidal strikes in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. The attacks consisted of hijacking four civilian passenger aircraft then ramming two into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon. The fourth did not reach its intended target due to the heroic efforts of the passengers. The aircraft crashed in a field. The attempt to frighten the American people instead brought out their Patriotism, American Spirit and Resolve. In response to the terrorist, attack against the United States, Connecticut's Bradley International Airport decides to proudly display a huge American Flag on its control tower. Base: Windsor Locks State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG
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Airmen assigned to the 139th Maintenance Group, Missouri Air National Guard, perform a preflight check on a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 28, 2022. The 139th Airlift Wing was the lead unit for Task Force Iron Herk II providing airlift support for European Commands area of responsibility.
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110716-N-IR859-007 ROCHESTER, N.Y. (July 16, 2011) Members of the U.S. Navy Fight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, stand at attention as the F/A-18 Hornets taxi by to begin the demonstration at the ESL International Air Show during Rochester Navy Week. Navy Weeks are intended to show the investment Americans have made in their Navy as a Global Force for Good and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.
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Santa Claus sits with family and Airmen of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, during the Holiday Extravaganza held at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Dec. 3, 2022. The wing Holiday Extravaganza celebrated its accomplishments from the past year and its history.
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NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (Oct. 28, 2022)-- EA-18G Growler 515, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, arrives wingless at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) before undergoing refurbishment. The aircraft flew its functional check flight on Oct. 17, 2022 at NASWI and will be reentered into service with a forward-deployable squadron in the near future. (U.S. Navy photo)