Military Aircraft Operations

Images depicting various military aircraft in action, including preflight checks, aerial maneuvers, and operations amidst smoke, capturing a dynamic military atmosphere.

A German air force Tornado aircraft receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 over the North Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. This exercise provides valuable opportunities for all participating forces to practice and develop tactics, techniques and procedures in complex scenarios.

DN-SC-87-04338. Country: Unknown

Thick smoke almost obliterates the sun making visibility difficult and the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) crews job much more hazardous.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: WESTERN WILDFIRES Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the flight crew of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter look over the helicopter's main rotor blades as part of a preflight check aboard the amphibious assault ship USS TARAWA (LHA-1) during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai '89. The helicopter is assigned to , the reinforced aviation combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU). Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Country: Gulf Of Thailand

An air-to-air right side view of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft producing a vapor cone as it breaks the sound barrier. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-86-06152. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

A view of the refueling probe as seen from the cockpit of an A-6 Intruder as the aircraft approaches the refueling drogue of a KA-6D Intruder tanker aircraft. Country: Unknown

970911-F-8748C-004. Subject Operation/Series: CENTRAZBAT 97 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A German air force Tornado aircraft receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 over the North Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. This exercise provides valuable opportunities for all participating forces to practice and develop tactics, techniques and procedures in complex scenarios.

DN-ST-89-11358. Base: Nas, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A vehicle is dropped by parachute from a C-130 Hercules aircraft over an area of the camp known as "Hell and Purgatory" during the joint services exercise Solid Shield '89. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '89 Base: Camp Davis State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two MV-22B Ospreys, an AH-1 Super Cobra, a UH-1Y Huey and a CH-53E Super Stallion fly above the flight line during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

980622-F-9580Z-049. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft pilot's from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, get ready to launch from Sidi Slimane Air Base, Morocco. 160 people deployed to Morocco in support of Exercise AFRICAN EAGLE. African Eagle is a biannual exercise designed to practice dissimilar air to air training with the Royal Moroccan Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: AFRICAN EAGLE Base: Sidi Slimane Air Base Country: Morocco (MAR)

110531-N-DR144-524PACIFIC OCEAN (May 31, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 deploys flares alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an air power demonstration. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Agnor, 32nd Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, refuels an F-22 Raptor assigned to Langley AFB during a readiness exercise over the Atlantic Ocean, Apr. 5, 2022. Training exercises reinforce Airmen readiness and deliberately strengthen Air Mobility Commands warfighting culture in order to provide unrivaled Rapid Global Mobility capable of protecting and sustaining the Joint Force.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing flies with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing during Nomad Lightning, May 5, 2022. During the large force employment exercise, 33rd FW pilots participated in aerial refuelings with the support of KC-135s from the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, while conducting aerial operations with the Royal Bahrain air force over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 25, 2022. The U.S. and Bahrain work jointly to enhance interoperability in the interest of regional security.

DN-ST-88-00201. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43)

A U.S. Marine with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fires a 60mm mortar during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 3, 2022. The training allowed infantry companies and the medium missile battery with 3d LCT to rehearse maneuver proficiency and conduct expeditionary advanced base operations while integrated into the 3d MLR.

A CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter airlifts a combination backhoe/front-end loader into a mountain-top fire support base construction site. The CH-53 is being guided in by a member of a 3rd Marine Division construction team. Country: Viet Nam (VNM)

980226-F-7910D-008. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Flares and tracers, defensive fire of the 1ST Battalion, 17th Infantry, illuminate the landscape during combined Army-Air Force live fire exercises (CALFEX IV) at the Yukon Command Training Site. Subject Operation/Series: (CALFEX IV) Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030421-F-5855M-091. Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

The Mark 7 jet blast deflector (JBD) remains in the raised position behind the No. 1 catapult as an F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The ROOSEVELT is on station in the eastern Mediterranean to support Operation Provide Comfort, a multinational effort to aid Kurdish refugees in southern Turkey and northern Iraq.. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 20, 2016) Marines conduct maintenance on an SH-53E Super Stallion on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the Philippine Sea in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade provide UH-60M Black Hawk support to the 10th Mountain Light Fighters School on Fort Drum, NY Aug. 11, 2022. Soldiers from 10th CAB were also in the course to qualify for their Air Assault badge.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds serve as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, and are entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

Twin Tail View of an F-14 Tomcat

December 18, 2008 - The setting sun silhouettes the air traffic control tower at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

220626-N-XN177-1043 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 26, 2022) - Sailors refuel an F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 during night flight operations aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 26, 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.

DF-SC-85-08470. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, approaches a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for air refueling support, during a Bomber Task Force mission, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. During the BTF, two B-52H Stratofortresses, along with other U.S. aircraft, conducted theater integration training with a variety of coalition and partner ally aircraft to demonstrate readiness and strengthen ties within the USCENTCOM AOR.

U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopter attached Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, fires a rocket during close air support drills as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 9, 2022. HMLA 773 and 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company cross trained with the Brazilian Marine Corps by conducting close air support drills, which consists of locating targets from the ground and relaying coordinates to assets in the sky to destroy. UNITAS trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces.

DF-ST-86-05132. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Country: Philippines (PHL)

An aviation ordnanceman on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) mounts a countermeasures dispenser system on an aircraft as the plane is fitted for strikes on Iraqi targets at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena AB, for aerial refueling, June 10, 2022. Team Kadena is committed to providing world class support to enable a range of U.S. operations and exercises to strengthen regional alliances and partnerships, as well as U.S. forces readiness to respond when called upon.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Trueblood, 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, climbs into a F-16CM Fighting Falcon to prepare for departure during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 6, 2022. In order for pilots from the 79th EFS to depart and demonstrate vital Agile Combat Employment capabilities from a dispersed location, Airmen from Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait and Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, rapidly deployed, testing its logistics and operational capabilities. These actions reflect the ACE paradigm, which is to proactively and reactively execute an operational scheme of maneuver within threat timelines in order to increase survivability while simultaneously generating combat power.

Humanitarian supplies drop from the back of a C-130 on its way to Shin Kay, Afghanistan.

DN-SC-88-07275. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry connects to a KC-10 Extender for aerial refueling over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 7, 2022. The KC-10 is an advanced tanker and cargo aircraft that delivers Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central)s global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the USCENTCOM AOR.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) conduct a missile shooting demonstration and aerial refueling in support of Exercise Winter Fury 21, off the coast of Southern California, Feb. 5, 2021. During Winter Fury, 3rd MAW will conduct long range strikes, deploy and support infantry Marines, assist in the transport of artillery assets, and provide logistical support to Marines on the ground.

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., navigates to another refueling point during a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 is a unique exercise demonstrating the most cutting edge tactical integration of airpower from the U.S. and allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

An F-14 tomcat fighter aircraft (left) and an F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft are readied for catapult launch from the nucelar-powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

The pilot and radar intercept officer of a Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) F-14A Tomcat aircraft look out over the crowd as they taxi along the flight line. VF-103 has returned to Oceana following its deployment to the Red Sea aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A French Navy Rafale prepares to receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in a joint aerial exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 2, 2022. The KC-135 provides U.S. and partner nation aircraft the ability to remain in the air for longer durations, maximizing their patrol time and ensuring regional stability.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Adam Beaver, the 19th Special Operations Squadron mobility section supervisor, untangles a cord before the final MC-130H Combat Talon II flight under the 492nd Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 31, 2022. The MC-130H has played a vital role in Air Force Special Operations Command operations, and its highlights include the evacuations of non-combatant Americans and other civilians from conflicts in Liberia in 1996.

DF-ST-86-09275. Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spain, Madrid, Police helicopters flying above city

DF-ST-86-12309. State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SC-88-02270. Country: Unknown

Military transport aircraft, illustration

220624-N-XN177-2431 PACIFIC OCEAN June 24, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 24, 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.

U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 14th Airlift Squadron approach the runway during a routine training night-flight at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, July 25, 2022. The pilots performed multiple techniques to maintain and enhance their proficiency flying with night-vision goggles.

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft is shown in position to launch from the number one catapult on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) as part of carrier qualifications being conducted off the coast of Florida. The George Washington is assigned this mission as part of her post shakedown workup since commissioning late last year. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, 48th Fighter Wing commander, performs preflight checks prior to launch from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, to participate in Point Blank 22-4 on Aug. 24, 22. Point Blank is an exercise designed to help maintain readiness of allied forces, ensuring the collective defense of the European region.

The rear gunner of a Lancaster of No. 44 Squadron peeks out through a cut-out in the perspex of his gun turret, October 1942. A gunner, believed to be Sergeant J Bell, looks through the opening in the perspex of the rear turret of Avro Lancaster R5740/`KM-O'. The four guns shown are Browning .303 machine guns.

Soldiers descending from helicopter

An American B-17 Flying Fortress is set ablaze by a German Interceptor Fighter Plane

A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261) that was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on October 25 during Operation Urgent Fury. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Country: Grenada (GRD)

DF-ST-87-09569. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An alternate reality which sees Allied and German Forces united in fighting an alien invasion causing a very different World War II.

Air Display in Moscow -- On August 18, a great air display took place on the Tushino aerodrome near Moscow on occasion of the "Day of Soviet Aviation". Many new construction of Soviet aeroplanes and the technical achievements in sailing and parachute jumping were demonstrated to a crowd of many tens of thousands. August 1, 1934. (Photo by Kislov).

Shot of bundles heading toward a target area at the Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, drop zone. C-130 aircraft (not shown) from the 440th Airlift Wing , Milwaukee, Wisonsin, were practicing the bundle drops. Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lights shine on a 509th Bombardment Wing FB-111 aircraft parked on the flight line during exercise Giant Warrior '89. Subject Operation/Series: GIANT WARRIOR '89 Base: Phelps Collins Ang Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Green Beret with 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), climbs a ladder fixed to a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Key West, Florida, May 3, 2022. Helocasting, or free-drop from a helicopter, was conducted to familiarize Special Operations Forces personnel with insertion and extraction techniques in a waterborne environment often used in semi- or non-permissive environments.

burned military helicopter in the desert at sunset burned military helicopter in the desert at sunset Copyright: xZoonar.com/StanislavxRishnyakx 14361638

A U.S. Reconnaissance Marine jumps out of a CH-47 Chinook during helo-casting training operations, part of the Reconnaissance Team Leader Course held at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 24, 2017. The purpose of the Reconnaissance Team Leader Course is to provide the students with the required knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of a Reconnaissance Team Leader. This course emphasizes planning, briefing and leading teams in patrolling, ground reconnaissance, and amphibious operations.

More than 600 Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, joined by Soldiers from the Montana, Oregon, Ohio and South Carolina Army National Guards, have been training in Fort Bliss, Texas, since mobilizing from Gowen Field in early August. The task force, Task Force Rattler, will deploy to Southwest Asia later this month in support of Operation Spartan Shield, where they will rotate out with 250 Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard as well as Soldiers from the Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Florida Army National Guards. Each rotation is approximately 12 months. Soldiers from the 118th Infantry Regiment from South Carolina National Guard and the 285th Medical Company from the Ohio National Guard are also part of Task Force Rattler, which provide the task force the ability to execute combined arms maneuvers. The intense training at Fort Bliss consisted of long hours with day and night combined arms maneuver missions with the Idaho Army National Guard shooting 120mm mortar rounds from M113 A

WESTERN ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 13, 2022) A MH-60R Romeo attached to Navy Helicopter Squadron Spartans (HSM) 70 takes off the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 13, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces.

alte Waffe ist eine Artilleriekanone im Krieg in der Ukraine Ohne Soldaten old weapon is an artillery cannon in the war in Ukraine and the Kursk region of Russia Without soldiers LicenseRF Copyright: xZoonar.com/SofiiaxPotaninax 23220980

DoD's first production F-35B Lightning II joint strike fighter flies toward its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., escorted by Marine Corps F-18 Hornets. The Marine variant of the JSF belongs to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 501. The Marines of VMFAT-501 received two F-35Bs Jan. 11.

DF-SC-89-11180. Base: Unknown

A Patriot missile crewmember, with the 35th Air Defense Artillery, Fort Lewis, Washington, in an effort to improve concealment, pulls camouflage netting over his launcher. The 35th ADA while deployed, will provide Patriot Missile defense against enemy fighter strikes and simulated SCUD missile launches during the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 Base: Fort Bliss State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An M35 2.5-ton cargo truck carrying a radio shelter is hoisted aboard the rapid-response vehicle cargo ship USNS REGULUS (T-AKR 292) for transportation to South Korea. Units of the 9th Infantry Division will be taking part in the joint South Korean/US exercise TEAM SPIRIT '88. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '88 Base: Tacoma State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220802-N-DW158-2134 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 2, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, launches from the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 2. The Diamondbacks conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, flies over Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 15, 2022. Multiple bombers participated in an off-station training exercise with multi-nation assets assigned to Luke AFB for the first time.

A view of the Mark 7 16-inch 50-caliber guns of turrets No. 1 and 2 aboard the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as waves break over the vessel's bow in rough seas. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

burned military helicopter in the desert at sunset

A German Heinkel bomber plane crashing into the English Channel after being attacked by British Royal Air Force Supermarine Spitfires.

Soldiers from the 426TH Forward Support Battalion hook up 500 gallon fuel Blivets (Sealdrums or Collapsible Drums) to a hovering C-47 Chinook helicopter for air transport to their forward elements during their Battalion FTX (Field Training Exercise) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Soldiers from the 426TH Forward Support Battalion hook up 500 gallon fuel Blivets (Sealdrums or Collapsible Drums) to a hovering C-47 Chinook helicopter for air transport to their forward elements during their Battalion FTX (Field Training Exercise) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

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