Military Aircraft Operations

Images show airmen conducting inspections, security assessments, and loading aircraft at military bases, showcasing various military aircraft.

U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kari Nettle is promoted to Chief Master Sgt. during a ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, March 4, 2023. Nettle currently serves as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 121st Force Support Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare to inspect a F-15C Eagle during exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 2, 2022. RF-A exercises are focused on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, prepare to board a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, for airborne operations during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 15, 2022. This exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint, coalition and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

Members of the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, load an AIM-9 missile on an F-15 Eagle aircraft during a loading competition at WILLIAM TELL '96, a biennial US Air Force air-to-air weapons competition. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '96 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-46APegasus from McConnell Air Force Base,Kansas stopped at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio for a routine stop and allowed base personnel to tour the aircraft Oct. 12, 2022.

The 152nd Airlift Wing held an assumption of command ceremony where Col. Evan J. Kirkwood took command of the wing at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, October 15, 2022. Kirkwood was previously the 152nd Operations Group commander and has been in the Nevada Air National Guard since enlisting as an Airman Basic in 1994.

Joint Task Force-Bravo service members from the 612th Air Base Squadron unload a C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston, North Carolina, June 17, 2022 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. The C-17 delivered a shipment of seven pallets of donated goods through the Denton Program. The Denton Program allows private U.S. citizens and organizations to use space available on U.S. military cargo planes to transport humanitarian goods to approved countries in need. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Amber Carter)

Capt. Lawrence Monahan, pilot for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., does a pre-flight walk around a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft prior to a training flight June 23, 2022. The 53rd WRS Hurricane Hunters conduct routine training flights in order to support National Hurricane and National Winter Season Operations Plans year-round.

Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, 5th Air Force commander, right, and Capt. Bernard Cox, 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J pilot walk down a flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Higher ranking pilots are still required to conduct currency flights to keep their skills up-to-date.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Mims, a navigator with the 165th Operations Group, Georgia Air National Guard, poses with a photo with his son, who is a part of the Benedictine Military School located in Savannah, Georgia on April 11, 2022. Mims was a graduate of the military school in 1989 and his son will graduate in 2022. His son had the opportunity to fly with his dad and his JROTC classmates during a familiarization flight.

Airmen from the 191st Maintenance Squadron, prepare to lift the nose of a KC-135 Stratotanker during a training exercise at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., Aug. 13. The 191st MXS performed an exercise in which they simulated a KC-135 had damaged nose gear and a crane was needed to move the aircraft to a safe location for repair.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dalton King, 301st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, weapons load crew chief, assigned to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth, Texas, directs off-loading of munitions during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 23.01 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 5, 2022. WSEP-E 23.01 combined COMBAT ARCHER and COMBAT HAMMER exercises, allowing participating units to be evaluated on not only air-to-air weapons employment normally held at Tyndall, but air-to-ground weapons as well.

U.S. Air Force personnel offload medical supplies from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 143rd Airlift Wing at Quonset Point Air National Guard Station, Rhode Island, at Baucau City Airport, Timor-Leste, Sept. 11, 2022, in support of Pacific Angel 22-4. The operation is scheduled for Sept.12-17 and will focus on capacity building through health services outreach, engineering civic action program construction projects and subject matter expert exchanges. The Indo-Pacific Command sponsors Pacific Angel to promote interoperability and demonstrate Department of Defense support capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief events by conducting global medical outreach and enhancing regional partnerships.

A 920th Rescue Wing Airman prepares to taxi an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft 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.

A Belgian Paratrooper with the Special Forces Group, Special Operations Regiment, performs flight movements in front of a jumpmaster assigned to the CE Para training center to check the proper fitting and rigging of his equipment, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, April 19, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, right, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Keith Scott, 60th AMW command chief, salute as U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., arrives via plane at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 4, 2022. Brown stopped by The Gateway to the West on his way to visit bases throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations to help reinforce the United States commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A contractor from the 88th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, prepares to meet an MC-130J Combat Talon II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing in Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 27, 2022. The 88th Air Base Wing Airmen provided strength through support as aircraft and aircrews from installations affected by the hurricane arrived seeking safety.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing and Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni personnel unload equipment from a C-17 Globemaster III as part of Northern Edge 23-2 on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 28, 2023. NE 23-2 is a first of its kind test of command and control capabilities throughout the region for a Joint, Multinational exercise event.

US Air Force Captain OJ Sanchez, 2nd Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, inspects his F-15 aircraft before flight. SENIOR AIRMAN Kevin Soucie, 2nd Fighter Squadron maintenance person, walks around the far side of the aircraft. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Aerial Refueling Squadron performs pre-flight checks of his aircraft 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.

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida places protective covers over ram air sensors on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida places protective covers over ram air sensors on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers load bottled water onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter September 1 at Fort Indiantown Gap in preparation to depart for the Hurricane Harvey relief effort in Texas.

With an M-16 slung over his shoulder an Air Force Technical Sergeant uses marshalling lights to direct a C-130 Hercules into position at Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: Unknown

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 2d Marines prepare to board an MV-22B Osprey for a long-range insertion of more than 800 miles during Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa to mainland Japan, June 9, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as part of a series of integrated no-notice drills to maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to maintain regional security. 3/2 is forward-deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Air Force members of the 119th Maintenance Squadron watch an F-18 aircraft launch as they work on a 119th Wing MQ-9 Reaper aircraft at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, during Exercise Valiant 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.

Members of the 120th Regional Support Group (RSG) stand in formation presenting arms for the Polish and United States National Anthems during the Transfer of Authority Ceremony. The Transfer of Authority Ceremony took place on 1 July 2022 at the Powidz Airfield. The 120th RSG accepted the transfer of authority from the 191st RSG of the Puerto Rico National Guard. The 120th RSG will be conducting Base Operation Support at multiple sites across Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia in support of Atlantic Resolve.

ReleasedCapt. Rasmussen, Amy USAFPublic Affairs Officer 27th Special Operation WingComm: (575)784-4131DSN:681-6376amy.rasmussen@us.af.mil

The Interior Alaska Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps visits 168th Wing as part of summer camp and learns about the 168th Wing, pilot, boom operator, aircraft maintenance, security forces, and civil engineering missions. The Interior JROTC cadets are students at West Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC, Lathrop High School Army JROTC, Eielson Air Force Base High School Air Force JROTC, and North Pole High School Air Force JROTC.

U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Donald Myrick, command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Transportation Command, right, and a Joint Base Charleston Airman discuss the different skills necessary to maintain a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 12, 2022. During his visit, Airmen briefed Myrick on 437th Airlift Wings day-to-day operations.

An aircraft maintainer assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing performs a post flight inlet and exhaust inspection on the engine of a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II on Cazaux Air Base, France, May 10, 2022. Members from the 352 SOW participated in exercise Athena, a French-led joint and combined Special Operation Forces exercise that validates the full spectrum of integrated component and partner capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Myles Berthold, left, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Shelby Clark, right, 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilots, inspect a KC-135 tail at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 14, 2022. Pilots are required to look over the aircrafts exterior before getting into the cockpit and starting the engines.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jacob Januchowski, a security forces response leader with the 914th Security Forces Squadron, New York, stands watch August 2, 2022 on the flightline at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. The 914th SFS provides a safe and secure operating environment on the flightline and base 24/7.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group Expeditionary Depot Maintenance team replace the wings on an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 357th Fighter Generation Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. Due to the extensive in-depth work required to complete a wing swap, skilled professionals from the 309th AMXG Expeditionary Depot forward deployed to DM for this major component maintenance.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John MacRae, the 134th Fighter Squadron Commander at the 158th Fighter Wing, is congratulated by a crew chief after flying 1,000 hours in an F-35A Lighting II, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Oct. 16, 2022. During this sortie, MaCrae reached over 1,000 hours piloting F-35's, an incredible milestone which is a testament to his experience and expertise piloting the Air Forces newest 5th generation fighter aircraft.

030831-F-5586B-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Lt. Col. Travers Hurst, public affairs officer of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, coordinates details in front of an A-10C Thunderbolt II on base for the Smoky Mountain Air Show Sept. 9, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members.

Lt. Col. Travers Hurst, public affairs officer of the 134th Air Refueling Wing, coordinates details in front of an A-10C Thunderbolt II on base for the Smoky Mountain Air Show Sept. 9, 2022 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The two-day annual event provided the local community with a rare chance to see modern and historic aircraft up close and to meet military members.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 52nd Aircraft Mainentance Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, prepare to recieve aircraft at Łask Air Base, Poland, January 4, 2022. For 60 years, NATO Air Policing has been an enduring peacetime collective defensive mission that safeguards the integrity of NATO alliance members airspace.

Airmen with the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, provide aircraft familiarization training to ten firefighters from Latvia and Lithuania at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. This training gives firefighters experience hands-on with the F-16 airframe in case of emergency response.

A maintenance recovery team from the 910th Airlift Wing tows a C-130H Hercules aircraft out of a hangar at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Jan. 11, 2022. The C-130 was grounded by an Air Mobility Command time compliance technical order on Sept. 27, 2022, while conducting an aerial spray mission at MHAFB. The 910th AW dispatched a maintenance recovery team to inspect and repair the C-130 for its return to service and trip home.

A decommissioned F-16D fighter jet is prepared to be lifted during a Crash Damage or Disabled Aircraft Recovery training exercise, June 11, 2022, at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Lower Township, New Jersey. Members of the 177th Fighter Wing, the 108th Wing, the 305th Air Mobility Wing, and the 150th Special Operations Squadron were provided the training opportunity to recover a simulated downed aircraft in the event of a forced landing. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Airman 1st Class Darion Boyd)

Airmen from the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings pose for a group photo in front of a C-17 Globemaster III in Portland, Oregon before taking off to support the Oregon International Air Show May 21. The Oregon International Air Show has been the State of Oregons largest aviation event since 1988.

Senior Airman Najani Palomino guides fellow 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Tech. Sgt. Evan Henry, as he drives a maintenance lift to attach engine covers on a C-17 Globemaster III at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 5, 2024. Engine covers are important to prevent ice accumulation and ensure optimal engine performance by protecting sensitive components from cold weather-related damage.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dalton White, a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster, steps onto his aircraft before an aerial refueling mission on Joint Base Charleston, SC, May 24, 2022. Aircrew members routinely perform low-level procedures, aerial refueling, and touch and go maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their proficiency and mission readiness.

020604-F-1166S-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Stephanie Reyes (right), 502nd Air Base Wing honorary commander, receives a tour in a T-38 from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Williams (left), 560th Flying Training Squadron commander, during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt Marcello Lindo, 512th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assigned to Dover Air Force, Delaware, flying crew chief, center, poses for a photo at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Dec. 9, 2022. Lindo and other members from the 512th arrived at Tyndall to load an F-22 Raptor onto a C-5 Galaxy to be taken to Hill AFB, Utah.

A Dutch Combat Controller and a Latvian Special Operations Forces member control aircraft during Special Operations Air-Land Integration training near Daugavpils, Latvia, June 28, 2023. It is not only about having the right forces and capabilities in place throughout the theater, but also about exercising our ability to quickly receive and integrate those forces with those of our Allies and Partners.

Senior Airman Chelsea Lewis, 493rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, observes a U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II during exercise Falcon Strike 2022 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, Nov. 15, 2022. Falcon Strike 22 consisted of multiple NATO nations practicing joint offensive and defensive air operations that integrated fourth and fifth-generation airpower.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Anabel Del Valle, 325th Fighter Wing public affairs journeyman, documents flight line operations during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

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 26, 2022 . Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work alongside Allies and partners in joint and coalition operations and exercises.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, walk to an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gregg Olson, director, Marine Corps Staff, is greeted by Col. Mark Bortnem, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. After arriving, Olson and his spouse, Mrs. Dawn Olson, toured the F-35 simulator, Laurel Bay Military Housing, and other areas around the base. Marines were given the opportunity to dine and speak with Olson.

The Interior Alaska Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps visits 168th Wing as part of summer camp and learns about the 168th Wing, pilot, boom operator, aircraft maintenance, security forces, and civil engineering missions. The Interior JROTC cadets are students at West Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC, Lathrop High School Army JROTC, Eielson Air Force Base High School Air Force JROTC, and North Pole High School Air Force JROTC.

Staff Sgt. Noah Pascarella, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics technician, poses for a photo in front of a C-5M Super Galaxy, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 1, 2022. Pascarella was deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, during Operation Allies Refuge in 2021.

The 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron works hand in hand with Airmen from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to load more than 90,000 pounds of humanitarian aid bound for Pakistan, September 9, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. In total, approximately 1.4 million pounds of aid items were supplied from ADAB.

Soldiers and airmen from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command arrive on the flight line in Tbilisi, Georgia, Aug. 18. The 21st is part of European Commands (EUCOM) Joint Humanitarian Assistance Assessment Team and are working closely with other elements of the federal government, international governments, aid agencies and the Republic of Georgia to help bring aid to the Georgian people. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ricky A. Bloom

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, conduct a simulated casualty exercise on the flight line at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 19, 2022 while participating in the Raging Gunfighter exercise. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing and its Airmen for potential future operations in accordance with the National Defense Strategy

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Victor Hawkins, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, talks with Capt. Anthony Demarzo, 13th Fighter Squadron pilot, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. RF-A, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise, provides a unique opportunity to integrate various joint and multilateral forces in a realistic threat environment. Primarily taking place in the more than 77,000 square mile airspace of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the exercises reinforce the United States' continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific region as a Pacific nation, leader and power.

A Foden 8X6 DROPS IMMLC (Improved Medium Mobility Load Carrier) logistic support truck hauls away a cargo container delivered by the British Royal Air Force C-130 during JOINT ENDEAVOR. The container contains supplies and materials to be used by British troops deployed as part of the Implementation Forces (IFOR) who are enforcing the Dayton Peace Accord. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Split Country: Croatia (HRV)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flight line after arriving from Guam here March 29. The C-17 carried water pumps and hoses to help stabilize the nuclear power plant in Japan in support of Operation Tomodachi.

A 920th Rescue Wing Airman prepares to taxi an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft 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.

509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintainers and crew chiefs, prepare B-2 Stealth Bombers for Operation Odyssey Dawn March 19, 2011.

U.S. Airmen from the 9th Air Refueling Squadron from Travis Air Force Base, California, pose for a photo alongside a KC-10 Extender Jan. 11, 2024, at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The aircraft, with tail number 79-1946, was designated as the 9th ARSs flagship because of its history with the squadron. The aircrew delivered the KC-10 to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG).

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and 3d Marine Division load equipment onto a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force drill on Okinawa, Japan, initiating the deployment of the divisions Forward Command Element participating in KAMANDAG 6 in the Philippines, Sept. 27, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

041109-F-9528H-001. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Technical Sergeant Casis Agustin, 56th Aerial Port Squadron, marshals cargo from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing's C-141Starlifter. Due to repairs to the runway at Fairchild AFB, the 92d Air Refueling Wing has relocated their flying operations to March ARB. Technical Sergeant Casis Agustin, 56th Aerial Port Squadron, marshals cargo from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing's C-141Starlifter. Due to repairs to the runway at Fairchild AFB, the 92d Air Refueling Wing has relocated their flying operations to March ARB

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 355th Maintenance Group wait to marshal an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

Airmen with the 167th Maintenance Group's inspection section move a small peice of aircraft stand into place uring a unit training assembly at Martinsburg, West Virginia, Aug. 7, 2022. The new aircraft stands are designed to help expedite C-17 aircraft maintenance by maximizing access to higher portions of the plane. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy Sencindiver)

041112-F-3715H-105. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Micaela Walger, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162, waits for instruction at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-162 prepared personnel and aircraft in support of a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. VMM-162 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force participate in a joint training session with Belgian firefighters on the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen aircraft June 23, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium.

030519-F-0681L-017. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings pose for a group photo in front of a C-17 Globemaster III in Portland, Oregon before taking off to support the Oregon International Air Show May 21. The Oregon International Air Show has been the State of Oregons largest aviation event since 1988.

Medium shot. Major General Joe Wehrle, Joint Task Force Commander of Operation Atlas Response, 3rd Air Force Commander, Royal Air Force, Mildenhall, surveys the scenes at the International Airport in Maputo, Mozambique where a good portion of the relief airlift missions are originating, as a C-130 from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, taxis in to be loaded with humanitiarian relief supplies on 17 March 2000. Operation Atlas Response, is a Humanitarian Aid Operation to help the people of Mozambique, after severe flooding displaced over a million people from their homes. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Maputo State: Inhambane Country: Mozambique (MOZ)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Sondergard, 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on a KC-10 extender at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 10, 2022. Sondergard received brain surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation, and later suffered losses to both memory, speech, and motor skills due to a stroke. Recovered, Sondergard returned to his duties as a Crew Chief and hobby as an avid powerlifter.

Senior Airman Kris Lewis, of the 41st Aerial Port Squadron, loads cargo onto an 815th Airlift Squadron C-130J at Keesler Air Force Base, 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.

Senior Airman Kris Lewis, of the 41st Aerial Port Squadron, loads cargo onto an 815th Airlift Squadron C-130J at Keesler Air Force Base, 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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 75th Fighter Generation Squadron carry a weapon to load onto an A-10C Thunderbolt II during a third quarter load crew competition at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 7, 2022. During these quarterly competitions, participants are required to do a uniform inspection, take a written exam and perform loading duties.

Airmen from the 436th Aerial Port Squadron assist in loading ammunition onto a commercial plane bound for Ukraine during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 21, 2022. The Department of Defense is providing Ukraine with critical capabilities to defend against Russian aggression under the Ukraine Security Assistance initiative.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Hernandez, 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, hands off a fuel hose to Royal Australian Air Force Corporal Tyron Houston, No. 2 Squadron aircraft technician, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2022. The U.S.-Australia alliance is an anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and worldwide.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron secure cargo onto a flatbed trailer, following an off-station agile combat employment training operation at King Fahad Air Base, Jan. 12, 2023. The 378th Air Expeditionary Wing conducted the ACE training operation in coordination with RSAF partners to strengthen military-to-military relationships, improve interoperability and promote regional stability.

Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force talk about emergency rescue procedures on a JASDF Mitsubishi F-2 as part of a trilateral firefighter training during Cope North 24 on Pacific Regional Training Center-Andersen, Feb. 14, 2024. During the training the JASDF firefighters discussed hazards, aircraft entry, engine shut-down procedures and emergency rescue procedures on an F-2 and F-15, all of which are vital to secure agile combat employment operations. Air Force

A sailor from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam looks on as another sailor and a 41st Airlift Squadron Airman conduct a Hot Pit refueling of a C-130J Super Hercules during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, November 3, 2022. Hot Pit refueling occurs when an aircraft is fueled immediately after landing, while the aircraft keeps one engine running.

A U.S. Airman with 15th Wing, ground guides a U.S. Marine Corps Humvee into a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III attached to 15th Wing during exercise Bougainville II at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 31, 2022. 3d Marine Littoral Regiment interdicted a notional adversary maritime surface platform to set conditions for joint force follow on actions. BVII is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment. 3d MLRs Bougainville II is integrated into the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training rotation 23-01 that strengthens defense relationships, fosters multinational interoperability, increase readiness, and reinforces the unified regional land power network of the Joint Force. This rotation of JPRMC includes participants from all U.S joint services as

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Titus Johnson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician, marshals an F-35 Lightning II after its arrival for The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 21, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people 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 Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Airman 1st Class Ian Storm, 145th Airlift Wing loadmaster, stands to the side of a C-17 Globemaster III at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 23, 2022. Storm assisted with the transport of 47 Airmen from the 104th Fighter Wing and 174th Attack Wing to Honolulu, Hawaii to complete training at Tripler Army Medical Center.

US Air Force Captain Leland Bohannon, a C-5 pilot from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, deployed here as a French linguist, introduces French Air Force officers to the crew of a C-17 Globemaster that arrived today to participate in this French Air Base 25, Istres, Air Show. The C-17 is from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, temporarily assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. CPT Bohannon is serving a 90-day deployment as a linguist with the 16th Expeditionary Operations Group, a small US Air Force detachment on the base. The B-1B Lancer bomber and two F-15E Strike Eagles will also be on display at the air show. Base: Istres Country: France (FRA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing conduct a foreign object and debris (FOD) walk at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Nov. 1, 2022. The FOD walk was conducted in coordination with the Royal Saudi Air Force to ensure the flight line was clear of any debris, which could cause damage to aircraft and impede air operations.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 and members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force refuel an MV-22B Osprey during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto airport, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

U.S. Air Force Airmen direct Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines (5/11), 1st Marine Division, off of a C-17 Globemaster III with 6th Airlift Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 27, 2022. Marines with 5/11 integrated with the squadron to gain proficiency in transporting tactical vehicles. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jailine L. AliceaSantiago)

Senator Shelley Moore Capito toured the 130th Airlift Wing, located on McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, Monday, October 24, 2022. During her visit, Senator Capito was briefed on the air wings conversion progress from C-130H model aircraft to C-130J-30 aircraft, which has been ongoing for more than a year, and toured the 130ths Engine Rebuild Repair Facility where specialized mechanics rebuild C-130H engines for the Department of Defense. Senator Capito also received a briefing on the capabilities of the 167th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.

An Air Force Crew CHIEF from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing, salutes a KC-10A Extender as it departs for a refueling mission, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The K-10s refueled B-2 Spirits, B-1 Lancers and B-52 Stratofortress bombers since the beginning of the operation. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 28th AEW

041202-F-2034C-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM / ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udied Country: Qatar (QAT)

OSIRIS-REx Sample Return. Recovery team members load a container with the science canister from NASAs OSIRIS-REx mission onto a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at the Department of Defense's Utah Test and Training Range. The sample was collected from the asteroid Bennu in October 2020 by NASAs OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

Airmen from the 705th Munitions Squadron load a B-52H Stratofortress with AGM-86B Air-Launch Cruise Missiles during Prairie Vigilance, an exercise conducted by the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 16, 2022. The ALCMs are unloaded from the aircraft prior to their take-off. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th BWs ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

020502-F-6278K-225. Base: Channel Islands Ang Station State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines assigned to Company I, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/2, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, board an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced), at King Faisal Air Base in Jordan, June 14, 2013. Exercise Eager Lion 2013 is an annual, multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and enhance security and stability in the region by responding to modern-day security scenarios. The 26th MEU is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, greets his ground crew before a flight in a B-2 Spirit bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 6, 2022. Hokanson visited Whiteman to leran how the 131st and 509th bomb wings combine to accomplish the B-2 mission from ground to air.

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