Military Aircraft Operations

Images depict various military aircraft, including preparation, loading of munitions, and preflight checks. The scenes convey a sense of activity on military airbases and carriers.

A Marine A-6A Intruder aircraft loaded with bombs, is given a last minute check prior to take-off. This is part of Operation CAX 1-2-82, held at the Marine Corps Air-to-Ground Combat Center. Subject Operation/Series: CAX 1-2-82 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-7E Corsair II aircraft is prepared for a flight during aircraft launch and recovery operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Ground crew members load a Mark 82 500-pound laser-guided bomb on an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during exercise COPE ELITE '81. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE '81 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crew member from the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron does preflight inspections on an EF-111A Raven aircraft inside a shelter. The aircraft is one of four EF-111As being deployed to Turkey in support of Operation Provide Comfort. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Raf Upper Heyford Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

DF-ST-85-01344. Subject Operation/Series: AIR WARRIOR Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F-5E Tiger II aircraft, painted in a camouflage paint scheme and exhibiting the Libyan national insignia, undergoes a preflight check prior to an air combat maneuvers training session with air crews of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left front view of an A-6 Intruder aircraft (wings folded) from the Marine All-Weather Medium Attack Squadron 224 (VMA (AW)-224) parked on the flight line. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Marine A-6A Intruder aircraft loaded with bombs, is given a last minute check prior to take-off. This is part of Operation CAX 1-2-82, held at the Marine Corps Air-to-Ground Combat Center. Subject Operation/Series: CAX 1-2-82 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ABC News cameraman films news reporter Sylvia Chase as she climbs into the backseat of an F-15B Eagle aircraft during the joint Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and US Air Force exercise COPE NORTH 84-1. Chase and a film crew are at the base to gather information for an upcoming "20/20" segment on the defense of Japan. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-1 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-85-01345. Subject Operation/Series: AIR WARRIOR Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142) F-14A Tomcat aircraft misses the arresting wire on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Flight deck crew personnel work to secure an A-7E Corsair II aircraft after an emergency barricade landing on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). The Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) aircraft was returning from a mission over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm when a problem with the nose gear was detected. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

Mar 1992...A Navy plane handler gives the traditional salute to a departing F-14 Tomcat aircraft crew leaving on a mission. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-06348. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-87-06092. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DN-ST-85-07151. Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-ST-89-08968. Base: USS Lexington (AVT 16)

DF-ST-88-05646. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

DN-SC-85-11108. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

A Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft lands at a desert airfield during Operation Desert Shield. VF-32 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), which is operating in the Red Sea. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A left rear view of a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 209 (VAQ-209) EA-6B Prowler aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An underside view of a Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on a combat air patrol (CAP) during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is carrying four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles under its fuselage and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on each wing pylon.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

Maintenance crewmen from the Eighth Tactical Fighter Wing make a pre-flight check, before the shakedown flight of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft that was recently transferred from another unit. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Plane captain AIRMAN (AN) Mary Garcia, of Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), checks the undercarriage of a TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft during the preflight inspection. Other plane captains and ground crewmen look on. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-14B Tomcat USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) US Navy

DN-SC-86-03622. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) F-14A Tomcat aircraft comes to a stop after catching the arresting cable on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). The plane is piloted by CAPT. William B. Hayden, the LINCOLN's commanding officer. Country: Caribbean Sea

A pilot is strapped into the cockpit of an A-7E Corsair II aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) during operation El Dorado, a retaliatory strike on Libyan terrorist targets. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION EL DORADO Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-ST-87-02966. Base: Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads Country: Puerto Rico (PRI)

960910-F-0954H-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft sits parked on the edge of the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

The pilot of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, assigned to th e 356th Tactical Fighter Squadron, climbs out of the cockpit of his aircraft after completing a fire support mission during training exercise Team Spirit '83. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '83 Base: Suwon Air Base Country: South Korea

A catapult crewman guides a Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14B Tomcat aircraft into position for launch on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

DN-SC-87-00049. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A view of the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) off the coast of Norway during Teamwork '92, a multinational NATO exercise involving 11 nations. Flight deck aircraft include, clockwise from deck center, an EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft, two F-14A Tomcat fighter aircraft from Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143), a KA-6D Intruder tanker and two A-6E Intruder aircraft, an F/A-18C Hornet strike-fighter aircraft, and two S-3 Viking anti-submarine aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM WORK '92 Country: Norwegian Sea

DN-ST-85-07153. Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A left front ground view of an A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft on the flight line at Armitage Field..

A left front view of a British Jaguar aircraft parked on the flight line during TACTICAL AIR MEET '78. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL AIR MEET '78 Base: Raf Wildenrath Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

F-80C jet fighters fly in formation ca. 1950. Designed in 1944, the F-80C was used as a fighter-bomber in the Korean War, primarily for low-level rocket, bomb, and napalm attacks against ground targets. (BSLOC_2014_11_228)

DN-ST-85-00694. Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4) Country: North Sea

US Navy (USN) Aviation Electricians Mate, AIRMAN (AEAN) White, Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124), Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, performs pre-flight check prior to F-14D acceptance flight at NAS Miramar. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-90-01078. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An inert GBU-12 Mark 82 500-lb. laser-guided bomb. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-02933. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-03382. Subject Operation/Series: DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-90-04293. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4E Skyhawk aircraft and a Marine Fighter Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft, background, take part in exercise THALAY THAI '89. Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Country: Thailand (THA)

The catapult officer gives the launch signal to the pilot of an Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) A-6E Intruder aircraft on the starboard catapult of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). An AGM-65E Maverick missile is mounted on the port, inboard wing pylon. Base: USS Saratoga (CV 60) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A view of the undercarriage of a Super Entendard aircraft as it approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the French aircraft carrier FOCH (R-99). The FOCH is deployed off the coast of Lebanon. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) A-6E Intruder aircraft comes in for a lands on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

An F/A-18A Hornet aircraft taxis on the flight deck during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). The Hornet's wing tips and tail fins exhibit the high visibility paint scheme of the Naval Air Weapons Center. Country: Unknown

DN-SN-87-11717. Base: Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay Country: Cuba (CUB)

A left side view of an EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). The aircraft is assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A catapult officer signals for the launch of an Attack Squadron 196 (VA-196) A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Gulf Of Oman

DN-ST-88-04801. Base: USS America (CV 66)

A Norwegian-made Mark 3 Penguin air-to-surface missile attached to the wing pylon of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Hr.Ms fly camp vessel. Karel Doorman (2) (1948-1968), A / B during journey from Smaleeld 5, consisting of Hr.Ms. Karel Doorman, Gelderland, Amsterdam and Sea Lion, to Lounyport, Key West, Tampa, Netherlands Antilles, Guantanamo and Bermuda

An EA-6B Prowler aircraft from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 140 (VAQ-140) is launched from the flight deck of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Unknown

An Attack Squadron 128 (VA-128) A-6E Intruder aircraft lines up on a catapult for launch as steam clears from a previous launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61).. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

DN-SC-87-10234. Country: Unknown

Three Ecuadoran air force Jaguar International aircraft taxi to a maintenance area after a flight during the joint Ecuadoran/U.S. exercise Blue Horizon '86. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HORIZON '86 Base: Taura Air Base Country: Ecuador (ECU)

A 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle aircraft taxis past a West German F-86 Sabre aircraft during the joint US-West German exercise CORONET FANG '89. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET FANG '89 Base: Wittmundhaven Air Base Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

DN-ST-86-11143. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A right front view of six AV-8A Harrier aircraft lined up on the deck of the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An air-to-air right side view of a Fleet Composite Squadron 12 (VC-12) TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft and a Fighter Squadron 202 (VF-202) F-4 Phantom II aircraft in formation. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-88-00637. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A S-3 Viking from Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron Twenty-two (VS-22), "Checkmates", flies over the Arabian Gulf in support of a mission during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW) to enforce the southern Iraq "No Fly Zone." The squadron is currently embarked on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of OSW. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

DN-SN-89-04668. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point Country: Philippines (PHL)

A Fighter Squadron 142 (VF-142) F-14A Tomcat aircraft taxis out of the landing zone after touching down on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Visitors inspect a Navy F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) during a Department of Defense Joint Services Open House. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Air Force F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft taxis in front of hangar #5. The F-16A is from the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and is at the Marine Corps Air Station to fly with Marine F-4 Phantom aircraft in support of Hawaii-based Army units during a joint chiefs of staff exercise which will last from Oct. 2nd to Nov. 2nd. Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Parked A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are ready for use during exercise Bright Star '82. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Base: Cairo West Air Base State: Al Qahirah Country: Egypt (EGY)

Three-quarter left front view of a Republic F-84 E with external fuel tanks on the wings, taxiing near the hardstand, somewhere in Korea. In the foreground, a ground crewman directs the pilot. A ladder and some chalks lie on the ground next to the ground crewman. In the background, bombs and support equipment are visible.

The pilot of a Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft waits as his plane captain directs the removal of tie-down chains from the aircraft during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66). The aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) are departing from the ship to return to their home bases after being deployed aboard the AMERICA for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The AMERICA and its battle group will return to Naval Station, Norfolk, Va., on April 18th. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SN-86-10298. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DF-ST-85-13425. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Operation Gunsmoke '81 judges observe ground crewman as they prepare bombs for loading onto an F-4 Phantom II aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '81 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 3 (HS-3) SH-3H Sea King helicopters, and A-6E Intruder aircraft line the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) as the vessel is underway in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Red Sea

DM-SC-88-09390. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two soldiers from the 1181st Transportation Terminal Unit hold up the tail of a UH-1H Iroquois helicopter as it is towed onto the Saudi Arabian roll-on/roll-off cargo ship SAUDI HAIL during loading operations at Blount Island Terminal. Helicopters and support equipment of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are being loaded aboard the Saudi Hail for transport to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Italian air force pilot talks to some visitors as he stands beside an MB-339A trainer/ground attack aircraft at a static display of NATO aircraft. The display is being held in conjunction with the NATO Southern Region exercise DRAGON HAMMER '90. Subject Operation/Series: DRAGON HAMMER '90 Country: Italy (ITA)

An air-to-air right side view of two A-7 Corsair aircraft assigned to Light Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) on the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A right side view of a U.S. Navy SH-3 Sea King helicopter as it hovers above the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41) during Hong Kong Exercise Search and Rescue '82. Subject Operation/Series: SEARCH AND RESCUE '82 Base: USS Midway (CV 41) Country: Hong Kong (HKG)

Servicing equipment is positioned beside a Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft as it stands on the flight line. The aircraft, armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, is painted in a camouflage paint scheme for use in an aggressor role. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-08960. Base: USS Lexington (AVT 16)

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron Thirty-Seven (VFA-37) performs a training mission prior to being stationed on board USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) (not shown). Country: Unknown

DN-ST-87-02967. Base: Naval Station, Roosevelt Roads Country: Puerto Rico (PRI)

A left front view of a Marine Light Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231) AV-8B Harrier aircraft with a camouflage paint scheme during pre-flight operations. The Harrier is equipped with two napalm bombs on its left wing. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-4 Skyhawk aircraft, Fleet Composite Squadron Five (VC-5) lands after a training mission. This squadron is one of seven taking part in TEAM SPIRIT '84, a joint/combined operation designed to test and improve techniques to defend the Republic of Korean Peninsula and increase combat readiness of Republic of Korea and US armed forces. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT 84 Base: Taegu Air Base Country: Korea

A ground crewman stands by as the pilot and co-pilot in a T-33 Shooting Star aircraft prepare for takeoff during Exercise COPE THUNDER 83-7. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 83-7 Country: Philippines (PHL)

A right rear view of two RF-4C Phantom II aircraft of Marine PHOTO Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VMFP-3) over the Marine Corps Air Station during a training mission. Base: Marine Corps Air Station El Toro State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of an F-4G Phantom II aircraft taking off. The aircraft, from the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, is carrying an AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missile. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon from the 322 Squadron probably at Leeuwarden airbase.

Front view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft as men from the 8th Tactical Fighter Wind load Mark 82 500-pound bombs aboard during Exercise Team Spirit '82. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '82 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA(AW)-121) F/A-18D Hornet aircraft is de-iced on the flight line prior to a preflight check. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A right side view of an AV-8A Harrier aircraft beginning its takeoff aboard the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

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