Military Aircraft Operations

Large military cargo aircraft on tarmacs, being serviced and prepped for operations, showcasing strategic air support capabilities.

January 19, 2012 - U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III is showcased at the 2012 Bahrain International Air Show at Shakir Air Base, Bahrain.

DA-ST-88-05994. Subject Operation/Series: SAND EAGLE '88 Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

991104-F-1663P-001. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030318-F-6449C-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

January 19, 2012 - U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III is showcased at the 2012 Bahrain International Air Show at Shakir Air Base, Bahrain.

A C-5M Super Galaxy is defueled by four R-11 fuel trucks at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 28, 2023. A wet wing defuel removes the fuel from an aircraft and transfers it to a R-11 fuel truck while the engines are still running in order to decrease aircraft ground time.

U.S. Airmen service a KC-10 Extender aircraft at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 12, 2022. Travis AFB is host to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, and the 621st Contingency Response Wing. Travis AFB operates and maintains 18 C-5, 13 C-17 and 26 KC-10 aircraft providing refueling, cargo, and medical evacuation support to rapid mobility operations worldwide.

010920-F-5171M-030. Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III approaches the flightline at Travis Air Force Base, California, March 29, 2023. The C-17 was part of a 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming commemoration flight, which retraced the original mission. Operation Homecoming returned 591 American prisoners of war from Vietnam in 1973.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Baker Battery, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (3-321 FAR), 18th Fires Brigade unload an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a Latvian-led field artillery live-fire exercise, NAMEJS, at Liepāja, Latvia, Sept. 26, 2022. The 3-321 FAR is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

Joint Base Charleston C-17 Globemaster IIIs evacuate to Fort Campbell, KY on Oct. 6, 2016 to continue their mission of rapid global mobility during Hurricane Matthew. Due to Hurricane Matthew, a Limited Evacuation Order of South Carolina Hurricane Evacuation Zones was issued by the Commander, Joint Base Charleston. All Joint Base personnel are expected to evacuate the area and will return once damage is assessed and its safe to return.

030406-F-6449C-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

041204-F-2034C-059. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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

041221-F-9471G-002. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-17 Globemaster III prepares for a flight at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, before leaving to participate in Exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 5, 2022. McChord Airmen are participating in Red Flag-Alaska as part of Exercise Rainier War 22B, which is designed to evaluate and exercise Team McChords ability to generate, employ and sustain Rapid Global Mobility into and in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.

A firefighter in a proximity suit and a member of an Air Force maintenance squadron stand by prior to engine start up tests of a 63rd Military Airlift Wing C-141B Starlifter aircraft. The Starlifter which was badly damaged during a landing mishap in January 1987, is undergoing the final stages of repair before its eventual return to the United States. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airmen complete post-flight procedures on a B-52-H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 1, 2024. Airmen assigned to the 5th AMXS make sure every aircraft is fully operational for its next flight from landing to takeoff. Air Force

Members of the 106th Rescue Wing assigned to New York Air National Guard, prepare to take off for a rescue mission at Lajes, Azores, April 24, 2017, Westhampton Beach, N.Y. The mission is to locate the aircraft and drop para-rescuemen who will board the ship and provide emergency medical care to the crew.

U.S Air Force reservists from Travis Air Force Base, Army National Guard members from Fairfield, and U.S. Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing are participating in Exercise Nexus Rising, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., June 3-5, 2022. Nexus Rising is a readiness exercise designed to test the ability of the 349th Air Mobility Wing to generate, employ and sustain air operations in a simulated combat environment. Missions in NEXUS RISING include air rescue, aeromedical evacuation, airlift for cargo and personnel, aerial refueling deployment processing, aerial port operations, and command and control.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Koe, 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS) HC-130J, Combat King II loadmaster, prepares to board an HC-130J at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 7, 2022, in preparation for a tactical air refueling mission. The 81st ERQS is a rapidly deployable combat search and rescue force that can conduct tactical air refueling, airdrop and airland of personnel and/or equipment during day or night operations in support of combat personnel recovery within Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 734th Air Mobility Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, tow a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy, July 13, 2022 at Andersen AFB. A team of instructors assigned to the 515th Air Mobility Operation Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, trained Airmen assigned at Andersen AFB on aircraft towing, jacking, and air force specialty code specific training. During this training, Airmen not specifically assigned to the C-5 received training and familiarization of the systems and capabilities of the aircraft.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 921st Contingency Response Squadron execute an offload from a C-5M Super Galaxy as the engines are running while a KC-10 Extender flies overhead during Exercise Dragon Spark at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 14, 2022. Exercise Dragon Spark provided units from the 60th Air Mobility Wing and the 621st Contingency Response Wing an opportunity to sync operations in preparation for a national disaster.

A rear view medium shot of a partially shown 25K Loader is ready for use at Hoedspruit AFB, South Africa, after delivery from the 721st Air Mobility Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, by a C-17A Globemaster III, from the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. The equipment will be used during "Operation Atlas Response" to support cargo loading of aircraft distributing relief supplies in Mozambique. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Hoedspruit Air Force Base Country: South Africa (ZAF)

Service members participate in a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The exercise provided an opportunity for cross-platform familiarization training for fuels and crew chiefs who were able to get first-hand experience with multiple platforms they usually would not obtain at their home station.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wade Dailey, 16th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, directs a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck out of a C-17 Globemaster III at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. Airmen from the 16th AS and Soldiers from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade worked together during an iteration of Joint Base Charlestons Mission Oriented Trainer program.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wade Dailey, 16th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, directs a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck out of a C-17 Globemaster III at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. Airmen from the 16th AS and Soldiers from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade worked together during an iteration of Joint Base Charlestons Mission Oriented Trainer program.

040605-F-2022C-041. Base: Cherbourg State: Normandy Country: France (FRA)

041021-F-9429S-017. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS OUTLOOK 2004 Base: Phelps-Collins Angb, Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041119-M-4711R-011. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR 452

000305-F-5772H-529. Subject Operation/Series: ATLAS RESPONSE Base: Hoedspruit Air Force Base Country: South Africa (ZAF)

United States Air Force in Europe MC-130J at RAF Mildenhall, England.

B-52H Stratofortress aircraft await maintenance during the exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 17, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing taxis on the flightline at the 33rd Air Base, Powidz, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The aircraft, and its passengers, will take part in the Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 training (ADR 22-4). The objective of ADR 22-4 is to enhance interoperability and airlift capabilities among allied armed forces through realistic joint, air operation scenarios.

A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing taxis on the flightline at the 33rd Air Base, Powidz, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The aircraft, and its passengers, will take part in the Aviation Detachment Rotation 22-4 training (ADR 22-4). The objective of ADR 22-4 is to enhance interoperability and airlift capabilities among allied armed forces through realistic joint, air operation scenarios.

A C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron, bearing paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepares to depart Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

On Sept. 8, 2022, during a joint force exercise, service members from more than seven military entities across three branches participated in an unprecedented joint force exercise at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

U.S. Air Force Heavies aircraft are parked on the flight line at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 10, 2022. The aircraft participated in exercise Roundel Perun 22-01, testing the ability to employ rapid mobility capabilities during possible real-world scenarios.

040916-F-9429S-022. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. and Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs are parked side-by-side May 12, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Maintenance teams and aircrew members from each nation shared responsibilities on one anothers aircraft throughout training exercise Global Dexterity. The multinational training environment was permitted through an international proclamation known as the 'Interfly Agreement,' enabling bilateral crew members to operate together in the same aircraft.

050225-F-6761G-021. Base: Stewart Air National Guard Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

960801-F-0966E-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-52G Stratofortress aircraft is serviced on the flight line prior to flyng a bombing mission against Iraqi forces during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with M-117 750-pound bombs. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

030324-F-1443F-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Aerial Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall shares a hardstand at its home base in East Anglia, United Kingdom. Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off from Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., Sept. 23, 2006, while performing take-off and landing testing on semi-prepared runways. The first of four test phases was conducted at Fort Hunter Liggett to validate the ability of the aircraft to bring a large force into a wet or dry dirt airfield without making runway condition corrections.

041010-F-0848C-001. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Office of the Secretary (Carlos Gutierrez) - Secretary Gutierrez Visit to Iraq

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft is serviced on the flight line during Operation DESERT SHIELD. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker planes at Pratica di Mare Air Base, Italy.

DN-ST-86-02266. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-52 Stratofortress bomber, 96th Bomb Squadron, lands on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The B-52 is forward deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska after an exercise, Northern Edge 2009, to practice mission planning and war-time procedures. The B-52 bombers are here in support of the U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence in the Asia-Pacific Region.

030402-F-2380C-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., arrive at a simulated contingency location after completing a mission during exercise Bushwhacker 22-07 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., Nov. 3, 2022. Over 300 Airmen participated in BW 22-07, an Agile Combat Employment training exercise. This operational training was a part of the Lead Wing certification process and allowed DM to prepare for the final certification exercise projected to take place in 2023.

Members of the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, exit a West Virginia Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 16, 2022, at Amari Air Base in Harjumaa, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a multinational training exercise designed to demonstrate USAREUR-AFs ability to aggregate US-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe across multiple theaters in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy as well as to leverage host nations capabilities to increase USAREUR-AFs operational reach.

C-5 Galaxy aircraft and other aircraft on the ramp at the airbase during the multinational effort against the Iraq invasion of Kuwait. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Members of the 48th Transportation Squadron unload supplies and equipment from a C-17 aircraft on the RAF Lakenheath flightline returning from the Air Expeditionary Force 4 deployment. The pallets were loaded onto the new 60K 'Tunner.' Named after Lieutenant General William H. Tunner, commander of the Combined Airlift Task Force, which provided supplies to West Berlin during the Berlin Airlift. The $1.5 million Tunner is the military's latest "K Loader," the primary piece of equipment used to load and download cargo from aircraft. The Tunner is capable of holding up to 60,000 pounds or 6 pallet positions of cargo or rolling stock. It can reach speeds up to 24 miles per hour, and can .... Complete Scene Caption: Members of the 48th Transportation Squadron unload supplies and equipment from a C-17 aircraft on the RAF Lakenheath flightline returning from the Air Expeditionary Force 4 deployment. The pallets were loaded onto the new 60K 'Tunner.' Named after Lieutenant General William H.

A US Air Force (USAF) C-17A Globemaster III, 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord Air Force Base (AFB), California (CA), sits on the flightline of Bagram Air Base (AB), Afghanistan, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Juan Marin, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals in a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 1, 2022, following Hurricane Ian. To carry on the rapid global mobility mission, all of Team Charlestons C-17s were either secured in a hangar or relocated prior to the storms landfall.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from Barksdale Air Force Base lands at Chennault International Airport as part of an Agile Combat Employment readiness exercise June 23, 2022 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Agile combat employment shifts generation of airpower from large, centralized bases, to networks of small, dispersed locations to increase survivability, complicate adversary planning and gain an advantage.

U.S. Airmen load pallets holding munitions into a C-17 Globemaster III at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 28, 2022. The United States continues to reaffirm its unwavering support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. In support of this mission, the 60th Aerial Port Squadron transported the most cargo since 2001 and moved the most munitions since the Vietnam War within a two-week period.

U.S. Air Force members with the 68th Airlift Squadron arrive with their C-5M Super Galaxy containing a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and an M1 Abrams for The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 20, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 23 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Maintainers approach C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, January 16, 2024. The Airmen worked despite the snow that covered the flightline.

MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron taxi to the runway to take off for the Flight of the Flock training event at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 5, 2023. The 1st SOS is on-call to conduct specialized mobility operations with the MC-130J, including infiltration, exfiltration and resupply for allied forces in austere environments.

980620-F-2907C-034. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221113-N-IJ992-1021 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Nov. 13, 2022) A Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 P-8A Poseidon aircraft is parked on the apron of Naval Air Station Sigonella with Mt. Etna in the background, Nov. 13, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and central command.

020131-F-8619S-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: RAF Akrotiri Air Base State: Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Country: Cyprus (CYP) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing marshals a C-17 Globemaster III prior to takeoff on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 28, 2022. The aircrew members performed nighttime airdrop maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

U.S. Airmen from the 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 60th Aerial Port Squadron load AE equipment onto a k-loader to move onto a KC-46A Pegasus, assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, for KC-46A training at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 16, 2022. In addition to aerial refueling, the KC-46A can accommodate a mixed load of passengers, aeromedical evacuation and cargo transport.

Two partially disassembled U-21 Beechcraft King Air A100 aircraft are parked in front of a C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The U-21s will be loaded aboard the C-5 for the trip back to the United States. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) demonstrated joint operations with NATO partners across multiple domains at Air Combat Commands (ACC) Forward Operating Location (FOL), Curacao from April 22 -25, 2022. The deployment culminated in three seizures resulting in the confiscation of 1,346 kilograms of cocaine and nine suspects detained.

Flight crew members and test evaluators prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for a ground egress scenario June 28, 2011, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The Air Mobility Command-directed test was used to determine the number of passengers one passenger monitor can safely egress, or evacuate, from an aircraft in 90 seconds.

A right side view of the 92nd Bombardment Wing's new camouflaged B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. These B-52Gs are the first fully camouflaged aircraft of their type. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air Force families tour the Kelly AFB ramp area where a gigantic C-5 Galaxy and an F-16 Fighting Falcon are parked. This image was the cover photograph in the August 1999 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. Base: Kelly Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Airman, assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, marshals a B-1B Lancer during a Bomber Task Force deployment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 3, 2023. BTF missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft of the 552nd Air Control Wing, 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron, is prepared during the early morning hours of Sept. 15, 2018 for a response to Hurricane Florence mission at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The AWACS will provide air control and de-confliction service along the East Coast of the United States as they monitor and control airspace as local, state and federal assets move in to the area to conduct rescue and recovery operations.

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, arrive at a forward operating location at Wendover Air Force Base, Utah, May 20, 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

031005-F-5725S-032. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

041018-F-9429S-011. Base: Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020305-F-6565E-005. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

At night a pair of R-11 fuel trucks refuel a C-17A Globemaster III from McChord AFB, Washington, on the ramp at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. 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 Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

030415-F-1631A-013. Base: Camp Sarafovo, Burgas State: Bourgas Country: Bulgaria (BGR)

A Gray Eagle MQ-1 unmanned aerial vehicle passes in front of a KC-135R Stratotanker during a joint force exercise Sept. 8, 2022 on Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. During the exercise, Polaris Military RZRs that were modified with mobile battle management command and control equipment were able to control the UAV from the ground.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker takes off on a refueling mission on March 26th, 1999. KC-135s and KC-10 Extenders (Not shown) from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, and Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, deployed to Moron AB, Spain, in support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

A NATO E3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) assigned to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, lands after training during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 17, 2022. RF-A 23-1 provides tactical training for the full spectrum of conflict, emphasizing air superiority, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, intelligence coordination, and personnel recovery.

B-52 Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron que on the flightline prior to takeoff at RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, Sept. 21, 2022. The aircraft were part of a Bomber Task Forcewhich is the global employment of U.S. strategic bombers, that provide strategic military advantage to achieve national and combatant commander objectives.

An R11 fuel truck from the 127th Logistics Readiness Squadron refuels a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 127th Air Refueling Group, on the ramp at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Sept.13, 2022. Fully loaded, a KC-135 can hold up to 203,000 pounds of fuel.

020330-F-1894K-021. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

C-17 Globemaster III aircraft stand ready to relocate during preparations for Hurricane Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The base routinely relocates aircraft prior to extreme weather conditions in order to continue the rapid global mobility mission and to prevent potential damage.

C-17 Globemaster III aircraft stand ready to relocate during preparations for Hurricane Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 28, 2022. The base routinely relocates aircraft prior to extreme weather conditions in order to continue the rapid global mobility mission and to prevent potential damage.

U.S Air Force reservists from Travis Air Force Base, Army National Guard members from Fairfield, and U.S. Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing are participating in Exercise Nexus Rising, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., June 3-5, 2022. Nexus Rising is a readiness exercise designed to test the ability of the 349th Air Mobility Wing to generate, employ and sustain air operations in a simulated combat environment. Missions in NEXUS RISING include air rescue, aeromedical evacuation, airlift for cargo and personnel, aerial refueling deployment processing, aerial port operations, and command and control.

DF-ST-87-13136. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Marines, assigned to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), load the rotor of a CH-53K King Stallion onto an Air Force C-17 Globemaster, assigned to 16th Air Lift Squadron, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, June 14, 2022. The CH-53K was recently declared initial operating capable (IOC), a critical milestone in improving capabilities and restructuring Marine Corps aviation for the future fight.

DF-ST-88-03480. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 92nd Air Refueling Wing run to a KC-135 Stratotanker to demonstrate hot pit refueling to the 18th Air Force leadership during their visit to Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Apr. 22, 2022. The purpose of the demonstration was to showcase Team Fairchilds efforts in improving multi-capable Airmen capabilities.

041021-F-9429S-012. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS OUTLOOK 2004 Base: Phelps-Collins Angb, Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041028-F-5637S-005. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Carter Holzerland, a Crew Chief assigned to the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing conducts preflight inspections on a KC-135 Stratotanker in Topeka Kansas, May 19, 2022. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Ter Haar)

011027-F-5795G-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

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