Military Aircraft Operations

Images depicting various military aircraft in action, showcasing takeoffs and landings. The overall mood is dynamic with a mix of cloudy skies and military readiness.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 191st Air Refueling Group, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, arrives at Sawyer International Airport, Marquette, Michigan, in support of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training as multi-capable Airmen during the Northern Agility 22-1 exercise, June 27, 2022. Northern Agility 22-1 tests the rapid insertion of an Air Expeditionary Wing into a bare-base environment, to establish logistics and communications and enhance the ability to operate in austere environments.

STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly, center, along with his crew speaks to the media following their arrival to Kennedy Space Center, Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left are Mission Specialists Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel, Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, Mission Specialist Mike Fincke and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori. The six astronauts for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) in T-38 jets early Tuesday afternoon.

An aircrew prepares a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft for take-off July 13, 2022, at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis. In a rare training event at Fort McCoy, aircrew with the Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., flew a pair of MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft July 12-14 at the installation for aerial gunnery training at the impact area on North Post.

Two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers take flight at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. on 16 Jan. for Red Flag 24-1. Red Flag is an annual exercise organized at Nellis AFB and hosted on the Nevada Test and Training Range, the U.S. Air Force's premier military training area with more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot lands an F-35 Lighting II during the Misawa Air Fest at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. The air show gave community members an opportunity to see various aircraft, meet military personnel and observe ground and aerial demonstrations, encompassing the power of the joint and bilateral forces. This years aerial demonstrations included the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and JASDF F-35A Lightning II, Mitsubishi F-2, a CH-47J and UH-60 helicopter alongside a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.

Three CH-47F Chinook helicopters assigned to Bravo Company Big Windy, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade approach the Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, June 14, 2022. The 1-214th GSAB spent over three months in Poland working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

DF-ST-86-12833. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220420-N-CR843-0014 MISAWA, Japan (April 20, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, takes off from Misawa Air Base on a mission in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, April 20. VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

A formation of 48 F-35A Lightning IIs and 12 F-16s during a routine readiness exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 25, 2022. The formation demonstrated the 354th Fighter Wings ability to rapidly mobilize fifth-generation aircraft in arctic conditions.

Aviation Training Center - Mobile Aircrew - Aftermath and Rescue - 26-HK-278-246. Hurricane Katrina

230124-N-MU675-2283 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 24, 2023) Visitors watch an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, perform a touch-and-go during a friends and family day on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

DN-ST-89-11297. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Several C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft line up on the flightline at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 25, 2022. The 37th Airlift Squadron was created in 1942 at Patterson Field, Ohio, and has participated in many operations throughout its history. The squadron celebrated their lineage by participating in events which have brought them fame for 80 years. The 37th AS celebrated their 80th anniversary with various events that highlighted their history spanning from the Invasion of Normandy to Operation Desert Storm and recently with Operation Allied Refuge.

041013-F-9209C-006. Base: Passage Key Island State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-09607. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, finishes his final flight in his Army career on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. CW5 Rolando Sanchez, 10th CAB Command Chief Warrant Officer, also conducted his last flight with the brigade.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is parked on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Other aircraft participating in the salute include U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The U.S. Army Golden Knights also will demonstrate precision skydiving. The World Space Expo is an event to commemorate humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also is a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Pr

Aerial photograph of the retirement ceremony on the flight line for LT. GEN. Charles E. Franklin, Commander, Electronic Systems Command. Base: Hanscom Air Force Base State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010926-F-4905S-001. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform at the 2022 Sun N' Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 7, 2022. Sun N' Fun was the Thunderbirds' third show of the season and first civillian show of the year.

(220525-N-OI810-0222) KEY WEST, Florida (May 25, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 organize steel fence posts into a scrap pile during a tennis court demolition at Boca Chica Field, Naval Air Station Key West (NASKW), May 25, 2022. Seabees assigned to NMCB-14 travelled to NASKW to perform on-site training and assist with facility and compound maintenance. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

DF-ST-88-06822. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

A line of C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing taxi to the runway at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2022. The formation flight was part of the 757th Airlift Squadron's annual TAC week, a condensed week of flight training highlighted by a six-aircraft formation flight.

Aircrews with the Minnesota National Guard operate UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters Oct. 27, 2022, at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy, Wis. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well. Five Minnesota National Guard Black Hawks were at the airport Oct. 27.

031110-F-3488S-133. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 conduct a three MV-22B Osprey launch at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMM-365 demonstrated the readiness they provide to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by ensuring their MV-22B Ospreys are ready to deploy at a moments notice. VMM-365 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Commander Dan Taylor - Rescue - 26-HK-281-15. Hurricane Katrina

DN-SC-88-02000. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to North Carolina: Aerial Views, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Aerial view of Fort Pope Air Force Base, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Photo reportage of a demonstration flight with a General Dynamics F-16A with Captain Flyer G. Booij for a Vara television crew.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III is loaded with munitions 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.

DF-ST-86-12956. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

After a mostly rainy day, a beautiful sunset is shown over Fort McCoy, Wis., on June 15, 2022, at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on South Post. And adding to the scene is a C-130 Hercules aircraft. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the U.S. Air Force's airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. (Photo by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

An aircrew with the Minnesota National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on Oct. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well. Five Minnesota National Guard Black Hawks were at the airport Oct. 27.

An aerial view of the tarmac and hangar facilities of the North Carolina Army National Guard, Army Aviation Support Facility, located at Raleigh, North Carolina. A US Army UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, and an Air National Guard C-26A aircraft are parked on the tarmac. Base: Raleigh State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Salvage Engineering Response Team - Various Operations - 26-HK-358-31. Overflight. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, taxis on the flightline during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 29, 2022. Exercises and operations incorporating ACE concepts ensure forward-deployed forces in the Indo-Pacific are ready to protect and defend the United States and its allied and partner interests at a moments notice

DF-SC-88-10060. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A scene of Equipment Park is shown Jan. 4, 2024, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Equipment Park is inside the installations historic Commemorative Area. The Equipment Park is an outdoor display of historic and present-day equipment representative of the types used on the installation. The design of the park allows for display of 70 pieces of equipment, ranging from helicopters and howitzers to trucks and trailers. The Commemorative Area also consists of five World War II-era buildings set aside to help tell Fort McCoys unique story. These facilities are representative of the types found in the cantonment area when it was constructed in 1942.

DF-ST-86-11897. Base: Norton Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A hangar used during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at Avon Park, Florida, July 25, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KAI T-50 Golden Eagles assigned to the 53rd Air Demonstration Group, Black Eagles, taxi at Kunsan Air Base, ROK, Sept. 28, 2022. A routine demonstration for the Black Eagles consists of a team of eight aircraft and approximately 30 maneuvers.

Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KAI T-50 Golden Eagles assigned to the 53rd Air Demonstration Group, Black Eagles, taxi at Kunsan Air Base, ROK, Sept. 28, 2022. A routine demonstration for the Black Eagles consists of a team of eight aircraft and approximately 30 maneuvers.

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-434-163. Hurricane Katrina

A view of a CH-3 helicopter (1) and two SH-3 Sea King helicopters on the helipad at Wallace Air Station, Poro Point, San Fernando. The SH-3's are assigned to Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5). Country: Philippines (PHL)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, May 13, 2022. The 65th Air Base Group at Lajes, known as the Crossroads of the Atlantic, provides an important mid-Atlantic link for U.S. and Allied forces traveling to and from Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

An aerial view of Naval Air Statioin Cecil Field. Base: Naval Air Station, Cecil Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 36th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon taxies on the Suwon Air Base, Republic of Korea, flightline June 2, 2022. This is was the first time U.S. aircraft had landed at Suwon AB in several years.

Exercise operations are shown Aug. 11, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis., for the Air Force operations in the 2022 Patriot Warrior Exercise. The exercise took place in August 2022 at Fort McCoy at mainly the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on South Post at the installation. Hundreds of Airmen participated in the exercise, including Airmen with the 908th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 433rd Airlift Wing, 934th Airlift Wing, 349th Air Mobility Wing, and 514th Air Mobility Wing. Patriot Warrior is Air Force Reserve Commands premier exercise providing Airmen an opportunity to train with joint and international partners in airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and mobility support.

Students from Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School tour the 104th Fighting Wing May 6, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Students were given the opportunity to flow water through the fire engines. The students visited the Fire Department, Security Forces Squadron, and the Logistics Readiness Squadron. The 104FW public affairs team has an annual base tour program April - October open to community youth groups and local employers to strengthen partnerships. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

DF-SC-88-01001. Base: Stockbridge State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An airman assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana National Guard, fires a burst of 30mm rounds from GAU Avenger cannon on the A-10 Thunderbolt Jet at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center during Northern Strike 15, July 28, 2015. NS 15 is an annual training exercise that assesses air-to-ground capability of U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine units around the country and military personnel from Canada, Latvia, Poland and Australia.

Three U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing taxis on the runway upon arrival at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Agile Combat Employment training, June 4, 2022. ACE presents layers of operational unpredictability to an adversarys strategic decision making.

A lone U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 14th Fighter Squadron takes off at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, at the start of RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 Oct. 10, 2022. The 14th Fighter Squadron was first activated during World War II and is currently stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

981209-F-4190S-008. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT THUNDER 2 Base: Nav Sup Activity, Diego Garcia Country: British Indian Ocean Territory (IOT)

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. (Sept.8, 2022) The Navy Blue Angels arrived here today in preparation for the Smoky Mountain Airshow being held Sept. 10 and 11. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Melissa Dearstone)

An aerial view of Andrews Air Force Base. State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-126-9. Hurricane Katrina

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet takes off during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2022. In addition to providing a unique opportunity for aircrew to train over the 77,000 square mile Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, RF-A also provides training for maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, holds a regimental relief ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Marcos Cordero, on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 21, 2022.

An aerial view of Naval Air Station Cubi Point. Base: Luzon Country: Republic Of The Philippines (PHL)

130th Airlift Wing's C-130 flies over the State Capitol Complex. 130th Airlift Wing's C-130 flies over the State Capitol Complex .

Air show attendees watch a performer fly during the Thunder and Lightning over ArizonaAir Show at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 26, 2023. Thunder and Lightning overArizona is an open house airshow for community members to be involved with and learn aboutthe mission at DM.

Fire protection specialists assigned to the 509th Civil Engineering Squadron conduct a training demonstration for a group of kindergarteners from Whiteman Elementary School during a base field trip on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, May 4, 2022. The students toured various facilities on base receiving demonstrations from security forces and the fire department.

Members of the Fire department and members of the 99th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), show their appreciation to fellow airman returning from a six-month deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Tora, Tora, Tora finishes their performance with a boom during the Frontiers in Flight Air Show at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 25, 2022. The air show featured 12 performers including Tora Tora Tora, an A-10 demonstration, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to name a few. An air show, also known as an open house, is a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. Wichita, home to McConnell AFB, is known as the Air Capital of the World, the birthplace of some very famous airframes.

The 114th Fighter Wings 75th Anniversary F-16 Fighting Falcon Heritage Jet static display sits on the flightline at the Ellsworth Air & Space Show - Raider Country Open House event, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, May 14, 2022. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team headlined the two-day event.

Commander Dan Taylor - Rescue - 26-HK-281-86. Hurricane Katrina

040603-F-5508G-004. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Air Force members and civilians participate during a Major Accident Response Exercise, Mar. 30, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. MAREs demonstrate JBSAs Disaster Response Forces ability to assess and respond to an aircraft mishap. The 502nd Air Base Wing worked alongside the Schertz Fire Department, 12th Flying Training Wing and the 59th Medical Wing validate the necessary support during a simulated accident.

220423-N-DM318-1228 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Apr. 23, 2022) An CMV-22B Osprey, carrying the U.S. ambassador to Japan, The Honorable Rahm Emanuel, Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, Navy Region Japan/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, lands on Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi following an official visit, to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). (NAF) Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

A view of an airfield during Fuerzas Unidas Bolivia, a joint U.S. and Bolivian training exercise. The Andes Mountains are in the background. Subject Operation/Series: FUERZAS UNIDAS BOLIVIA Base: La Paz Country: Bolivia (BOL)

Calais, successful crossing of migrants to England on Saturday January 28, 2023 Calais beach, during day.. Helpless police on the beach

A close-up view of the main gate. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Joanna Mitchell, left, Air Boss for the Singapore Airshow 2024, stands with Lt. Col. William Yoakley, Deputy Air Boss for SA2024, in front of the airshow entrance sign at the Changi Airbase East, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 19, 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the event with aerial demonstrations and static displays as an opportunity to sharpen ties with Singapore. Air Force

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