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.

A pilot from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, taxis in an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Sept. 1, 2022. The A-10, affectionally called the Warthog, is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support. The effective and survivable Warthog carries a wide variety of munitions that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. ( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Terry L. Atwell)

020330-F-1894K-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

970217-F-8748C-002. Subject Operation/Series: ASSURED LIFT Base: Roberts International Airport Country: Liberia (LBR)

020330-F-3354H-012. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Airmen prepare a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron to take part in the Cope North 24 multinational exercise to better train and hone U.S. and Allied interoperability at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 9, 2024. Strengthening alliances and attracting new partners creates an asymmetric advantage through access, interoperability, increased partner capacity, and increased domain awareness. Air Force

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon assigned to Naval Air Facility Misawa sits along the flightline as a static display 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 Japan Air Self-Defense Force 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.

Aircrew and maintenance personnel from the 155th Air Refueling Wing perform post-flight operations on the KC-135R Stratotanker, Sept. 7, 2022. Guardsmen and Reserve Citizen Airmen provide critical support throught the USAFE-AFRICA area of operations by deploying to and interacting with a variety of nations.

Long shot. C-5 Galaxy Aircraft Tails lined up on the flightline Dover AFB, Delaware. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

C-130 Hercules from Peoria Air National Guards 182nd Airlift Wing perform air drop maneuvers over the Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan, June 10, 2022. The 124th Fighter Wing along with a number of other guard units is participating in Agile Rage, a guard bureau-led effort to execute on the Air Forces agile combat employment mission.

Airmen assigned to the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron petroleum, oil and lubricants flight and 8th Maintenance Squadron transient alert flight, refuel an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK), during a training event at Kunsan AB, ROK, Sept. 14, 2022. Transient alert Airmen assist all visiting aircraft supporting the forward movement of mission partners not only at Kunsan but globally.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, lands on RAF Fairford, England, Aug. 18, 2022. Forward locations enable collective defense capabilities. USEUCOM lives, trains, and fights with the allies and partners from bases in Europe that are critical for more timely and coordinated response when needed.

Strategic Air Command's KC-135 tankers on the ramp at a Saudi airbase during the United Nations response to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

100122-F-2034C-041Container delivery system bundles of food and water are loaded on to a C-130 Hercules Jan. 22, 2010 at Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, N.C. before flying an air delivery mission over Haiti during Operation Unified Response. This is the first time a two-ship formation of C-130 Hercules crews air deliver food and water during the operation. U.S. Southern Command is deploying assets to Haiti to conduct search and rescue operations, damage assessments, and transitions sustained Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations in order to prevent human suffering and additional loss of life.

050201-F-2021H-011. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-10A Extender aircraft takes off in the rain as it deploys to Saudi Arabia during Operation DESERT SHIELD. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returns to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb.12, 2024. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command force employment, military posture, and operations honor our security commitments in the region by enabling us to rapidly respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

Aircrew with the 7th Airlift Squadron walk the flightline at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, during Exercise Rainier War 22B, Oct. 17, 2022. Exercise Rainier War 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.

030626-A-XXXXX-7383. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A fuel truck is being prepared to load a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 17, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, taxis on the flightline upon arrival at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in support of Operation Noble Defender 22-4.2, Sept. 12, 2022. The operation demonstrates the ability to launch at a moments notice from dispersed air and maritime locations to defend Northern approaches in multiple regions of the continent across all domains, displaying resilience in the face of multiple and complex threats.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prepares to depart the flightline at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, during a joint training exercise with Marines from 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Oct. 18, 2022. During the exercise, personnel on-loaded and off-loaded a Humvee and two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, onto an aircraft in a simulated deployed environment.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and Philippine Air Force service members load pallets onto a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft for transporting Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, Philippines, Feb. 12, 2024. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force are supporting the U.S. Agency for International Development in providing foreign humanitarian assistance to the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao. The forward presence and ready posture of III MEF assets in the region facilitated rapid and effective response to crisis, demonstrating the U.S.s commitment to Allies and partners during times of need. Marine Corps

041006-F-9429S-003. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close-up view of a C-5 Galaxy aircraft with the stairs in place ready for the crew from the 90th Fighter Squadron to exit. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '96 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Personnel of the 608th Aerial Port Squadron load U.S. Army baggage onto a chartered 747 jumbo jet for deployment to a base in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany(DEU)

U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron tow an F-22 Raptor for maintenance at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 31, 2022. The NATO Air Shielding mission is a multinational effort that enables long-term deterrence and an enhanced defense posture.

Airmen from the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, load boxes of donated goods worth more than $93,000 onto a C-130 Hercules prior to take-off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Operation Christmas Drop Dec. 14. This year more than 60 boxes will be dropped to 55 Island weighing in at more than 20,000 pounds. Operation Christmas Drop is the Air Forces longest-running humanitarian which began in 1952. Airmen today continue the tradition delivering supplies to remote islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Yap, Palau, Chuuk and Pohnpei.

020320-F-1424R-002. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, prepare to park at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 18, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A medium shot front left side view of a US Air Force C-17 Globe MASTER III aircraft from the Air Mobility Command, 14th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, South Carolina, after landing at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Honorable William Perry Secretary of Defense Perry is on board the aircraft. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

DN-SC-05-10903. Country: Unknown

Airmen of the 139th Airlift Wing put on a career fair for high school students at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 20, 2022. The students learned about the Air National Guard and the various careers offered on base.

DF-ST-87-09715. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua "Cabo" Gunderson, commander of the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The team flies at airshows around the globe, performing maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

U.S. Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force C-130J and an Aerial Bulk Fuels Delivery System. The ABFDS supports special missions and operations that require fuel delivery when local sources either arent available or there are other limiting factors.

NATO RQ-4D Global Hawk at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily

A front view of a B-52G bomber aircraft in use during the joint U.S./Spanish military Exercise CRISEX '83. Subject Operation/Series: CRISEX '83 Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

050115-F-7823A-031. Base: Banda Aceh Country: Indonesia (IDN)

020508-F-7232C-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron and F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron sit on the flight line prior to a flight at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 13, 2022. The 2d FTS primary mission is to fly adversary air for F-22 Raptor student pilots learning basic fighter fundamentals, but the T-38 is capable of supporting various airframes.

011010-F-4406B-041. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

011004-F-9631D-025. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE 2001-2002. Base: Mcmurdo Station Country: Antarctica (ATA)

041016-F-9429S-012. Base: Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

970306-F-9931S-001. Subject Operation/Series: BUSHWHACKER 97-5 Base: Tucson State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC - EXERCISE BUSHWHACKER 97-5

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, arrives at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska in support of Operation Noble Defender 22-4.2, Sept. 12, 2022. Noble Defender is an air defense operation designed to demonstrate the United States and Canada's ability to defend the approaches of North America from current and future cruise missile threats while integrating across domains with partners and allies.

A B-52H Stratofortress takes off for a Joint Chief of Staff exercise from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, May 11, 2022. The United States maintains a strong, credible bomber force that enhances the security and stability of allies and partners.

In the late afternoon sunlight a B-2 Spirit, stealth bomber, from the 509th Bomb Wing stands ready in its hangar. Global Guardian is designed to exercise the ability of USSTRATCOM and its component forces to effectively deter a military attack against the United States and employ forces as directed by the National Command Authority. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041029-F-7392S-054. Base: Minot Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron from Kadena Air Base, Japan sits on the ramp after a flying mission during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 6, 2022. RF-A is designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment.

030330-F-6809H-022. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany - Nine C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron prepare to perform an aircraft tactical approach during the squadrons 80th Anniversary celebration, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 25, 2022. All planes started their engines in unison as they prepared to take flight.

A C-5 Galaxy aircraft approaches touchdown at Port au Prince International Airport, Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

030407-F-5098W-020. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

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.

Two C-130 Hercules with the Peoria Air National Guards 182nd Airlift Wing participate in integrated combat turns at the Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, MI, June 9, 2022. During Agile Rage 22, airmen from across the Air National Guard, to include the Idaho Air National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, came together to execute the Air Forces agile combat employment mission.

U.S. Airmen with Team Joint STARS prepare an E-8C Joint STARS aircraft for departure while in mission oriented protective posture gear, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, May 14, 2022. During Exercise RED DAWN WOLVERINE 2, Team JSTARS' ability to safely posture and project air operations, in addition to the ability to survive and operate in a contested environment, was tested and evaluated.

A C-141B aircraft from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina comes in for a landing at Azaraq Air Base, Jordan. The plane is carrying personnel and supplies for the Air Power Expeditionary Force. An ancillary mission of the Force is to assist US Air Force and other multinational forces operating in Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries patrol the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Azraq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

A ground crewman secures the door of a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft preparing to depart from Falconar Airport, for a humanitarian relief flight to Sarajevo. The United States is conducting three flights a day and each flight contains food, medicine and blankets for the war-torn nation of Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of the operation. Subject Operation/Series: OPERATION PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Ancona Country: Italy (ITA)

040303-F-8155K-004. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 174 th Attack Wing participated in ExerciseAdirondack Warrior Oct. 16-21 at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, Fort Drum,Ogdensburg International Airport (OIA) and Griffiss International Airport.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Owen Johnson, a crew chief assigned to the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, operates the basket of a GL-1800 deicing truck at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Feb. 13, 2024. During the harsh Alaska winter months the mission of the 3rd Maintenance Squadrons deicing section is to safely put aircraft in the sky. Air Force

An unidentified Somali cargo truck backs to open rear entrance of an US Air Force C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane. Somali civilians and US Air Force personnel gather at the back entrance of the C-130. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Country: Somalia (SOM)

Sacramento, CA, July 14, 2008 Cal Fire Public Affairs Officer Steve Jones cases the tarmac during the morning pre flight safety check. Aircraft of the 302nd Air Expeditionary Group stand ready to begin their 20Th day of aerial firefighting support missions July 14 in a coordinated effort to control wildfires in California. .. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

A High Mobility Multi- wheeled Vehicle (HUMMV) is offloaded from the cargo bay of a C-130 Hercules at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A C-17A aircraft prepares to land at an airfield in Jordan. The aircraft is assigned to the 14th Airlift Squadron out of Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina. The unit is participating in the Air Power Expeditionary Force. An ancillary mission of the force is to assist US Air Force and other multinational forces operating in Saudi Arabia and nearby countries patrol the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Country: Jordan (JOR)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis on a runway after landing in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Andenes, Norway, Feb. 25, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

A Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft comes in for a landing at a highway landing site during the joint South Korean/U.S. Exercise Team Spirit '91. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '91 Base: Yong Ju Country: South Korea

A P-3C Orion aircraft takes off from the runway during pilot training. Eight P-3C Orions of Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) are parked on the tarmac in the background. Base: Naval Air Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040604-F-3805C-005. Base: Cherbourg Air Field State: Normandy Country: France (FRA)

United States and Royal Australian Air Force members unload cargo from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The aircraft, assigned to the 906th Air Refueling Squadron, 43rd Strategic Wing, Pacific Task Force, is participating in Exercise Glad Customer '82. Subject Operation/Series: GLAD CUSTOMER '82 Base: Raaf Darwin State: Northern Territory Country: Australia (AUS)

Members from the 151st Wing prepare the KC-135R to depart from Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base during Exercise PERSES on Feb. 3, 2024. The joint exercise challenges the tactics, techniques, and procedures of both Utah Air and Army National Guard units along with other component units, while testing innovative ideas and communication practices. (Utah Air National Guard

A 23rd Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress is prepared for launch Oct. 26, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.

Crowds view the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during the Singapore Airshow 2024 at Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 24, 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the airshow as an opportunity to sharpen ties with Singapore, demonstrate flexible aircraft capability, enable engagement with foreign partners, and expand power projection capabilities. Air Force

DF-ST-88-05108. Subject Operation/Series: COBBLER FREEZE Base: Deadhorse State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, wait to be marshalled on the flightline at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, during exercise Prairie Vigilance Sept. 16, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, lands at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia-Herzegovina to deliver equipment. Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

An SR-71B aircraft taxis to a halt in front of a crowd gathered for its arrival. The aircraft, which has been deactivated from Air Force service, will be placed in the base's museum. Next to the aircraft is a U-2R reconnaissance aircraft; in the background are a KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft; left, and a KC-10A Extender aircraft. Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyler Williams, 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals the last C-17 Globemaster III to leave the base during relocation operations in preparation for Tropical Storm Ian at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Sept. 29, 2022. To effectively prepare the aircraft for relocation, base personnel worked together to ensure the C-17s were fueled and loaded with the necessary equipment. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sara Jenkins)

DF-ST-87-13395. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Base: Kimhae Air Base Country: Korea

Festival guests begin to crowd around a C-130J Super Hercules belonging to the 36th Airlift Squadron during the opening of Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

021030-F-0158T-019. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

The Loring Commerce Centre welcomes home an old friend August 11th, 2022, Limestone, Me. It was one of the largest bases of the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Air Command during its existence and was home to the B-52 Stratofortress.

KC-135R Stratotanker from the 100th Aerial Refueling Wing based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, participate in the NATO Exercise STRONG RESOLVE 98. Using Sola Air Station, Norway, as home base, the 351st Aerial Refueling Squadron tankers fly missions supporting NATO aircraft. The tanker Reluctant Dragon, is marshaled to its parking position on the snow-covered tarmac. Subject Operation/Series: STRONG RESOLVE 98 Base: Sola Air Base Country: Norway (NOR)

Three KC-135Rs from the 151st Wing take off from Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base during Exercise PERSES on Feb. 3, 2024. The joint exercise challenges the tactics, techniques, and procedures of both Utah Air and Army National Guard units along with other component units, while testing innovative ideas and communication practices. (Utah Air National Guard

040611-F-3488S-001. Complete Scene Caption: Nose art on Air National Guard KC-135R Stratotankers representing squadrons from multiple states/units are displayed at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska (AK), during Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 04 on June 10 2004. The Stratotanker's principal mission is air refueling providing support to US Air Force (USAF), US Navy (USN) and US Marine Corps (USMC) aircraft as well as those of allied nations. NORTHERN EDGE is Alaska's annual joint training exercise (JTX) designed to enhance interoperability among the services by sharpening and honing joint service techniques and procedures. It helps provide a ready force capable of protecting America's interests at home and abroad. More than 9,000 Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen from active duty, Reserve, and National Guard units are participating in this year's exercise. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing return from Sentry Savannah 2022, the U.S. Air National Guard's annual premiere fighter jet exercise at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia, May 12, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Lexington County, South Carolina, while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

030814-M-5839E-511. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE LIBERIA Base: Roberts International Airport Country: Liberia (LBR)

A US Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker from the 363rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (EARS), Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, takes off for its daily mission during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The 363rd EARS is part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

040726-M-6226D-001. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060315-F-6184S-001. Base: Sheppard Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SN-86-09501. Base: Marietta State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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