Military Aircraft Operations

Photos showcasing military fighter jets on airfields, highlighting aircraft readiness and operations during various training exercises and missions.

U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Ladys and chase cars from the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, T-38 Talons from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, and KC-135R Stratotankers from the 940th Air Refueling Wing conduct an elephant walk on Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 4, 2024. The elephant walk showcased a display of joint airpower between the wings hosted at Beale.

F-15E Eagle fighter aircraft from the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., are parked on a desert air field during Operation Desert Shield.

Aircrew assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron wait for approval to taxi at Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB), Idaho, Aug. 22, 2022. MHAFB has a dedicated air traffic control tower operated by the 366th Operations Support Squadron to ensure flight safety.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 192nd Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, park on the flightline after arriving at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Training Readiness Center April 29, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah is a joint total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

DF-ST-86-11344. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds arrive at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds practiced maneuvers in the skies above the Pikes Peak region and later performed a fly-over during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2022.

DF-ST-85-11786. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 84 Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Watford, Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) Operator assigned to the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, waits during FARP operations with an A-10C Thunderbolt II during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 10, 2022. As part of Agile Combat Employment, (FARP) training prepares Airmen to effectively refuel aircraft in austere locations when air-to-air refueling is not possible or when fueling stations are not accessible.

U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Ladys and chase cars from the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, T-38 Talons from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, and KC-135R Stratotankers from the 940th Air Refueling Wing conduct an elephant walk on Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 4, 2024. The elephant walk showcased a display of joint airpower between the wings hosted at Beale.

040618-F-7146S-052. Base: Alpena Crtc State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 181st FW

Fighter planes at an air base, F-15 Eagles, Missouri Air National Guard, Missouri, USA

Airmen from California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing and Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing gather at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas to prepare for wildfire fighting operations, April 18, 2011. The Airmen maintain and operate the Modular Airborne Firefighting System(MAFFS) housed aboard a C-130 Hercules which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds. The wildfires have spread across various parts of Texas and have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land.

F-15E Strike Eagles of the U.S. Air Force line up for takeoff.

Three F-16 fighting falcons assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard taxi on January 27, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, NV. The 148th is one of 32 units from across the U.S. joint forces, United Kingdom and Australia participating at Red Flag-Nellis 22-1. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by SMSgt Glen Flanagan)

A view of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231), on the flight line prior to flight operations. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III flies over the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, during the first day of the 2022 Thunder Over Dover Airshow, May 21, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The airshows theme was “Reunite,” in celebration of people coming together after the COVID-19 pandemic.

A row of US Air Force F-15C Strike Eagle aircraft from the1st Fighter Wing, 71st Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia receive preflight maintenance during the 1ST Fighter Wing's Operational Readiness Inspection. A row of US Air Force F-15C Strike Eagle aircraft from the1st Fighter Wing, 71st Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia receive preflight maintenance during the 1st Fighter Wing's Operational Readiness Inspection.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 taxi before takeoff at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 15, 2022. U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 are conducting unit level training in Australia to maintain readiness, test expeditionary capabilities, and increase interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, taxis down the flightline at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 13, 2023. Airmen assigned to the 58th FS temporarily relocated to MacDill to avoid inclement weather conditions affecting their home station. Despite the relocation, the 58th FS pursued operations as part of a training program for newly selected F-35 pilots.

Twelve C-130 Hercules aircraft of the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing feather their propellers as they sit at the edge of the runway before a minimum interval takeoff at the start of a mass airdrop exercise. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-11988. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041116-F-1740G-017. Base: Hyakuri Japanese Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

NASA test pilots Jim Clue” Less and Wayne Ringo” Ringelberg step to the F/A-18 research aircraft at Ellington Field and conduct pre-flight safety checks on the aircraft prior to a supersonic research flight for the QSF18 series.

A port side view of a US Navy F-14 (Tomcat) from Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31), parked on the flight line as a second aircraft is being marshaled in, at their new home Naval Air Station Oceana, VA. (VF-31) moved from Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA, following decisions made under the base closure and realignment initiative. A port side view of a US Navy F-14 (Tomcat) from Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31), parked on the flight line as a second aircraft is being marshaled in, at their new home Naval Air Station Oceana, VA. (VF-31) moved from Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA, following decisions made under the base closure and realignment initiative.

Numerous aircraft participating in Red Flag 15-1 wait for their turn to take off for training exercises Jan. 28, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. All four branches of the U.S. military and air forces from allied nations participate in Red Flag. The training is conducted to familiarize forces for future operations.

Long shot, left front view, six F-16 Fighting Falcons in a long single file on flight line at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Aircraft are the Fighting Hawks of the 23rd Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany arriving to participate in the last Green Flag exercise. Several A-10A Thunderbolt IIs are parked on flight line in right frame. Subject Operation/Series: GREEN FLAG Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010919-F-8619S-003. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Salt Lake City Iap State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, hot-pit refuels during Exercise Agile Tiger, April 4, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability, while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere.

030808-F-4884R-009. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen conduct post flight checks on U.S. F-15 Eagles after their arrival on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam for exercise Cope North 2022, Jan. 26, 2022. Exercises such as Cope North allow the Pacific Air Forces to validate new ways to deploy and maneuver assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, takes off during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 11, 2022. The Nevada Test and Training Range is the U.S. Air Forces premier military training area with more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land.

An F-35A Lightning II touches down at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 12, 2022. U.S. Air Force F-35 aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska arrived in the Republic of Korea to conduct training flights with ROKAF to enhance interoperability between the two Air Forces on and around the Korean Peninsula.

Airmen assigned to the 36th Fighter Generation Squadron perform pre-launch procedures with F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots during a training sortie at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 18, 2022. Deployed to Gwangju for the week, the Airmen trained and performed different jobs to become multi-capable Airmen as part of the U.S Air Forces Agile Combat Employment concept.

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornets taxi on the flight line during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. The large-force exercise provides unique opportunities to integrate various forces into joint and multilateral training from simulated forward operating bases.

Two F/A-18 Hornets prepare for take off during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps’ ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show on McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision and professionalism of 695,000 total force American Airmen across the globe.

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons of the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron of the 388th FW at Hill AFB, Utah; the 55th EFS from the 20th FW at Shaw AFB, S.C.; and from the 38th Fighter Group of the South Korean air force, demonstrate an Elephant Walk” as they taxi down a runway during an exercise at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, March 2, 2012. The exercise showcased Kunsan AB aircrews' capability to quickly and safely prepare an aircraft for a wartime mission.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, taxi on the flightline of the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, located in Savannah, Georgia on May 3, 2022 prior to afternoon take-offs. Sentry Savannah is a total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, perform at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 9, 2022. The airshow pays tribute to air power from the earliest U.S. military inventory to modern day aircraft.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 receive fuel from a forward arming and refueling point set up by Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing during exercise Steel Knight 23, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 8, 2022. VMX-1 demonstrated F-35B expeditionary advanced base capabilities through landings and take-offs at an austere airfield. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) take off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California to execute a maritime strike during Exercise Steel Knight on Dec. 12, 2022. MAG-11 utilizes fourth and fifth generation strike fighters to conduct sea denial operations in contested maritime environments. Exercise Steel Knight 23 provides 3rd MAW an opportunity to refine Wing-level warfighting in support of I Marine Expeditionary Force and fleet maneuver.

F-15E Strike Eagles of the 4th Fighter Wing perform an "Elephant Walk" as they taxi down the runway during a Turkey Shoot training mission on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 16, 2012. The wing generated nearly 70 aircraft to destroy more than 1,000 targets on bombing ranges across the state to commemorate the 4th's victory over the Luftwaffe on April 16, 1945. The aircrews are assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing's 333rd, 334th, 335th, and 336th Fighter Squadrons.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, land at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 12, 2022. The 33rd FW is utilizing the Vermont ANG air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather in Florida.

040107-F-9629J-002. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Bravo Company, 2-501st, 1ST Armo

U.S. Air Force and Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft stage on the flightline during Point Blank 22-3, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 23, 2022. The joint exercise helps maintain the readiness of NATO allies and partners, in order to deter adversaries,ensuring the collective defense of the European region.

F-15 aircraft from the Louisiana Air National Guard are parked on the flightline at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., Sept. 30, 2022. The aircraft were scheduled to do flyovers for an Ole Miss football game and the Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 01 and Oct. 02. (US Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jeremy Farson)

Royal Air Force Jaguar aircraft, foreground, and U.S. Air Force F-15E Eagle aircraft are serviced on the flight line during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Marine Infantrymen with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provide ground security during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, taxi before take-off during Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 26, 2022. This marks the first time USAFE based F-35s have attended TLP, showcasing the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter to NATO allies.

United States Marines inspect the flight line at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, do a 'FOD walk', to look for foreign object debris (FOD) CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopters in background

Thirty-seven A-10 Thunderbolt IIs sit on the flightline at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

A view of an FB-111A aircraft of the 509th Bomb Wing and some of the ordnance that it may carry. On its wing pylons are 20 BDU-50 500-pound practice bombs. In the front row are, from left: an M-117D 750-pound high-drag bomb, 12 Mark 106 5-pound practice bombs, six Mark 82 500-pound high-drag bombs, 12 more Mark 106 practice bombs and a CBU-85 cluster bomb. In the second row are, from left: B-83 and B-61 nuclear bomb trainers, two AGM-69A SRAM missiles and one more each of the B-61 and B-83 nuclear bomb trainers. Base: Pease Air Force Base State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron takes off during exercise Point Blank 22-04 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug 24, 2022. Point Blank is a recurring, low-cost exercise initiative designed to increase tactical proficiency of U.S., U.K. Ministry of Defense and other NATO forces.

970630-N-4724B-002. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Camp Pendleton

U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare to 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.

Service members participate in an agile combat employment 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, adding to the war fighting efforts.

Twelve F-16 Flighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighting Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, are parked at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to participate in a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset, May 8, 2022. Twelve 14th FS F-16s and crew members deployed to Yokota AB to participate in the exercise. Through ACE, the 35th Fighter Wing train alongside the 374th Airlift Wing to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries; and execute their mission - to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific, defend Japan, and deter adversaries through presence, readiness, and ability to project agile combat air power.

An F-16C, from the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG), lands from the first flight of the day of the aircraft. They are deployed to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, for Sentry Aloha. This exercise is an opportunity for the Hawaii Air National Guard, based on Hickam, to train with F-16 units based on the U.S. mainland. The SCANG is based on McEntire ANG Station in Eastover, South Carolina. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, taxis to the hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 8, 2022. VMFAT-501 trains pilots to be proficient and combat ready to serve in their future-fleet units and to conduct aviation operations globally. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

Three US Air Force F-15C Strike Eagle aircraft from the1st Fighter Wing, 71st Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia sit ready to take off during the 1ST Fighter Wing's Operational Readiness Inspection. Three US Air Force F-15C Strike Eagle aircraft from the1st Fighter Wing, 71st Fighter Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia sit ready to take off during the 1st Fighter Wing's Operational Readiness Inspection.

US Navy Blue Angels Lockheed F/A-18 Hornets six aircraft shot head-on while taxiing in after an air show demonstration flight during first show of the season at Naval Air Field El Centro CA

An F-16 Fighting Falcon taxi's to its parking area at a base in Southwest Asia, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

F-111F aircraft of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing taxi to the flight line as they prepare to depart for Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

The 412th Test Wing unveiled two F-16s assigned to the 416th Flight Test Squadron adorned with special tail flashes to celebrate the Fighting Falcon's 50 years of service.

An air-to-air left side view of the 92nd Bombardment Wing's new camouflaged B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. Note five other B-52Gs parked on the apron (background). 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)

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.

The crews of VMFA-(AW)-121 stand in front of their aircraft during a reception ceremony held for the first Marine units to relocate from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in accordance with BRAC 93. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four F-15 Eagles from the 58th Fighter Squadron, Eglin AFB, Fla. arm their weapon systems before flying simulated combat missions over Iceland. The missions are designed to test the United States ability to defend Iceland in the event of attack. The scenarios are all part of NORTHERN VIKING '95. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN VIKING '95 Base: Naval Air Station, Keflavik Country: Iceland (ISL)

Thirty-seven A-10 Thunderbolt IIs sit on the flightline at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

Thirty-seven A-10 Thunderbolt IIs sit on the flightline at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

A right front view of an AV-8B Harrier aircraft from Marine Light Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) at the service pad on a portable runway during Operation Comfort. Subject Operation/Series: COMFORT Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels take off during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The Pope Air Force Base flight line, with its various aircraft, awaiting the 72 hour notice for the 23rd Wing Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) to begin. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fully armed aircraft from the 18th Wing conduct an elephant walk during a no-notice exercise April 12, 2017, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The 18th Wing operates combat ready fleets of HH-60 Pave Hawks, F-15 Eagles, E-3 Sentries and KC-135 Stratotankers, making it the largest combat-ready wing in the U.S. Air Force. Kadena AB provides leading-edge counter air, command and control, air refueling and combat search and rescue operations, enabling theater commanders of joint and allied partners to project and enhance lethal, persistent and flexible combat power in response to adversaries.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

Public Affairs - Department of Defense - 26-HK-417-10. Hurricane Katrina

040319-F-3880S-010. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Laser 200 aerobatic aircraft trails a plume of smoke as it makes a pass behind two F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron during an air show. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020222-F-9232S-023. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 332d Air Expeditionary Wing F-15E Strike Eagle conducts a sortie during a routine training exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 7, 2022. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with an array of avionics and electronics systems that give it the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night and in all weather.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) C-130 Hercules is airborne on a mission from a runway on Expeditionary Airfield Station (EAS) Joe Foss, Kuwait, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Two AH-64 Apache helicopters wait to take part in a training flight against a scenic fall backdrop. Twenty helicopters from 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, conducted the largest movement of AH-64 helicopters in the history of state on Sunday when they flew from Fort Wainwright to the Donnelly Training Area. (Photo by Eve Baker, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Blue Angels members stand at parade rest in front of the hangar at Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Michigan, July 1, 2022. The Blue Angels practiced their performance before performing at the airshow for the National Cherry Festival.

Aerial view of fighter jets casting long shadows on the desert floor, a stark contrast of metal and arid earth creating a mesmerizing geometric pattern, Tucson, Arizona, United States.

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)

C-141B Starlifter aircraft of the 62nd Military Airlift Wing and C-130E Hercules aircraft of the 317th Military Airlift Wing fill the aircraft parking area during Exercise Rebel Hog '92-1, an operational readiness exercise for both wings.. Subject Operation/Series: REBEL HOG '92-1 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina(NC) Country: United States Of America(USA)

An ordnance trailer is parked in front of two F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft of the 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, Torrejon Air Base, Spain, armed with bombs and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, as they are prepared for a mission during Operation Desert Storm. At right are three Coalition F-1C Mirage fighter aircraft.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Qatar(QAT)

An HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter from the 66th Rescue Squadron prepares to taxi at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 8, 2023. Red Flag 23-1 places rapidly evolving technologies in the hands or warfighters.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

Team Offutt members park U-2 aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Apr. 4, during a training exercise. U-2, single-seat, high-altitude jet aircraft flown by the United States for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 prepares to take off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. U.S. Marines with VMFA-242 conduct routine flight operations to increase proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness to ensure regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 takes off at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 7, 2022. VMFA-115 supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing supporting arms coordination, conducting multi-sensor imagery reconnaissance, and destroying surface targets and enemy aircraft, day or night, under all weather conditions, during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

A joint Navy/Marine Corps color guard brings on the colors as the aircrews and captains from VMFA(AW)-121 stand in front of their aircraft during an arrival ceremony held on the flightline at Naval Air Station Miramar for VMFA(AW)-121 and reserve squadron VMFA-134 relocating from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aerial view of the Air National Guard base with F-4 Phantom II aircraft and Navy F-8 Crusader aircraft on the flight line during Exercise PHOTO Finish '81. Subject Operation/Series: PHOTO FINISH '81 Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

An aerial view of the flight line in front of fighter country at NAS Oceana. Numerous F-14 Tomcat aircraft are parked on the tarmac. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 26, 2022, during the units participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

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