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Military Aircraft Operations

Various military aircraft including C-130s, bombers, and refueling planes in flight, showcasing dynamic aerial operations and field conditions.

B-52 Bomber

Airmen from the 96th Airlift Squadron and 27th Aerial Port Squadron conduct air drops on Warrens drop zone at Fort McCoy Wis., June 29, 2022.The units are part of the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis-St Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minn., operating C-130 Hercules aircraft.

An MC-130J Commando II assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron flies behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron during a training flight over the Pacific Ocean, March 27, 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.

Two F-15 Eagles from the 173rd Fighter Wing conduct air to air refueling training with a KC-135 Stratotanker.

A-10 Thunderbolt Firing GAU-8 Avenger

031202-F-6335P-034. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An overhead front view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in flight during an engine icing test. The photograph was taken from the boom section of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Hercules conducts a mission as part of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., May 11, 2012. The Air Force Weapons School is a five-and-a-half-month training course which provides selected officers with the most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment. Throughout the course, students receive an average of 400 hours of graduate-level academics and participate in demanding combat training missions.

041110-F-1740G-012. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A U.S. Air Force CV-22B Osprey.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing, Salt Lake City, Utah, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 9, 2022. BTF missions demonstrate lethality and interoperability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A Marine Refueler-Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) KC-130F Hercules aircraft refuels a Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4E Skyhawk aircraft during Exercise Thalay Thai '89. Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Country: Thailand (THA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y., refuels a B-52 Stratofortress from the 93rd Bomb Squadron, assigned to the 307th Operations Group at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to complete local training requirements August 15, 2022. Establishing, maintaining, and expanding military relationships is vital to mission success, and Barksdale AFB is one of many global partners.

An Air Force C-5A Galaxy transport aircraft from the 60th Military Airlift Wing lifts off of the runway for its return flight to Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The aircraft had brought Marines of the 5th Marine Regiment from Camp Pendleton, Calif., to the. Base: West Yellowstone Airport State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division exit a C-17 cargo plane during Operation Fury Thunder June 21, here.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the Idaho National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, flys away from a gunnery target during the Hawgsmoke 2022 gunnery competition at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, south of Mountain Home, Idaho, Sept. 8, 2022. The pilot had just completed a strafing run with the GAU-8 Avenger cannon. .

Left side air-to-air view of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron disengaging the refueling boom after refueling a U.S. F-15 Eagle aircraft (bottom), during exercise Kangaroo '81. Subject Operation/Series: KANGAROO '81 Base: Raaf Amberley State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fires its 30mm gun at a strafe target.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, parks in a hardened aircraft shelter at Andoya Air Base ready to participate in the Swift Response exercise, May 12, 2022, in Andenes, Norway. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners.

030406-F-2034C-011. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

020430-F-0193C-006. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C-17 Globemaster III crew prepares an air refueling mission Sept. 27, 2012, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, pulls away from a tanker (not shown) after refueling on the way to Serbian targets during Operation ALLIED FORCE. This photograph was used in the September 1999 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, approach a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, for aerial refueling, June 9, 2022. Both the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons at Kadena AB play a unique role in securing peace and stability in a free and open Indo-Pacific with their F-15 capabilities.

The 203rd Air Refueling Squadron's most historic aircraft, numbered 60-0329, rests on the flight line April 28, 2022, during its last day stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The KC-135R Stratotanker, numbered 60-0329, has been an integral part of the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron since forming in 1993 and is recognized for conducting the world's first tri-level refueling during the Vietnam conflict. Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen flew the aircraft to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, so that it may become the first Stratotanker inducted into the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts an air-insertion during Resolute Dragon 22 on Kamifurano Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

A Kentucky Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules aircraft conducts a flyover during Military Appreciation Day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., June 12, 2022, to honor Tech. Sgt. Travis Brown, a pararescueman from the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Special Tactics Squadron who died Feb. 16. More than 150 Airmen, friends and family members attended the event to pay their respects.

A C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratonker perform an air refueling demonstration during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 airshow at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. Fairchild Skyfest 2022 gave the Inland Northwest a chance to meet members of Team Fairchild and see the U.S. Air Force's premier air refueling wing in action during a simulated KC-135 Stratotanker low-pass refuel of a C-17 Globemaster III.

A B-52 aircraft from the 596th Bombardment Squadron flies in Exercise Proud Shield '88. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD SHIELD '88 Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air front view of two S-3A Viking aircraft in formation with the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) underway, below. Country: Unknown

030314-F-4539R-006. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040325-F-3488S-074. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KC-10 Extender 91711 assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing returns from Central Command at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Apr. 19, 2022. The return marks an end to over thirty years of air refueling support provided to the U.S. and coalition partners through both peace and war, beginning with Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-91, through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and punctuated by Operation Allies Refuge in 2021.

USA, Colorado, Colorado Springs, United States Air Force Academy, Vietnam War B-52 bomber display

A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton with Unmanned PatrolSquadron 19 (VUP-19) departs Marine Corp Air StationIwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Due to its geographiclocation and co-located airfield and harbor, MCASIwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced navalintegration in support of regional security.

GBU-12 Laser Guided Bombs loaded on a Canadian CF-18 Hornet.

A B-2 Spirit bomber maintains a steady descent and departure after a successful mid-air refuel with a KC-135R Stratotanker while flying over Colorado on May 9, 2012. The B-2 and KC-135 crews conducted the aerial refueling to maintain mission readiness standards. The B-2 is from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and the KC-135 is from the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

A Missouri Air National Guard C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft employs a low-cost, low-altitude airdrop near Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Mo., Jan. 26, 2012. The airdrop was part of the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers 30th Annual Tactics and Intelligence Symposium.

Air-to-air right side view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft refueling an F-14 Tomcat aircraft. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), takes flight during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on April 15, 2022.  WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

A C-130 Hercules assigned to the 914th Airlift Wing sits on the flightline during an operational readiness exercise April 4, 2012, in Alpena, Michigan. Operational readiness exercises such as these ensure Airmen are current, qualified and ready to fight.

020105-F-8006R-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 405th Air Expeditionary Wing

AN air-to-air left side view of an MC-130E Hercules aircraft banking to the right while flying low-level maneuvers over the Arizona desert. The aircraft is assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment exit a C17 Globemaster during an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22, Sept. 7, 2022.Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army's 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. Army's Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners

Military war planes jets flying in sky

B2 Stealth bomber

In-flight over Queensland, Australia, a United States Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft prepares to refuel two United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets (Not shown) during exercise Crocodile '99. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE '99 State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)

U.S. Airmen with the 37th Airlift Squadron perform a training low cost low altitude (LCLA) airdrop from a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 15, 2024. The LCLA airdrop is accomplished by dropping 80-500 pounds bundles with pre-packed expendable parachutes as a routine training for aircrews that support contingency operations. Army

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron takes off during night flying operations at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 17, 2022. Through Daily training, the 48th Fighter Wing is committed to staying ready to deliver combat air power when called upon.

DA-ST-88-04366. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011007-F-5772H-025. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: UNDISCLOSED

ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 20, 2020) An EP-3 Aries, from the "World Watchers" of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1, and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, from the Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, fly alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, conducting missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and maritime security operations alongside regional and coalition partners.

An air-to-air right rear view of two Patrol Squadron 31 (VP-31) P-3C Orion aircraft practicing formation flying during a special training exercise. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-96-00789. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct airborne operation after exiting a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft at Frida Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy, Nov. 16, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Airmen from the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron jump out of a C-17 Globemaster III Oct. 21, 2014, during a training exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. An aircrew from the 7th Airlift Squadron flew the C-17 providing Airmen from the 22nd STS the opportunity for static line and high-altitude, low-opening jump training.

View of tail rotors of line of United States Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan

An air-to-air right side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, tail No. 550, with vertical stabilizer, refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The F-16 is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on each wingtip. Country: Unknown

030813-F-5435R-010. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-2 Spirit flies over the Pacific Ocean during a mission exercise, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam

MC-130E/H Combat TalonPrimary function: Infiltration, exfiltration and re- supply of special operations forces. Speed: 300 mph. Dimensions: Wingspan 132 ft. 7 in.; length MC-130E 100 ft. 10 in.; MC-130H 99 ft. 9 in.; height 38 ft. 6 in. Range: 2,700 miles unrefueled. Crew: MC-130E, nine; MC-130H, seven.

A MQ-1 Predator drone takes off from an airbase in support of operations in the Middle East. An MQ designation indicates airframes able to carry and deploy ordinance (photo by Senior Airman Julianne Showalter).

030403-F-2034C-023. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

040812-F-5544L-019. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Long exposure photo of an MQ-9 Reaper on the 361 Expeditionary Attack Squadron flight line at an undisclosed location, August 6, 2022. The MQ-9 is an unmanned aircraft capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight. The 361 EAS operates them in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Israeli Air Force KC-130H Karnaf flying low over the Dead Sea.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies off the coast of Guam during a photo exercise at Cope North 15, Feb. 17, 2015. Through training exercises such as Exercise Cope North 15, the U.S., Japan and Australia air forces develop combat capabilities, enhancing air superiority, electronic warfare, air interdiction, tactical airlift and aerial refueling.

Two U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 74th Fighter Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., taxi toward the end on the Nellis runway for a training mission during the Green Flag West 11-2 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base Nev., Dec. 10. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III based out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and crewed by members of the 204th Airlift Squadron participates in exercise AMALGAM DART 22-04 July 6, 2022, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. This iteration of the exercise features a variety of military aircraft from the U.S. Air Force that operates out of the northern region.

Air to air image of a AC-130 Hercules gunship firing over the Gulf of Mexico near Eglin AFB, Florida. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

050124-F-6561M-111. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A pilot from the 107th Fighter Squadron takes off in an A-10 Thunderbolt II from Selfridge Air National Guard Base for a training mission in Northern Michigan June 8 2022. The A-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can carry 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 )

An Airman with the Bagram Airfield Honor Guard participates in the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Aug. 3, 2015. The 455th MSG is comprised of five squadrons responsible for communications, civil engineer operations, force support, logistics readiness and security forces.

German Navy P-3C Orion submarine hunting aircraft.

Ground crewmen ready a 917th Tactical Fighter Wing A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft for takeoff during the close air support training Exercise ARCTIC THUNDER '88. Subject Operation/Series: ARCTIC THUNDER '88 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

II1-76 Candid transport aircraft loading paratroops. Courtesy of Soviet Military Power, 1984. PHOTO No. 84, page 78. Country: Unknown

View of GBU-24s precision guided penetrators on an F-15 Eagle on a parking ramp. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U-28A Draco aircraft from the 310th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. sits on the flight line of 93rd Air Base Zemunik, Croatia during Exercise Trojan Footprint 22 May 10, 2022. Trojan Footprint is the premier Special Operations Forces (SOF) exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners.

The first snowfall of the season at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 22, 2010, covered the aircraft and the flightline in a sea of white. Despite the snowfall, McChord Airmen worked to generate five sorties.

The super moon sets over a frozen flightline of C-130H Hercules in the early morning at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, as maintainers continue to perform their daily morning operations, Dec. 14, 2016. The 179th Airlift Wing is always on a mission to be the first choice to respond to state and federal missions with a trusted team of Airmen.

Long exposure photo of an MQ-9 Reaper on the 361 Expeditionary Attack Squadron flight line at an undisclosed location, August 6, 2022. The MQ-9 is an unmanned aircraft capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight. The 361 EAS operates them in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

A U.S. Marine Corps C-130 flies overhead during an air delivery training on Marine Corps Outlying Field Oak Grove, in Oak Grove, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 2024. 2nd DSB conducted the training operation to evaluate their Marines' combat effectiveness, and enhance their air delivery skills in a controlled environment to better prepare the unit for future operations. Marine Corps

C-130 Hercules aircraft fly during a training mission above Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 19, 2013. Seven C-130s flew in formation to practice airlift tactics and procedures.

040120-F-9629J-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler links up with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron to be refueled via its multi-point refueling system over the skies of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, May 8, 2011.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct airborne operation after exiting a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft at Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy, Oct. 5, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Artist's concept of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles fired by F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Country: Unknown

A MQ-1C Warrior taxis out to the runway to for a mission over northern Iraq

Snow is piled high next to a P-3C Orion aircraft after snow clearing operations on the flight line. The aircraft is assigned to Patrol Squadron 50 (VP 50). Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

021218-F-7203T-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

MISAWA, Japan (April 19, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, prepares to land at Misawa Air Base following a mission in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, April 19. 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 close-up view of an AGM-109 Tomahawk air-launched cruise missile on the ground after impact. Base: Dugway Proving Grounds State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040922-A-6957S-035. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fob Warhorse State: Baqubah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bonn, Museumsmeile, Museum of the Federal Republic of Germany, WW2 history, photo of US paratrooper aircraft

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