Military Aircraft Operations

Silhouettes of military aircraft in twilight settings, showing personnel loading equipment and servicing aircraft for operations, conveying a sense of urgency and teamwork.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dylan Jones, left, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics journeyman, and Airman Trevor Stout, 100th AMXS avionics apprentice, prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for takeoff at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 29, 2024. The takeoff required both the aircrew and maintainers to work together for a safe aircraft engine start and taxi. Air Force

A crew of the 181st Tactical Airlift Squadron, Texas Air National Guard, load equipment of the 435th Airlift Control Element onto a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

971119-F-0966E-003. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aircraft servicer assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing marshals a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, 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.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dylan Jones, left, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics journeyman, and Airman Trevor Stout, 100th AMXS avionics apprentice, prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker for takeoff at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 29, 2024. The takeoff required both the aircrew and maintainers to work together for a safe aircraft engine start and taxi. Air Force

020329-F-2902B-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

Australian Army soldiers, Boeing maintenance team members, 9th Airlift Squadron loadmasters and 436th Aerial Port Squadron ramp services personnel load a CH-47F Chinook helicopter onto a C-5M Super Galaxy during a foreign military sales mission atDover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 16, 2022. The U.S. and Australia maintain a robust relationship that serves as an anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. Due to its strategic location, Dover AFB supports approximately $3.5 billion worth of foreign military sales annually.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 22nd Air Maintenance Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, sits on the flightline during RED FLAG Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 11, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States and the DoD; exercises like RF-A display a commitment to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, right, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Keith Scott, center, 60th AMW command chief, and Col. Ryan Garlow, 60th AMW vice commander, watch a C-17 Globemaster III fly over Travis Air Force Base, California, as they prepare for the arrival of Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, 18th AF command chief, Sept. 8, 2022. Martin and Bickley visited various units to meet with Airmen contributing to the mobility mission.

Prospective honorary commanders enter a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing for a tour Oct. 12 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Honorary Commanders Program objective is to educate local leaders about a units mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community.

A 349th Air Refueling Squadron KC-46A Pegasus flies over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 14, 2022. The 349th ARS aircraft flew with a Kadena Air Base KC-135 Stratotanker and MC-130J Air Commando IIs, practicing communication and refueling over the Indo-Pacific region.

C-17A Globemaster IIIs, wait on the ramp to be loaded at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

041021-F-9429S-022. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS OUTLOOK 2004 Base: Phelps-Collins Angb, Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 51st Fighter Wing perform post-flight maintenance on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a training event at Daegu Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 2, 2023. Osan Airmen operated out of Daegu to test their ability to conduct operations from austere locations during a heightened state of readiness.

Ukrainian wounded warrior athletes arrive on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 17, 2022. More than 60 Ukrainian athletes, families, coaches, caregivers, and staff traveled to MacDill AFB en route to Orlando where theyll compete in the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, August 19 to 28. The Warrior Games consists of nearly 300 wounded, ill, and injured active duty service members and veterans who will participate in a series of adaptive sporting events and represent the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command. The DOD Warrior Games is a celebration of not only U.S. service members, but those of international teams. Warrior athletes from Canada and Ukraine will compete in this year's events.

A1C K. Miller marshals an E-3A Sentry aircraft to its chocks, upon landing during Operation Ocean Venture '82. The E-3A is equipped with the airborne warning and control system (AWACS). Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '82 Base: Tinker Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. David Halais, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, inspects a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 17, 2022. 6th AMXS personnel work throughout all hours of the day to preserve the ability to provide unmatched air refueling at peak performance.

100115-F-2034C-155Staff Sgt. Rich Mumma and Staff Sgt. Brad Fox back their C-130 Hercules from its parking spot Jan. 15, 2010 prior to leaving Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Airmen are loadmasters from Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina. 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.

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircrews assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing step to their aircraft during a mission generation exercise at Joint Base Charleston, SC, Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation exercise kicks off Mobility Guardian 23 and involved the launch of 24 C-17s for the largest-ever show-of-force formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation dispersed to sharpen agile combat employment concepts that leverage rapid mobility to maximize lethality.

An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prepares for flight at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 15, 2022. The Expeditionary Airlift Squadron deployed with the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) to deliver airpower through cargo and personnel support for U.S. and partner nation forces within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and other AORs as needed.

SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA) Troy Barber walks the wing of a C-17 Globemaster, as part of post-flight check at Moron Air Base, Spain, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

President George W. Bush Visit - 26-HK-6-23. Air Force One personnel readied for POTUS boarding. Hurricane Katrina

A KC-10 Extender assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing returns from the U.S. European Command at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 25, 2022. The return marks an end to EUCOM aerial refueling support for KC-10 Extenders assigned to the 305th AMW.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron prepared to connect to an MC-130P Combat Shadow from the 17th Special Operations Squadron during an air-to-air refueling mission over the East China Sea July 19, 2013. The 909th ARS and the 17th SOS conducts air-to-air refueling mission periodically in order to ensure training proficiency for both air crews.

A 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker is parked during pre-flight checks at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 14, 2022. Pre-flight checks and preparation of the aircraft by members of the 909th ARS and 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit ensure a safe and efficient flight.

A crew chief with the 376th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshalls in a KC-135 Stratotanker after the a flight at Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, Feb. 24, 2014. The flight was the last combat-refueling mission over Afghanistan from the TCM.

030905-F-8155K-017. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Morgan Buza, hydraulics specialist with the 62d Maintenance Squadron, walks along the flightline during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 19, 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. Airman stands by to guide palletized luggage onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, during exercise Agile Flag 22-2, July 21, 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.

220419-N-CR843-0083 MISAWA, Japan (April 19, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, practices landings and take offs 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 the 20mm Gattling guns of an AC-130H Hercules aircraft. The aircraft is assigned to the 16th Special Operations Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen unload fire retardant from a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to support the wildfire relief efforts near Haifa, Israel, Dec. 4. U.S. Air Forces in Europe airlifted 20 tons of fire retardant to Israel in a joint mission with U.S. European Command to provide humanitarian assistance to Israel. EUCOM started the mission after the Israeli government requested help from the U.S. Department of State to control and extinguish the wildfires to save lives, homes, infrastructure and natural resources.

Adjutant General of Florida Maj. Gen. Emmett Titshaw Jr. gives a 'thumbs-up' in the cockpit after his final ride in an F-15 Eagle at the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 29, 2015. The 45-minute flight in the back seat of the Florida Air National Guards tactical jet ended more than four decades in the air for Titshaw, who has been flying military and commercial aircraft since the early 70s. He will retire in March.

980620-F-9580Z-032. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II dries in the sun on the flight line at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 30, 2022. These aircraft arrived from Moody AFB, Georgia in support of a Dynamic Force Employment operation which is designed as a way for Pacific Air Forces to exercise their ability to generate combat airpower while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain these elements in geographically-separated and contested environments.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, South Carolina, 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.

Aircrafts - HU-25 Guardian - 26-HK-55-26. Coast Guardsman working on HU-25 on ramp at night2. Hurricane Katrina

Maintainers from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron attach a tow bar to a B-1B Lancer at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 10, 2022. The B-1 and its aircrew flew a long-range CONUS-to-CONUS mission to the Indo-Pacific region to deter, deny, and dominate any influence or aggression from adversaries or competitors while enhancing readiness and demonstrating USAF long-range strike capabilities.

Air Force fire protection specialists assigned to the 673d Civil Engineer Squadron respond to a simulated downed aircraft while participating in Mission Assurance Exercise 22-6 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 25, 2022. MAE 22-6 tested JBERs emergency response capabilities following a mock-down aircraft accident.

Participants of an Aviation Inspiration Mentorship event tour a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 15, 2022. AIM is a community outreach program with a mission to inform, influence and inspire the next generation of Air Force aviators. The participants of the event included Naval Sea Cadets with the American Victory Division, University of Central Florida ROTC cadets and local Hillsborough County students.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) crew member of a USMC CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (HMM-166), Sea Elks, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California (CA), juts out the window of his helicopter checking vertical distance as it settles on the flightdeck aboard the US Navy (USN) Tarawa Class Amphibious Assault Ship USS PELELIU (LHA 5). The PELELIU, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 flagship, is under way off the coast of Southern California for Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming six-month deployment in support of the war on terror. Base: USS Peleliu (LHA 5) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Naval personnel prepare to board a C-9 Skytrain II aircraft at Naval Air Station, Norfolk. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, refuels an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft over Romania, Dec. 8, 2022. The AWACS aircraft, out of NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, provides surveillance, command, control and communications needed by NATO and other allied air defense forces.

010918-F-9186F-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Senior Airman Zach Gartner from the 57th Air Maintenance Squadron, Nellis AFB, NV recovers a F-15 Eagle during exercise Northern Edge 2009, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska's largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Released/

DN-ST-88-07749. Base: Naval Air Station, Barbers Point State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

As the sun sets, a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard rolls down a taxiway at the Lincoln Municipal Airport Lincoln, NE. Members and planes are deploying in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Lincoln Municipal Airport State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC/ANG

A 19th Aerial Refueling Wing (19th AREFW) KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft known as "Cherokee Rose" sits parked on the flight line. The 19th AREFW, which is based at Robins Air Force Base (AFB), Georgia, has deployed several of its aircraft to Whiteman AFB for exercise Mighty Warrior '89. Subject Operation/Series: MIGHTY WARRIOR '89 Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeff Wilson from the 15th Airlift Squadron marshals a forklift off loading a generator from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Jan. 16, 2010 at Port-Au-Prince airport Haiti.

120602-N-PB383-685PACIFIC OCEAN (June 2, 2012) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Alexis Ramos maneuvers a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) from the hangar bay to an elevator aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of operations.

DART Exercise 2002 'Response to Terrorism'

Service members, assigned to 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, conduct pre-flight checks on a B-1B Lancer at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, before taking off to participate in a Bomber Task Force mission with the Royal Australian Air Force, June 22, 2022. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside our allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster our collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An EC-37B Compass Call arrives at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17, 2022. Compass Call suppresses air defenses by preventing the transmission of essential information between adversaries, their weapon systems, and control networks.

DF-ST-87-09667. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

5th Security Forces Squadron Airmen protect a convoy during Exercise Prairie Vigilance, Nov. 4, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

Members from the 1st Special Operations Wing arrive on Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Nov. 2, 2014. The 1st SOW is conducting their fourth quarter Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise, Carbonite Archer.

A captured Iraqi CSS-N-2 Silkworm anti-ship missile is carried on a trailer pulled by an Army M-915 14-ton tractor truck following Operation Desert Storm. Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A P-3C Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10) sits partially within the squadron's hangar while maintenance is performed on its engines. Base: Naval Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

A school bus is off-loaded from a C-17 Globemaster III on Sept. 24, 2022, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The 349th Air Mobility Wing performed a three-day mission to move humanitarian cargo to Haiti. Through the Denton Program, three school buses donated from San Diego Unified School District were transported from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Haiti.

KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing sit on the snowy flight line January 15, 2018, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Phillip Cain, 1-10 Attack Battalion commander, conducts his final flight in an AH-64D Apache helicopter on Fort Drum, NY Jun. 14, 2022. Lt. Col. Cain received a 'shower of affection' from Fort Drum Fire Rescue as he came back.

H.K.H. Princess Beatrix visits the airbase of Twenthe. She is accompanied by the chef of the military house, General-Flyer H. Schaper with his wife. Romance with a breeder F-27 Troopship.

Members of the 374th Maintenance Squadron work on the tail of a C-130J Super Hercules during a Wing Readiness Inspection at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct 16, 2022. The full-scale exercise is designed to enhance base readiness through training and practicing mission critical skillsets, preparing the base to respond to real-world contingencies.

030721-F-9072P-013. Base: RAF Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

AIRMAN (AN) Mary Garcia, a plane captain for Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), performs preflight checks on a TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A B-2 Spirit with the 509th Bomb Wing taxis during Exercise Agile Tiger, April 6, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Exercise Agile Tiger is designed to grow warfighting talent.

A 705th Munitions Squadron and 5th Security Forces Squadron convoy travels to its Destination during exercise Prairie Vigilance Sept. 16, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

041217-F-8970B-002. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

City Council members from Nirasaki, Japan, and Fairfield, California, and Airmen assigned to Travis Air Force Base, California, walk in the cargo hold of a C-5M Super Galaxy during a base tour at Travis AFB, June 27, 2023. The tour is part of the Sister City Program between the City of Fairfield, Calif., and Nirasaki, Japan. It provides the Japanese visitors a better understanding of the partnership between the City of Fairfield and the installation.

030314-F-9528H-002. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

CPT Christopher Ryan, assigned to European Command Headquarters, is transferred from a 55th Aeromedical Airlift Squadron C-9A Nightingale aircraft, to a medical bus that will take them to Wiesbaden Hospital. Ryan was one of four Americans wounded during the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A crew chief assigned to the 911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, walks to a C-17 Globemaster III on the flightline at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan 16, 2024. Crew chiefs have an important role in aircraft maintenance, ensuring the safety and operational readiness of military aircraft through their expertise and attention to detail.

Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, LA, September 7, 2005 -- A FEMA Urban Search and Rescue member helps residents stranded by Hurricane Katrina get off a chinook helicopter at a staging area where they will be brought to a shelter. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

060510-N-4776G-110. Complete Scene Caption: US Navy (USN) Interior Communications Electrician (IC) Fireman Michael Flores watches the flight deck, while AIRMAN (AM) Stephen Pajela mans the phones in the integrated launch and recovery television system room aboard the USN Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76).2006 - Interior Communications Electrician Fireman Michael Flores watches the flight deck while AIRMAN Stephen Pajela mans the phones in the integrated launch and recovery television system room on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedomas well as conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the region. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts in regional nations. MSO deny int

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing say goodbye to friends and family before they load a C-130J Hercules aircraft on Channel Islands Air National Guard Station Dec 3, 2022. The Airmen were deploying overseas for several months.

Members of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team prepare for their teams certification flight at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Dec. 9, 2022. Before each season commences, the F-22 Demo Team must be certified to ensure every member of the team understands their roles and responsibilities so they can provide safe aerial performances to showcase Air Force capabilities around the globe.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron takes off during a night flying mission at Exercise Pitch Black 2022 held at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Sept. 1, 2022. PB22 is one of many exercises, subject matter expert exchanges, and other international engagements that Pacific Air Forces participates in to build global relationships to enhance trust throughout the globe.

A U.S. Marine braces himself against the wind generated by Marine One as it lands at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Oct. 23, 2009. The scene is reflected in the open door and fuselage of Air Force One.

Senior Airman Edwin Guerrero, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit assistant dedicated crew chief, marshals an F-15C Eagle during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 1, 2022. Approximately 110 U.S. Airmen from the Pacific Air Forces participated in PB22, the RAAF Chief of Air Forces biennial capstone international engagement activity with forces drawn from a wide range of regional, coalition and allied nations. This year, 17 nations participated in PB22 from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 set up a forward arming and refueling point (FARP) at Iwo Jima Air Base, Japan, Aug. 4, 2022. U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and MWSS-171 conducted FARP operations in expeditionary conditions, practicing employment of light and agile forces across the Indo-Pacific.

A 50th Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, C-130H3 Hercules lands at the base bringing in supplies and other cargo in support of JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

STS027-S-020 (6 Dec 1988) --- The five astronauts who were aboard Atlantis for its return to flight leave their spacecraft after almost 4 1/2 days in space. From bottom to top are Astronauts Robert L. Gibson, mission commander; Guy S. Gardner, pilot; and Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Jerry L. Ross and William M. Shepherd, mission specialists. Atlantis touched down on Rogers Dry Lake Bed at 3:36 p.m. (PST), Dec. 6, 1988.

A right side view of several Navy A-4 Skyhawk aircraft on the flight line during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-12378. Base: Bergstrom Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031229-F-9629J-008. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

030316-F-9448S-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

The Potsdam Conference, July 1945 The British Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Anthony Eden leaving his aircraft on his arrival at Berlin.

221102-N-IJ992-1045 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Nov. 2, 2022) A Sailor assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, catches a P-8 Poseidon aircraft after a landing on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Nov. 2, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and central command.

Troops disembark from a Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Boeing 747 aircraft after arriving in the region in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Members of the Defense Science Study Group receive a brief from a U.S. Marine with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing on the capabilities of the MV-22B Osprey and CH-53E Super Stallion, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina Sept.19, 2022. During their visit, the members received a tour of various subordinate II MEF units to gain a better understanding of Marine Corps organization, capabilities and operations. Members of the DSSG include science and engineering academia from across the United States, and is a program funded by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and directed by the non-profit, Institute for Defense Analyses. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Joshua Crumback)

U.S. Air Force 79th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) Airmen assist the 20th Logistic Readiness Squadron (LRS) load luggage onto a commercial aircraft in preparation for a deployment at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 16, 2022. The 79th FGS deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in support of theater plans and operations.

DF-ST-85-04159. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT OAK Base: Kulis Air National Guard Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spouses and service members tour a C-21A aircraft as part of an immersion tour at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 28, 2024. Spouses of Airmen from the 86th Operations Group assembled a tour for spouses to become more immersed in the mission and give back to them for their continued sacrifice. Air Force

DF-ST-85-12613. Subject Operation/Series: NIGHT TRAIN/GLOBAL SHIELD '84 Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220620-N-QP737-1023 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 18, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Justin Poole, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), uses a tractor to tow an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, June 20, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are VFA-143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and

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