Military Aircraft Operations

Images feature various military aircraft being serviced or prepared for flight. The tone is professional with a focus on air force readiness and operations.

F-16 Pilots Show Hands During Arming Phase of Launch of F-16s

Staff Sgt. Shane Semred, a 162nd Maintenance Group crew chief, Morris Air National Guard Base, Arizona, performs the Emergency Power Unit continuity check prior to the aircraft taxiing. The EPU provides electrical and hydraulic power should there be a failure of the engine, the main engine generator, or a hydraulic.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, taxis during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

8th Component Repair Squadron members check an F-15 Eagle aircraft during exercise Team Spirit '81. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '81 Base: Kwang Ju Air Base Country: Korea

Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct pre-flight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin Williams, right, F/A-18 pilot, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, conducts pre-flight checks in an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. Pilots with VMFA-312 departed for the Unit Deployment Program in order to provide forward presence and assist commanders around the globe.

F-16 Pilots Show Hands During Arming Phase of Launch of F-16s

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs with the 169th Fighter Wing, perform preflight inspections on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah, May 6, 2022, on the flightline at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah Georgia. Exercises like Sentry Savannah held at the Air Dominance Center not only train and test the counter air capabilities of the next generation of fighter pilots, but they also provide critical experience and training to 10 different units of maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School is piloted by Maj. Douglas Mayo, 64th Aggressor Squadron instructor pilot, during a training mission Sept. 22, 2022, over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada. The Aggressor program began in the fall of 1972 with the activation of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. This program started as a direct result of the high air combat loss rate experienced in the Vietnam War.

A ground crew member removes the wheel chocks as a 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15E Eagle aircraft prepares to takeoff on a mission during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

041021-F-0822K-004. Base: Lajes Field, Azores Country: Portugal (PRT)

Sailors assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 conduct post-flight maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a training detachment at Naval Air Station Fallon, April 14, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, HSC-5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Alia O'Kane, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, stands with her aircraft during a JROTC visit to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, April 20, 2022. The cadets also received an obstacle course and Marine Corps Martial Art Program demonstration, visited the air traffic control tower, and saw a static display on the flight line as part of a visit to the base to familiarize them with air-station operations and everyday life in the military.

A U.S. Air Force pilot, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, performs Block 50 F-16CM Fighting Falcon preflight ground operations at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 04, 2022. The 179th EFS projects combat airpower across AFCENTs area of responsibility, supporting personnel, improving force movement, and showing U.S. and partner nations resolve in the region.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the Air Combat Air Operations Squadron and 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron work together during a coronet mission at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, May 13, 2022. Lajes is home to the 65th Air Base Group, one of the 86th Airlift Wings geographically separated units and is strategically located to play a vital role in combat operations by serving as a trans-Atlantic bridge for the Department of Defense, allied nations, and other authorized aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Airmen perform a pre-flight inspection on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Peter Rench, 79th Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, conducts pre-flight checks on an F-16C Fighting Falcon on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., before its takeoff to exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2, March 8, 2023. The 20th Fighter Wing participated in RF-N 23-2 to implement challenging and dynamic training needed to maintain a ready force capable of ensuring the collective defense of the United States, their partners and allies.

A U.S. Navy pilot with the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, exits a F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

020129-F-1631A-001. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron marshals a F-16 Fighting Falcon for the last Enhanced Air Policing mission of the deployment at 86th Air Base, Romania, July 18, 2022. The 510th EFS deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 22, 2022) Cmdr. Thomas Kolwicz, outgoing commanding officer of the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, exits an F/A-18E Super Hornet following an in-flight change of command ceremony over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

011107-F-0308N-019. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Southwest Asia Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

041122-F-1178W-001. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

detail Military Lockheed Martin Jets Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes USAF U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter side cockpit

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Madison Woo, South Carolina Air National Guard's 157th Fighter Squadron Commander and Colombia Air Force pilot, Maj. Jorge Vargas prepare for a familiarization flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon flight during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 7, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) taxi an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E is operated by a pilot and weapons system officer in tandem.

010726-F-1845T-021. Subject Operation/Series: IRRE/CERE Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Airman marshals an F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot, both assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, following a sortie supporting Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

Airmen from the 366th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, receive and maintain jets after flight operations during exercise Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 21, 2022. Raging Gunfighter demonstrates the need for our force to be able to rapidly embed, establish logistics and communications within a theaters command and control hub, receive follow-on forces, continue to generate the mission, and project combat power across all domains.

DF-ST-87-12716. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-3 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

011017-F-0308N-367. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

US Air Force MAJ. Frank "Zappa" De Martini, a F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and MAJ. Tom "Bit" Bednarek, a weapons system operator, both from the 334th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC, climb into their aircraft for another mission at the Roswell Industrial Air Center during the annual air defense exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen perform a pre-flight inspection on an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph Tres” Nichol, 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) fighter pilot, opens the canopy of an F-16C Fighting Falcon on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct 27, 2022. The 79th FS deployed to project combat air power and help stabilize the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

DF-ST-89-04728. Subject Operation/Series: NOMAD THRUST 88 Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020516-F-8590M-009. Base: Fort Drum State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Air Group 31, conducts pre-flight checks at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 2, 2022. Pilots with VMFA-312 departed for the Unit Deployment Program in order to provide forward presence and assist commanders around the globe.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jordan Barker, an F-16 Fighting Falcon tactical aircraft maintenance specialist assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing, Madison, Wisconsin marshalls an F-16 aircraft for takeoff at Naval Air Station Key West May 10, 2022. Barker and approximately 150 other Airmen from the 115th FW and its co-located active duty counterpart, the 378th Fighter Squadron, were at NAS Key West participating in dissimilar air combat training with the U.S. Navy, Arizona Air National Guard and Royal Netherlands Air Force.

An F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing out of Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath, United Kingdom lands on a runway in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 15, 2022. Two U.S. Air Force F-15Es conducted the flight from Souda Bay, Greece to the USCENTCOM AOR in an effort to exercise cross-combatant command Agile Combat Employment operations. Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) members led the hot-pit refueling, an ACE technique which cuts refueling time by hours, allowing AFCENT and incoming partner aircrews to generate multiple consecutive sorties from the same aircraft as well as increase airpower staging options in theater.

011017-F-0308N-149. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

A U.S. Airman marshals an F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot, both assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, following a sortie supporting Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jamie Case, a crew chief with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., conducts pre-flight checks on an A-10 Thunderbolt II before a training mission at the Green Flag West 11-2 exercise held at Nellis Air Force Base Nev., Dec. 6. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.

A U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing prepares to taxi for take off from Atlantic City International Airport, N.J., Jan. 28 during an intercept exercise involving the Civil Air Patrol in preparation for Super Bowl XLVIII. U.S. Air Force assets will be part of a joint team involving the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, Civil Air Patrol and the FAA providing security for the Super Bowl in the air on game day.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force service member directs an F-15J supporting Exercise Southern Beach at Naha Air Base, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. Exercises like Southern Beach allow U.S. and Japanese Airmen to routinely train together to enhance bilateral interoperability in support of the defense of Japan and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Joel Lozano, 47th Maintenance Group aircraft attendant, gives the final signal to 1st Lt. Julian Flores, 47th Student Squadron student pilot, and 1st Lt. Gabriel Martinez, 87th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, that the T-38 Talon aircraft is ready and safe for flight at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 25, 2022. Laughlin trains the most pilots of any training base in the Air Force and is dedicated to producing combat-ready Airmen, leaders and pilots.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mario Bellusci, Jr., crew chief with the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, updates maintenance documents in between F-16 sorties at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 26, 2023. F-16 pilots, maintainers and support staff from the 177th FW traveled to Tyndall for the Weapons System Evaluation Program, also known as Combat Archer training.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Richard Weidner, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, enters an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 19, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Weidner is a native of Pennsylvania. Marine Corps

F-15E Strike Eagles from the 366th Fighter Wing from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho and F-15C models from the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in Tucson Air National Guard Base gave us a rare site on our ramp spaces and skies Thursday. They stopped in for some gas ontheir way to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida for a training exercise. The ramp was busy with fueling and many other mission flights including, KC-135 Stratotankers, B-52 Stratofortresses and of course our own E-3 AWACS snuck into the action as well. Great day if you were outside and happened to see the action. Great work supporting this effort TEAM TINKER!

United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" maintainers prepare an F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter jet at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Jan. 26, 2022. The team spent nearly a month away from their home station at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to give them an opportunity to simulate the airshow environment and practice with dedicated airspace and challenging terrain. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew D. Sarver)

Crew chiefs assigned to the 55th Fighter Generation Squadron perform a post flight inspection at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 27, 2022. The 55th Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadrons returned from a six-month deployment supporting U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility.

011017-F-0308N-258. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37) F/A-18 Hornet pilot, LT. D. E. Berry climbs down from his aircraft after a demanding flight. Subject Operation/Series: COMPTUEX 95 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-09927. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Zakeria Qasemi, 36th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, pumps hydraulic fluid into an F-16 Fighting Falcon during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 4, 2022. RF-A 22-1 is a Pacific Air Forces directed field training exercise focused on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and provides training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lucas Haas, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) F-16 Demonstration Team crew chief, completes an inspection prior to takeoff at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2022. The team performs maintenance to ensure aircraft are always ready to fly.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, complete post-flight maintenance checks on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

U.S. Sailors with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, wait for pilots to exit a F/A-18 Super Hornet during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

An aerial view of the cockpit of a F/A-18D above the South China Sea, Malaysia.

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan (Jan. 8, 2013) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Mia Show, EA-18G plane captain from Huntington Beach, Calif., assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132, awaits the completion of pre-flight checks before the aircraft taking off for a scheduled mission at Naval Air Facility Misawa. VAQ-132 is deployed to NAF Misawa on a six-month deployment supporting U.S. 7th Fleet.

Service members conduct a hot pit refuel on a B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, June 20, 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.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 3rd Wing conduct a foreign object and debris walk at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 3, 2022. The Airmen conducted the FOD walk to remove debris that could potentially damage aircraft and hinder mission readiness.

010915-F-0017M-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon maintainter from the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron performs pre-flight preparations for NATO enhanced air policing operations at the 86th Air Base, Romania, April 9, 2022. For 60 years, NATO air policing has been an enduring peacetime collective defensive mission that safeguards the integrity of NATO members airspace.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Turnham, 355th Wing commander, sits in an A-10C Thunderbolt II on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Col. Turnham served as commander from June 2020 to June 2022.

DF-ST-84-08128. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (May 9, 2022) - Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces, top, and Lt. John Tonkovich climb into the cockpit of an F/A-18F Block III Super Hornet assigned to the Vampires” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9, May 9. The F/A-18F Block III is a key addition to the Air Wing of the Future” alongside the F-35C Lightning II, CMV-22 Osprey, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, providing enhanced capabilities and unmatched versatility to operate and win in any environment as part of a Carrier Air Wing.

U.S. Navy Seaman Valentina Rivera-Guzman, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, poses for a photo on the flight line during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 13, 2022. A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, takes off during Weapons System Evaluation Program East-22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 13, 2022. WSEPs are formal, two-week evaluation exercises designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

041208-F-8466S-005. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force pilots with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron walk to their F-16 Fighting Falcons as they prepare to return home to Aviano Air Base, Italy from 86th Air Base, Romania, July 20, 2022. The 510th EFS was deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace.

Maintainers from the 151st Air Refueling Wing learn essential functions of an F-18 Super Hornet from the Sailors assigned the Naval Air Station during an unprecedented joint exercise on Aug. 30, 2022 at Fallon, Navada. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

DF-ST-87-11657. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16 Fighting Falcon Hill Air Force Base Utah USA

Two F/A-18 Hornets, on the tarmac, get "hot fueled" by VFA-125 personnel. Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jonathan Ward, 391st Fighter Generation Squadron dedicated crew chief, assists pilots preparing for flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 13, 2022. Crew chiefs are responsible for overseeing daily aircraft maintenance, identifying malfunctions, conducting inspections, maintaining records, and coordinating aircraft care. (U.S. Air Force by Airman 1st Class Krista Reed Choate)

010926-F-3378P-033. Base: Great Falls State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Montana Air National Guard

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sep. 17, 2022) Cmdr. John "Spacecamp" Huddleston, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 106, and his co-pilot wave to the crowd during the 2022 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Air Show. The NAS Oceana Air Show's theme was "Back to the Beach", as it has been two years since the last performance.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, taxis on the flightline during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 29, 2022. ACE operations and exercises are designed to teach and validate new ways to deploy and maneuver assets during a crisis or conflict to operate in contested environments.

The first KC-10 Extender ever produced arrives at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, April 26, 2022. The KC-10 was stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, before being retired to the Air Mobility Command museum.

A Spanish Air Force SF-5M Freedom Fighter training jets on the tarmac.

An unidentified US Air Force (USAF) crew chief from the 77th Fighter Squadron (FS), Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina (SC), marshals an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter out on an early morning mission. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sr. Master Sgt. Brandon parks, production superintendent with the 924th Fighter Group, communicates with operations personnel while conducting pre-flight procedures for an A-10 Thunderbolt II flight out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 29, 2022. More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10s from the 924th FG of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 21-Aug. 4, 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.

220905-N-SH953-1089Virginia Beach, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) - The Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 returned home to Naval Air Station Ocean, September 5. VFA-11, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

011124-N-9483W-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Kitty Hawk

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Christopher Villegas, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, sends off an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 20, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Villegas is a native of California. U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jason Granzella, a pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, buckles in an F-35B Lightning II aircraft in support of routine flight operations during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 12, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States, and exercises like Red Flag-Alaska are committed to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron taxis at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during Polar Force 22-4 March 30, 2022. Polar Force is an Agile Combat Employment-focused exercise that supports the U.S. Pacific Air Forces mission, ACE execution, and the development of innovative operational concepts to be more lethal, adaptive, resilient, and effective across all military operations. Operationalizing readiness-enhancing concepts like ACE is critical to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Sailor signals an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-32), Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, into place after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jason Rea, an F-35B Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, poses for a photo while during Realistic Urban Training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 9, 2022. VMFA-122 conducted rolling vertical landing training to enhance the squadrons ability to recover F-35Bs vertically, enabling the Marine Air-Ground Task Forces expeditionary nature of providing aviation based fires using armed forward arming and refueling sites from expeditionary advanced bases and in austere environments.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Louis Federico, a plane captain with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, signals to an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 19, 2024. Nicknamed the Red Devils, VMFA-232 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Guam as a part of their Aviation Training Relocation Program deployment to train multilaterally with allies and partners, and enhance the squadrons combat readiness.

.S. Air Force Maj. Joseph Martin, 355th Training Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, prepares to take off in an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 25, 2022. A-10 pilots are protected by titanium armor that also protects parts of the flight control system.

020612-F-8425S-001. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

011012-F-0308N-412. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 8, 2012) An aircraft launch and recovery officer assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) gives the signal to launch Lt. Joe Krukar in an F/A-18C Hornet from the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83. Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

031012-F-1342R-026. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A U.S. Navy pilot assigned at Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, conducts a preflight inspection on an F/A-18 Super Hornet during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

Maintence crews from the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, work on an F-22 Raptor.

980416-F-4116M-013. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jesse Safe, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief communicates with an A-10C Thunderbolt II pilot during preflight checks at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec, 7, 2022. The A-10 was designed for close-air support of friendly ground troops, engaging armored vehicles and tanks, and providing quick-action support against enemy ground forces.

Aerial team performer arrives for The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 21, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 22 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The performers perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire, whileshowcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess.

060902-N-5588M-007. Base: USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)

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