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

An air crew from the 2874th Test Squadron talks with the crew chief of an F-111E aircraft prior to taking the aircraft on a test flight. Base: Mcclellan Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft stand on the flight line following their return, along with other aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3), from deployment in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 357th Fighter Generation Squadron work on an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. Maintenance Airmen are responsible for keeping aircraft in working order to accomplish every aspect of the mission.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Louis Marino, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, signals to begin pre-flight inspections of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft with VMFA-242 for 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.

040917-F-6701P-005. Base: Lask Air Base State: Lodzkie Country: Poland (POL)

Japan Air Self Defense Force Staff Sgt. Masataka Inoue, 9th Air Wing public affairs photographer, documents the arrival of F-15J Eagles at Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 8, 2024 during Cope North 24. Cope North enables the joint and combined forces to improve the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower through integrated agile combat employment training. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeremy Nolting, a pilot from the 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., shows the 79th FS "tiger claw" sign from the cockpit of a F-16 Fighting Falcon before departing on a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., during exercise Green Flag West 11-6, April 20, 2011. Green Flag West replicates irregular warfare conditions currently found in Southwest Asia. Aircrews, work closely with Air Force joint terminal attack controllers. Pilots train for a missions such as close air support, and aerial reconnaissance.

An F-16C assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron takes off during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. Black Flag 22-1 is focused on developing and validating large force tactics and integration required to deliver combat capability and tactical advantage for the Combat Air Force.

A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 924th Fighter Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, prepare to take off in support RIMPAC 22 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii July 25, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel - including Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 624 RSG -- are participating in #RIMPAC2022 from June 29 to Aug 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's 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 world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971, which aims to strengthen partners' collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A left front view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft undergoing maintenance during exercise COPE ELITE '81. The Falcon is from the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 474th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE '81 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mason Dewitt, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, assists in preflight safety inspections at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, August 24, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily flying out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while the McEntire Joint National Guard Base runway undergoes construction.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kyle Netanel, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, sends off an F-15C/D Eagle during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 23-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 12, 2022. RF-A is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise that aims to offer realistic air-combat training for military pilots and other flight crew members from the United States and allied countries.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Miranda Jones, 157th Fighter Squadron F-16 fighter jet pilot, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, conducts preflight checks at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, September 15, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily flying out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport while the McEntire Joint National Guard Base runway undergoes construction.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Sean Dolan, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot, left, and Capt. Raymond Rickenbach, an F/A-18D Hornet weapons system officer with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 conduct pre-flight inspections in an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base Guam, June 14, 2022, to participate in a joint maritime strike to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 22). Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

040519-F-3488S-042. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041107-F-0730D-140. Base: 174th Fighter Wing State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Amy Boehle, right, Senior Air Reserve Component advisor for Ninth Air Force (AFCENT), is given a tour of a F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, during a visit to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 26, 2022. During the visit Boehle briefings across the base where she explained specific processes, benefits and entitlements available to Reserve and Air National Guard members. ARC advisors are responsible for advising commanders and staff on Reserve and Guard related issues and advocating for deployed ARC personnel.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron rest on the flightline at 86th Air Base, Romania, May 18, 2022. The 510th EFS is deployed from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy to support NATOs Enhanced Air Policing operations.

Special USAF Weapons School 50th anniversary paint scheme on a USAF Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon (Viper) taxiing in after a mission at Nellis AFB

980423-F-7910D-011. 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 National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chiefs from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, complete post-flight checklists at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, located in Savannah, Georgia on April 28, 2022. The wing will participate in a two week exercise, Sentry Savannah, which 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..

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kevin Shereck, 9th Maintenance Squadron avionics specialist, walks on the wing of a U-2 Dragon Lady during the elephant walk on Jan. 4, 2024, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Shereck was part of the group that helped to rebalance a U-2 during taxi.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dinis Ndubo, weapons loader, 113th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, District of Columbia Air National Guard, Tech. Sgt. Antione Smith, weapons expediter, AMXS, 53rd Fighter Wing, and Master Sgt. Nathaniel Ward, weapons expediter, 113th AMXS, DCANG, take cover near an F-16 on the flight line during a readiness exercise at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Nov. 4, 2022. The purpose of the exercise is to maintain the readiness of the 113th Wing.

Members from the 77th Fighter Squadron work to refuel and rearm F-16s during AGILE FLAG 22-2 at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, July 25, 2022. Participating units for AGILE FLAG 22-2 travelled from Moody AFB, Shaw AFB, Dyess AFB, Hurlburt AFB, MacDill AFB, Travis AFB, and Robbins AFB to the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, and other regional locations for the duration of the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Lionel Castellano)

041113-F-6911G-006. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030123-F-0558K-004. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

011212-F-1789V-004. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, sit on the flightline before morning training flights at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, Oct. 31, 2022. The 180FW deployed to Key West to train with VFC-111, the Navy's premier adversary squadron, providing realistic training scenarios that ensure the 180FW is prepared for homeland defense and contingency operations around the globe.

021113-F-9032T-007. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A pilot sitting in the cockpit of a Brazilian Air Force F-5 aircraft.

Members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet, the New Jersey Economic Development Alliance, the 177th Fighter Wing and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs participate in a tour of the New Jersey Air National Guard base, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW, viewing several operational demonstrations, and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zachary Sykes, an aircraft-ordnance technician with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, transports ordnance at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 30, 2022. AV-8B Harrier II jets assigned to VMA-223 were loaded with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and ADM-141A Tactical Air-Launched Decoys for the pilots to practice air-to-air combat. VMA-223 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

030317-F-5712B-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A crew chief cleans the canopy of an F-16 Fighting Falcon Aug. 12, 2014, during Relampago, which means lightning, 2014 at Rionegro, Colombia. Relampago is a combined air cooperation engagement with Colombia. Airmen and F-16s are participating in the first major joint-air training opportunity under the auspices of the South Carolina National Guard's State Partnership Program with the country of Colombia. The crew chief is assigned to the South Carolina ANGs 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 refuel an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, on the flight deck, April 16, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ships tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew Hale, 35th Fighter Squadron pilot, conducts a post-flight check on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 30, 2022. Hale, who is Native American, knew he wanted to be a pilot even at an early age.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing prepare to taxi on the flight line during exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 20, 2023. RF-N 23-2 provides a challenging and dynamic environment for the 20th Fighter Wing pilots and aircrew by bringing air forces and airframes from around the world together to integrate as a team during simulated wartime operations, ensuring seamless interoperability for potential future conflicts.

A pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, prepares to take off for Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 27, 2022. Leadership with the 33rd FW directed the repositioning of aircraft to Barksdale AFB, to prepare for possible damaging winds caused by Hurricane Ian.

A U.S. Sailor assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, stands beneath the wing of 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 deliver hydraulic fluid to an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. Under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, VMFA-312 participates in the Aviation Training Relocation Program to improve operational readiness and interoperability with Japan Air Self-Defense Forces in the Indo-Pacific theater.

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.

Kids view a static F-16 Fighting Falcon at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 8, 2022. The airshow pays tribute to air power from the earliest U.S. military inventory to modern day aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Guess and Staff Sgt. Dana Thompson (from left), avionics technicians assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, prepare to work on the radar system of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, Jan. 24, 2022. The 180FW performs daily training, conducted in realistic environments under realistic circumstances, ensuring our forces maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

220718-N-DW158-1026 SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 18, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Charlotte Gray, from Ventura, California, directs an F/A-18F Super Hornet attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Diamondbacks conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, as well as ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Three B-2 Spirit stealth bombers arrive for Red Flag 24-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 11, 2024. Red Flag is an annual exercise that increases interoperability between partner nations and across the joint force as Airmen and Guardians train together against high-end, realistic scenarios.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 18th Wing from Kadena Air Base, Japan, taxis on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 26, 2022. The aircraft flew in to participate in the upcoming exercise Cope North 22. The U.S. military seeks to expand engagements and strengthen relationships with regional allies and partner nations in the Indo-Pacific through activities such as subject matter expert exchanges, host nation visits, joint exercises, and operations such as Cope North. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lieutenant Roosevelt Momon, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant officer in charge assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, oversees aircrew board a B-1B Lancer prior to a Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen AFB, Guam, Nov. 9, 2022. BTF missions enhance readiness, to include joint and multi-lateral, to respond to any potential crisis or challenge in the Indo-Pacific.

The crew of a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-32), Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, taxis 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.

980423-F-7910D-012. 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 Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Roy Poor, the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wings Aerospace Control Alert commander, discuss the F-16s capabilities and role in the total force, in Swanton, Ohio, Feb. 1, 2024. Nordhaus, who commanded the 180FW from 2011 to 2013, received a tour of the wing's facilities and discussed the 180FWs role as an Aerospace Control Alert-trained unit during his visit. Air National Guard

DF-ST-87-07173. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Base: Hahn Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

030315-F-5712B-009. Country: Unknown

US Air Force Colonel Michael Ely reviews the maintenance forms for an F-16CJ, visible in the background, before accepting the aircraft from US Air Force CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Carey Castle (left) and US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Nathan Castle (right) for a training flight from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The father/son team are both F-16 Fighting Falcon Crewchiefs and had the opportunity to launch COL Ely's jet together as a team before CMSGT Castle retires. The tail of the aircraft is adorned with COL Ely's Commanders markings as he is the Commander of the 20th Operations Group. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shaun Loomis, commander of the 480th Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrives in Portugal for Exercise Real Thaw 22 at Beja Air Base, Portugal, June 24, 2022. Real Thaw 22 is a multi-national training exercise held by the Portuguese Air Force. The 480th Fighter Squadron has sent 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and approximately 320 Airmen to this training.

The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 22, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds 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. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group Expeditionary Depot Maintenance team replace the wings on an A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 357th Fighter Generation Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 11, 2022. Due to the extensive in-depth work required to complete a wing swap, skilled professionals from the 309th AMXG Expeditionary Depot forward deployed to DM for this major component maintenance.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 31st Maintenance Squadron Egress shop place a canopy onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 11, 2022. Aviano was chosen as one of six bases across multiple major commands that have different environmental factors to test a new Luna transparency for the F-16 canopy.

SENIOR AIRMAN Aaron Schalck, Crew CHIEF, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG), performing final preflight checks on an F-16C Fighting Falcon. The 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG) is deployed to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, in support of an F-15 Eagle Weapons Training School. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020215-F-4177H-006. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040902-F-0971G-046. Base: Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA pilot Rick Hull climbs into the cockpit before a test flight of the WB-57F aircraft that will take photos of Space Shuttle Discovery during its launch on Return to Flight mission STS-114. NASA approved the development and implementation of the aircraft-based imaging system, known as the WB-57 Ascent Video Experiment (WAVE). The WAVE provides both ascent and entry imagery and enables better observation of the Shuttle on days of heavier cloud cover and areas obscured from ground cameras by the launch exhaust plume. WAVE comprises a 32-inch-ball turret system mounted on the nose of two WB-57 aircraft. The turret houses an optical bench, providing installation of both HDTV and infrared cameras. Optics consist of an 11-inch-diameter, 4.2 meter fixed-focal-length lens. The system can be operated in both auto track and manual modes.

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. John Hall, Cumberland County High School aviation teacher, received an influencer flight with the Navys Blue Angels here Sept. 7. Hall was chosen based on his outreach and influence on the youth of Cumberland County. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Melissa Dearstone)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Eric Hanna, Staff Sgt. Robert Mistlebauer, and Staff Sgt. Gabriel Thomas, all avionics technicians with the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, Wisconsin, pose for a photo in front of an F- 35 Lightning II aircraft March 14, 2023 at the 60th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. As the 115th Fighter Wing transitions to the F-35 aircraft, Airmen in a variety of maintenance career fields have deployed for formal training at U.S. Air Force installations across the country, to include Eglin, before the fighter wing's first aircraft arrival in April of 2023.

DN-ST-89-08818. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

000511-F-4599C-002. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sherilyn Carlson, spouse of the outbound 154th Wing commander, marshals in her husband's aircraft Sept. 7, 2022, as part of his final F-22 Raptor flight at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson served as wing commander for more than three years. The 154th Wing saw some of the Air National Guard's highest-level awards under his leadership, including the Outstanding Unit Award and the Gen. Spaatz Trophy.

MASTER Sergeant (MSGT) Jerry King, Visual Information Manager with the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) Communications Squadron (CS), Peter J. Ganci Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, takes photographs on the flight line at Manas Airport, with French Mirages in the background, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Peter J. Ganci Jr. Air Base State: Chuskaya Oblast Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Aerial view of rows of fighter jets gleaming under the soft sunset hues near the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona, United States.

040618-M-3856G-010. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle aircraft taxis on the flight line as 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing personnel direct aircraft. The F-15C is deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spectators sit on bleachers in front of a display of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, during the USAF Thunderbirds performance (not shown) at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The Thunderbirds performed for a crowd that included special needs individuals and a large number of retirees. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 180th Fighter Wing Honor Guard prepares to post the colors before the change of command ceremony in Swanton, Ohio on Oct. 15, 2022. Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180FW from Col. Michael DiDio.

020418-F-0375W-001. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Favian Trujillo, 74th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, wraps up a radio communication cable in front of an A-10C Thunderbolt II at the Palau International Airport, Republic of Palau, Nov. 1, 2022. The aircraft arrived from Moody AFB, Georgia, in support of a Dynamic Force Employment exercise, which presents layers of operational unpredictability to a competitors strategic decision making.

220905-N-TF-1108 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) Navy officers, assigned to the Fighting Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, prepare to reunite with family members during a homecoming onboard Naval Air Station Oceana. VFA 211, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, completed a nine-month deployment onboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and securityt.

Santa Claus visited the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard for a Kids Christmas party hosted by the 148th Family Programs Office on December 9, 2022. Santa made this special trip in one of the wings F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and was able to visit with over 100 service members and children.

The support crew for the F-16A, the F-16XL no. 1, and the F-16 AFTI are, top row, left to right: Randy Weaver; mechanic, Susan Ligon; mechanic, Bob Garcia; Crew Chief, Rich Kelly; mechanic, Dale Edminister; Avionics Technician. Bottom row, left to right, Art Cope; mechanic, John Huffman; Avionics Technician, Jaime Garcia; Avionics Technician, Don Griffith, Avionics Tech. Co-op student.The F-16A (NASA 516), the only civil registered F-16 in existence, was transferred to Dryden from Langley, and was primarily used in engine tests and for parts. It was subsequently transfered from Dryden.The single-seat F-16XL no. 1 (NASA 849) was most recently used in the Cranked-Arrow Wing Aerodynamics Project (CAWAP) to test boundary layer pressures and distribution. Previously it had been used in a program to investigate the characteristics of sonic booms for NASA's High Speed Research Program. Data from the program will be used in the development of a high speed civilian transport. During the ser

The Westfield Starfires, a collegiate summer baseball team in Westfield, Massachusetts visited Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts to debut their specialty jerseys highlighting the 104FW and continue the partnership between the Starfires and the 104FW. The team watched our F-15Cs take off, spoke to Tech. Sgt. Garrick Pelletier a maintainer, and Capt. Kyle 'Vice' Randal an F-15C pilot. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

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 serve as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, and are entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

Lt. Col. Brandon Nauta, 65th Aggressor Squadron commander, makes remarks during the activation ceremony for the 65 AGRS at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 9, 2022. The aggressor squadrons mission is to prepare warfighters to win in air combat against any adversary.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilots pose with a young adult with the Box4Kids charity during the Singapore Airshow 2024 at the Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 24, 2024. This organization provides a safe and relaxing environment for children and most importantly the opportunity to be treated like a VIP for the day. Air Force

Santa Claus visited the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard for a Kids Christmas party hosted by the 148th Family Programs Office on December 9, 2022. Santa posed with one of the wings F-16 Fighting Falcon Aircraft prior to the special event attended by over 100 service members and children.

Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana adjutant general, and Lt. Gen. Lubomir Svoboda, the deputy chief of the general staff of the Slovak Republic armed forces, pose for a photo in front of F-16s at a ceremonial delivery event in Greenville, South Carolina, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. The Indiana National Guard and the Slovak armed forces have shared a strong and productive partnership for decades, and its fitting that we will now simultaneously operate modern F-16 fighters, maintaining our dominance in the air, said Lyles. Indiana National Guard

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