Military Aircraft Operations

Images of U.S. Air Force personnel working with various military aircraft, showcasing teamwork in logistics, aircraft readiness, and operations across diverse environments.

During an agile combat employment joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing unload a Polaris Military RZR from a KC-135R Stratotanker on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

U.S. Air Force 1st Special Operations Wing Airmen from Hurlburt Field, Florida, pose under an MC-130J Combat Talon II aircraft after they temporarily relocate to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, during Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The 88th Air Base Wing Airmen provided strength through support as aircraft and aircrews from installations affected by the hurricane arrived seeking safety.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft crew from the 21st Airlift Squadron, Travis Air Force Base (AFB), Calif., load U.S. Army equipment and personnel with the 4th Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Group, 9th PSYOP Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C., in support of Haiti earthquake relief efforts, Jan. 27, 2010.

During an agile combat employment joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing unload a Polaris Military RZR from a KC-135R Stratotanker on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. This exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

Airmen with the Air Force Reserve Command aircrew for a C-17 Globemaster III work with Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment (1-147) of the Wisconsin National Guard on loading and unloading UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 10 at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy. The 1-147th was set up with numerous Black Hawks and support equipment and personnel at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport throughout the first two weeks of June for annual training. The 1-147th and its UH-60s regularly support training operations at Fort McCoy as well as supporting distinguished visitor flying operations. Photo by Kevin Clark/Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mikaela Branchfield, an 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron loadmaster, communicates with pilots on board a C-17 Globemaster during a preflight check July 12, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. C-17 aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations.

Airmen from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron and the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadrons Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants section refuel a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle in a hot pit operation July 12, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Force Base, United Arab Emirates. Hot pit refuelingoccurs when an aircraft is fueled immediately after landing, while the aircraft keeps one engine running.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, board a C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron at Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 in preparation for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

Maintenance Airmen with the 5th Bomb Wing hold the bomb bay doors of a B-52H Stratofortress for inspection during exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 17, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

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.

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Two B-52H Stratofortresses fly over the flightline before coming in for landing Oct. 27, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.

U.S. Airmen from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron load cargo on to a 757 Jan. 22, 2022 at Travis Air Force Base, California. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $5.4 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including security and non-security assistance. The United States reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity in support of a secure and prosperous Ukraine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Nicholas Pilch)

U.S. Airmen with the 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron swap an engine on a KC-10 Extender at Travis Air Force Base, California, Oct. 25, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 660th AMXS maintain, repair and advance Travis AFBs fleet of KC-10 aircraft.

A M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is unloaded off of a C-130J Hercules at Allen Army Airfield during a joint force operation conducted by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marines at Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 16, 2024. The purpose of the operation was to conduct HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2024. Army

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nathan Johnson, left, an aerospace propulsion journeyman assigned to the 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bryan Sabangan, right, an aerospace propulsion journeyman assigned to the 1st SOAMXS, use a borescope to inspect an engine on a MC-130J Commando II aircraft from Cannon AFB, during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 7, 2022. Emerald Warrior is the largest joint special operations exercise involving U.S. Special Operations Command forces training to respond to various threats across the spectrum of conflict.

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida unloads baggage from an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

Senior Airman Douglas Hammet, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator, carries a hose to hot pit refuel a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 29, 2022. Hot pit refueling allows aircraft to refuel quickly to return to the fight in a speedy manner.

Pallets are loaded onto a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, during exercise Agile Flag 22-2, July 21, 2022. The exercise prepares todays leaders for the rapid operational decisions and mission type orders required to win against peer adversaries. 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.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 conducts post flight checks on an MV-22B Osprey during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto airport, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from across the globe arrive at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 7, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

100115-F-2034C-061Staff Sgt. Candice Sutterfield conducts an airport security assessment Jan. 15, 2010 at Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Sgt. Sutterfield is a Raven from the 43rd Security Forces Squadron, 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.

A U. S. Air Force Airman from the 127thAircraft Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, (SANGB) work side-by-side with soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, performing Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training while refueling an A-10 Thunderbolt II also from SANGB during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) during Northern Agility 22-2/Northern Strike 22, at Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport, Mich., Aug. 10, 2022. Northern Agility 22-2 and Northern Strike 22 executing currently demonstrate how the Air Forces new Agile Combat Employment concept can be integrated into the joint fight. Northern Strike provides the perfect backdrop for the Michigan Air National Guard to establish Michigan as a center of excellence for ACE.

030324-F-8156G-002. Base: RAF Fairford Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force, Illinois Air National Guard inspectors general observe KC-135 Stratotanker crews prepare aircraft for takeoff during an inspection at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 14, 2022. The Nuclear Operations Readiness Inspection is an Air Mobility Command-sponsored assessment designed to provide select mobility air refueling forces a robust training opportunity to hone nuclear readiness and strategic deterrent capabilities through tailored field training activities.

Personnel from the Romanian Land Forces 8th Tactical Operational Missile Brigade and the U.K. Royal Air Force practice loading and unloading the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on a U.K. A400M during a dry-fire exercise as part of the ATREUS exercise series on Nov. 8, 2022, at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase, Romania. This training is a continuation from previous iterations with U.S. Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR). The U.S. and NATO allies and partners remain committed to collective defense and cooperative security throughout the European Theater.

Using a Pettibone crane Marines carefully guide an Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engine as it is removed from its place on the wing mount. The Marines are in the process of swapping an engine on a Marine KC-130 Hercules at a forward operating base in the Operation ENDURING FREEDOM area of operations. All are members of the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352), Combined Task Force 58. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR 352

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 355th Maintenance Group waits to marshal an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 355th Maintenance Group waits to marshal an HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron on the flightline at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska arrive in Bethel for disaster relief response Sept. 21, 2022, via a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 176th Wings 211th Rescue Squadron. Approximately 100 service members from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept.17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. A JTF in Nome is standing up concurrently as part of Operation Merbok Response. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Miller, crew chief with the 461st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshals an E-8C Joint STARS aircraft while wearing mission oriented protective posture gear. During Exercise RED DAWN WOLVERINE 2, Team JSTARS' ability to safely posture and project air operations, in addition to the ability to survive and operate in a contested environment, was tested and evaluated.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dalton White, a C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster, performs engine start procedures before an aerial refueling mission on Joint Base Charleston, SC, May 24, 2022. Aircrew members routinely perform low-level procedures, aerial refueling, and touch and go maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their proficiency and mission readiness.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

A U.S. Air National Guardsman with the 138th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, prepares to launch an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 28, 2022. The unit visited Tyndall to participate in Checkered Flag 23-1. 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.

A K-loader from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy, prepares to load its cargo onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base Germany. The K-loader is carrying equipment for the upcoming Mass Tactical Exercise (MASS TAC) CRIMSON BAYONET. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-02-02784 or search 010305-F-3329S-503). Subject Operation/Series: CRIMSON BAYONET Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DAYTON, Ohio -- KC-135R Stratotanker, serial number 60-0329, arrived at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on April 30, 2022 to become a part of the museums permanent collection at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The jet was delivered from the 154th Hawaii Air National Guard Wing. In 1967, the crew of this tanker was awarded the MacKay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year after it refueled six U.S. Navy aircraft that were dangerously low on fuel. The flight included a brief tri-level refueling two of the Navy aircraft and additional refueling of two Air Force fighters. The Stratotanker will be on display in the museums Air Park in July.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 20, 2022) U.S. Marines with Air Traffic Control Mike Company, Marine Air Control Squadron 4, Marine Aircraft Group 18, 1st Marine Air Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, conduct tactical flight checks during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, July 20. 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 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.

A loadmaster assigned to the 815th Airlift Squadron, inspects a C-130J Super Hercules prior to take-off in Guatemala City, Guatemala, June 11, 2022. The aircraft are in Guatemala in support of Resolute Sentinel 22, which is a multi-national training opportunity that offers real-world benefits to U.S. and partner nation military personnel and the people of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador by promoting well-being and readiness in addition to building long-term partnerships.

U.S. Air Force Airman perform a hot pit refuel with a KC-135 Stratotanker at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 22, 2022. A hot pit refuel transfers fuel from an expeditionary fuel bladder or a fuel truck to the wings of an aircraft while the engines run.

A Naval Special Warfare operator inspects a DATM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD) on an A-10 Thunderbolt II after observing the loading process at San Clemente Island, California, Nov. 7, 2022. The DATM-160 MALD is the training variant of an ADM-160 MALD, a standoff weapon that is used to deceive enemy air defense systems.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis McChord unloads cargo and Airmen participating in the Raging Gunfighter exercise at Hill Air Force Base, Utah May 17, 2022. Raging Gunfighter is an Air Combat Command exercise designed to simulate operating a Lead Wing from an Austere Environment. The purpose of this exercise is to prepare the 366th Fighter Wing for potential Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations around the world.

Airmen assigned to the 735th Air Mobility Squadron unload cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III during a decontamination exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Nov. 9, 2022. Hickam Airmen trained how to decontaminate an aircraft, aircrew and cargo that has been exposed to a chemical or biological agent to maintain operational readiness.

220716-F-KO270-1179 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 16, 2022) U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 4th Special Operations Squadron connect a generator to an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 16, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four 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.

Airmen from Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona 43rd ECS, prepare to pull an engine from a C-130 in support of Air Expeditionarny Force at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on May 10, 1999, in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. Airmen from Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona 43rd ECS, prepare to pull an engine from a C-130 in support of Air Expeditionarny Force at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on May 10, 1999, in support of NATO Operation Allied Force.

Aircraft loadmasters assigned to the 103rd Operations Group, 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard, and members of the Italian armed forces load cargo onto a C-130H Hercules in preparation for an airdrop mission, May 4, 2022 at Pisa International Airport, Pisa, Italy. Swift Response is a U.S. EUCOM scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted, and SETAF-AF led global exercise, focused on Allied Airborne forces' ability to quickly and effectively respond to crisis situations as an interoperable, multi-national team. Swift Response demonstrates U.S. and Allied force projection and high readiness interoperability in support of NATO Connected Force Initiative (CFI). Swift Response consists of Joint Forcible Entries (JFEs) into the Nordic, Baltics, and Balkans, followed by multinational training, and live-fire exercises.

Master Sgt. Jamie Bethune gives a tour of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker tail 58-0057 to Veteran crew chief Richard Devine at the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa on March 30, 2023. Devine was one of the original crew chiefs of 58-0057 when the aircraft first entered service in the late 1950s. Devine served during the late 1950s through the early 1960s just as the new jet powered air refueling aircraft came online. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

Personnel assigned to the 735th Air Mobility Squadron transport a Negative Pressure Conex-Lite from an Alaska Air National Guard 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III with a Tunner 60K loader at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 21, 2022. The AK ANG transported a patient from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, to Hickam, where the 535th Airlift Squadron aircrew continued the transport to California. Airmen from the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and 18th Medical Group provided patient care on the aircraft, while the 15th Medical Group provided an En Route Patient Staging System during the aircraft swap.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron wait for the next load of cargo to be delivered during readiness exercise Roundel Perun 22-01, Travis Air Force Base, California, April 10, 2022. The base exercise was designed to enhance the capabilities of multiple squadrons in responding to possible real-world scenarios.

Airmen from the 139th Maintenance Group cover assets to prepare for a simulated attack as part of a Large Scale Readiness Exercise at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, June 3, 2022. This exercise tested the wing's ability to deploy into a contested environment.

030501-F-2034C-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Pallets of Tactical Airlift Control Element (TALCE) equipment on the ramp in front of a 436th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB, Denver, C-5 Galaxy after arriving at Kigali airport. Subject Operation/Series: SUPPORT HOPE Base: Kigali Country: Russia (RUS)

Col. Jonathan Tucker's, 314th Airlift Wing commander, name is unveiled on a C-130J Super Hercules during a change of command ceremony at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, June 3, 2022. The 314th AW trains C-130 aircrew members from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard and 47 partner nations. Their mission, to produce professional, combat-minded C-130 crewmembers as the DODs largest C-130 formal training unit.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leo Johansson, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, marshals an F-15C Eagle during 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.

980622-F-2171A-005. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal Australian Air Force pilot conducts a preflight inspection of an F-35A Lightning II at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 27, 2022. The F-35s from RAAF are at Nellis training with U.S. 4th and 5th generation aircraft to increase interoperability and strengthen partnerships.

(U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Warner)

DF-ST-87-03466. Subject Operation/Series: CABANAS '86 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

B-52 Stratofortress crews from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota and the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, participated in hypersonic weapon familiarization training at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 27, 2024. Hypersonics is an attribute being pursued for advanced munitions. The Department of Defense is developing hypersonic science and technology to ensure the U.S. can rapidly transition operational hypersonic systems. Air Force

A U.S. Army Soldier drives a vehicle into a C-130 Hercules aircraft at Sather Air Base, Iraq, March 30, 2008. The vehicle is being flown to Basra, Iraq.

Airmen assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, refuel a C-130H Hercules aircraft on Feb. 13, 2024, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri. Aircrews conducted a 41-hour sortie in which the aircraft engines ran continuously for 45 hours and the aircraft was refueled three times. This type of training enhances the wings warfighting capability by pushing the limits of the aircraft and personnel. Air National Guard

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

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing checks the rear of a MC-130J Commando II during Arctic Edge 24 in Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Air Force

041016-F-9429S-052. Base: Alpena State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U. S. Air Force Airman from the 127thAircraft Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, (SANGB) work side-by-side with soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, performing Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training while refueiling an A-10 Thunderbolt II also from SANGB during an Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) during Northern Agility 22-2/Northern Strike 22, at Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport, Mich., Aug. 10, 2022. Northern Agility 22-2 and Northern Strike 22 executing currently demonstrate how the Air Forces new Agile Combat Employment concept can be integrated into the joint fight. Northern Strike provides the perfect backdrop for the Michigan Air National Guard to establish Michigan as a center of excellence for ACE.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ryan Tanner, 14th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, directs U.S. Marines as they load a High Mobility Air Rocket System, known as HIMARS, onto a C-17 Globemaster III on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 2022. The HIMARS is an air-transportable precision rocket system capable of firing a variety of conventional, precision-guided ballistic munitions.

Aircrew of a 445th Airlift Wing C-17 Globemaster III wear their Eye and Respiratory Protection equipment before going through a decontamination process after a flight during exercise: Operation Merciful Valkyrie, Sept. 13, 2022. More than 180 Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 445th Airlift Wing and members of the 5th Battalion, 159th Regiment General Support Aviation Battalion, Fort Knox, Kentucky, participated in the aeromedical patient movement exercise, Sept. 11-14, 2022. Four C-17 Globemaster IIIs conducted eight launches a day, three days in a row, for a total of 24 launches roundtrip from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The exercise focused on transporting patients from an austere environment (Fort Campbell) and bringing them to a more secure location (Wright-Patterson AFB) while providing en route medical care. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Patrick OReilly)

050711-F-7564C-111. Base: Volk Field State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force Airman waits to marshall an HC-130J Combat King II from the 79th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. The Combat King is the only fixed-wing personnel recovery aircraft in the Air Force and is essential to accomplishing DMs rescue mission.

Airmen with the Air Force Reserve Command aircrew for a C-17 Globemaster III work with Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment (1-147) of the Wisconsin National Guard on loading and unloading UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters June 10 at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport at Fort McCoy. The 1-147th was set up with numerous Black Hawks and support equipment and personnel at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport throughout the first two weeks of June for annual training. The 1-147th and its UH-60s regularly support training operations at Fort McCoy as well as supporting distinguished visitor flying operations. Photo by Kevin Clark/Fort McCoy Multimedia-Visual Information Office

Members of the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Airlift Wing unload a container of medical equipment from a C-130 Hercules at Barkley Regional Airport in Paducah, Ky., July 13, 2016, in preparation for Bluegrass Medical Innovative Readiness Training. The program will offer medical and dental care at no cost to residents in three Western Kentucky locations from July 18 to 27.

HYAKURI AIR BASE, Japan -- Members from Japan Air Self-Defense Force provides power for a US Air Force C-130 Hercules after unloading seven boron pallets here March 19. Aircrews from the 36th Airlift Squadron delivered the boron to help stabilization efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

000316-A-0030T-001. Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 131st and 509th Bomb Wings, perform a hot-pit refuel of a B-2 Spirit with a Royal Australian Air Force hydrant cart at RAAF Base Amberley, Australia, July 13. The BTF will conduct joint training and missions alongside Allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane from 172 Airllift Wing Air National Guard base is loaded in Langley, VA. These supplies will be delivered to the Haiti earthquake victims.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Group compete in a C-130 pull during Aviation Maintenance Technician day at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., May 20, 2022. AMT day is an annual celebration that highlights the accomplishments of aviation maintenance professionals, as well as Charles Edward Taylor, who built the engine for the Wright Brothers.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Wade McFarland, a crew chief with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., looks on as 74th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II prepares to depart fro a training mission during Green Flag West 11-2 exercise 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.

Mi-17 helicopter parts are loaded on to a C-17 Globemaster III at Davis-Monthan Air Base, Arizona, June 9, 2022. The Department of Defense is delivering Mi-17 helicopters to aid Ukrainian troops around the battlefield as it continues to expedite the authorization and facilitation of additional assistance to Ukraine.

Straight on medium shot as the US Air Force 6th Aircraft Generation Squadron's, Flying Crew CHIEF; SrA Brian Damron, chock's the landing gear of a KC-135 stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) embark an MV-22B Osprey during Weapons and Tactics Instructors (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. service members and their families meet Atlanta Falcons team members during their visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 20, 2022. The National Football League players showed their appreciation for JBLM service members by participating in military demonstrations, touring the units on base and meeting service members.

030410-F-1389C-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S Army soldiers load a C-130J assigned to Yokota Air Base, Japan during Red Flag 22-2, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 13, 2022. RF-A 22-2 provides realistic combat training in a simulated environment.

U.S. Marines with Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, prepare to board a KC-130J Super Hercules for a Transpacific (TRANSPAC) flight at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, QL, Australia, Sept. 14, 2022. TRANSPAC was a long-range tactical redeployment from Darwin to Hawaii with stops in Fiji, American Samoa, and Kiribati.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft pilot assigned to the 317th Airlift Squadron inspects the aircraft on the flight line at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 27, 2022. The mission of the 317th Airlift Squadron is to recruit, train and support combat ready aircrews in order to meet global taskings. (U.S. Air Force photo be Senior Airman Taylor Crul)

070305-M-7404B-116. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: HMLA-167

031018-F-6655M-014. Base: Naes Lakehurst State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mission Support Team consisting of Aerial Ports Squadron personnel unload USAF C-130 Hercules of equipment and supplies bound for Pakistani United Nations Security Troops.(Exact date unknown). Base: Modadishu Country: Somalia (SOM)

Members of the 128th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) Wisconsin Air National Guard, climb the stairs to board the KC-135 Stratotanker. The 128th ARW deployed in support of Operation INFINITE JUSTICE. (Operation INFINITE JUSTICE later changed to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM). Subject Operation/Series: INFINITE JUSTICE / ENDURING FREEDOM Base: General Mitchell Angb, Milwaukee State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

221002-N-XN177-1064 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 2, 2022) - Sailors refuel an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Oct. 2, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Maintenance Airmen with the 5th Bomb Wing prepare the bomb bay of a B-52H Stratofortress for inspection during the exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 17, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

U.S. Air Force Crew Chiefs assigned to the 125th Maintenance Group, Florida Air National Guard, perform routine pre-flight maintenance on an F-15C Eagle, June 7, 2022.

Airman Alysa Knott, 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Apprentice, takes photos of a B-52H park at the Main Parking Apron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 23, 2022. Public Affairsprofessionals are responsible for tellingAir Forcestories that help facilitate the free flow of communication between theAir Forceand the public.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Benjamin Reinhardt, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, conducts a pre-flight check on a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft before a night-time aerial refueling training exercise at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling service to support Fleet Marine Force air operations and provides assault air transport of personnel, equipment and supplies.

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation, Alaska National Guard, load UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters onto a C-17 Globemaster Feb. 4, 2021 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, bound for Fort Hood, Texas. Approximately 60 Soldiers from A Company are mobilizing to Fort Hood for eight weeks of training in preparation for a nine-month deployment rotation to Kuwait where they will be supporting Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing (20th FW) load cargo for deployers at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 15, 2022. 20th FW fighter squadrons are dedicated to remaining trained and prepared to deploy expeditiously, ensuring their ability to provide combat airpower to the Central Command Area of Responsibility at any time.

Propulsion technicians with the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron work on one of the new replacement props for a C-130H at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, October 20, 2022. The Airmen of the 75th EAS come from the Connecticut Air National Guard to support the 449th Air Expeditionary Group by providing reliable intra-theater airlift operations across a 12-country area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Laning directs Staff Sgt. Aaron Scofield, as he off-loads a P-19 fire engine near Forward Operating Base Apache, Afghanistan, Aug. 12. The C-130 delivered the last of the firefighter's P-19 fire engines. The firefighters are part of a team, deployed to set up crass, fire and rescue at a bare base.

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska arrive in Bethel for disaster relief response Sept. 21, 2022, via a HC-130J Combat King II aircraft from the 176th Wings 211th Rescue Squadron. Approximately 100 service members from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept.17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline. A JTF in Nome is standing up concurrently as part of Operation Merbok Response. (Alaska National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Balinda ONeal)

Staff Sgt. Edward Vazquez, 725th Air Mobility Squadron integrated flight control systems craftsman, inspects the exterior of a C-17 Globemaster III at Naval Station Rota, Spain, April 2, 2022. As NAVSTA Rotas only Air Mobility Command presence, the 725th AMS provides command and control, maintenance and air transportation support for all U.S. Transportation Command aircraft transiting through the base.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron Forward Area Refueling Point team drag a 300 foot fuel hose onto the flight line during a FARP demo, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 6, 2022. The FARP team essentially creates an on-the-go gas station that can land in contingency locations to refuel aircraft. The demo allowed for leaders of the 22nd Air Force to see first-hand how important the swift action of a FARP team is in agile combat employment locations.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, await incoming aircraft at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 12, 2022. The 33rd FW is utilizing the Vermont ANG air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather in Florida.

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