Military Aircraft Operations

Dramatic views of military aircraft, including C-17 and C-130 planes, highlighting airlift operations and preparations for various missions.

U.S. Navy C-130T of VR-54 at Stuttgart Airfield, Germany.

920th Rescue Wing Airmen make final checks of an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022. In anticipation of Hurricane Ian, the decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

A C-141B Starlifter aircraft from Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina arrives at Azaraq Air Base in Jordan. The aircraft is carrying personnel and cargo that will be participating in the upcoming Air Power Expeditionary Force operation with the Royal Jordanian Air Force. An ancillary mission of the Force is to assist US Air Force and other multinational forces operating in Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries patrol the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Azraq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Williams, an avionics technician with the 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, crosses the flightline at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 17, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

US Air Force (USAF) Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Matt Walker, 437th Airlift Wing (AW) stands by with safety equipment, while his C-17A Globemaster III aircraft receives routine maintenance on the flight line during the early foggy hours at Charleston Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina (SC). A second C-17A Globemaster III aircraft is parked in the background. US Air Force (USAF) Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Matt Walker, 437th Airlift Wing (AW) stands by with safety equipment, while his C-17A Globemaster III aircraft receives routine maintenance on the flight line during the early foggy hours at Charleston Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina (SC). A second C-17A Globemaster III aircraft is parked in the background.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron returns to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 26, 2024. USINDOPACOM routinely and visibly demonstrates commitment to our allies and partners through the employment of our military forces, demonstrating strategic predictability, while becoming more operationally unpredictable to adversaries. Air Force

Seven KC-135R Stratotankers from the 916th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve, line the ramp at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base on Jan. 8, 2012.

Air to air front, top view of an Air Mobility Command's C-130 Hercules. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A B-52 Stratofortress from Barksdale AFB lands on the flight line at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Aug. 16, 2022. The B-52s landed at Fairchild to conduct their own Agile Combat Employment exercise creating more multi-capable Airmen ready to deploy anywhere, anytime.

(Right to Left) A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37 Squadron, Republic of Korea Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 251st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 40 squadron, and U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron sit on the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. JASDF, RAAF, ROKAF, RNZAF, and USAF C-130J crewmembers delivered 209 bundles with humanitarian aid totaling more than 71,000 pounds of cargo to 22,000 remote Micronesian islanders.

U.S. Marines from squadrons across 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing unload CATM-120D Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile from an Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Aug. 17, 2022. The Marine Corps and Air Force worked together to prepare a forward arming and refueling point as the two services integrate aviation capabilities. Both services continue to modernize to further deter adversaries and support allies and partners.

DN-ST-89-06486. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE 88 Base: Unknown

030713-F-6701P-036. Base: Lungi Country: Sierra Leone (SLE) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

041112-F-9629J-082. Base: Biggs Army Airfield State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, is parked on the flightline August 2, 2022 at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. The 914th ARW were assigned eight Stratotankers in 2017. Prior to that, they were assigned C-130 Hercules, which provided airlift capabilities.

A Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., C-130J Hercules sits ready to depart Pope Air Force Base, N.C., to travel to Port-au-Prince International Airport, Haiti Jan. 17, 2010. The C-130J will be transporting personnel, medical supplies and equipment to aid in the Haitian relief efforts after a devastating earthquake struck the country Jan. 12, 2010. Little Rock AFB is a component of Air Mobility Command. Since relief operations began Jan. 13, 2010, AMC aircraft have deliver more than 323 tons of emergency tons of cargo to Haiti. (USAF

SENIOR AIRMAN Mike Audas directs a US Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane to a parking spot on the ramp. Subject Operation/Series: BIG DROP II Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal New Zealand C-130H Hercules assigned to No. 40 Squadron, RNZAF Base Auckland, prepares for takeoff during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 7, 2022. Red Flag-Alaska serves as an ideal platform for international engagement and the exercise has a long history of including Allies and partners. This enables all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.

A U.S Air Force C-130 from Moody Air Force Base, Georgia refuels on the runway at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, July 22, 2022, as part of AGILE FLAG 22-2. 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)

041110-F-1740G-011. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A line of C-130s taxi back in after a practice run for Operation Overlord '94. The three squadrons deployed were the 2nd Airlift Squadron (ALS) Pope AFB, North Carolina, 37th Airlift Squadron (ALS) Rhein-Main AB, Germany and the 41st Airlift Squadron (ALS), Pope AFB, North Carolina. The purpose of the deployment was to airlift the 82nd and the 101st Airborne troops into France to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Operation Overlord. Subject Operation/Series: OVERLORD '94 Base: Alconburg Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 97th Air Mobility Wing, taxis in at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field, Texas, April 27, 2022. The 97th AMW deployed C-17s, aircrew and support personnel from Altus Air Force Base, Okla. to Kelly Field, as part of Task Force Red Mammoth, which ensures the unit can provide global reach for combat and contingency operations while continuing training in a mobile environment.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft prepares to land during a joint training exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, July 25, 2022. This exercise included aircraft from five different Air Force squadrons and U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division to enhance their expeditionary operations in a joint-training environment. This was the first time MCAS Camp Pendleton staged five Globemaster III aircraft on the air station at the same time.

970325-F-0994L-002. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A 78th Air Refueling Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey KC-10 Extender arrives at International Airport/Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The KC-10 is carrying supplies and equipment from Tyndall Air Force Base for the 2nd Fighter Squadron to use during the world's largest joint service, multi-national tactical air operations exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '97 Base: Albuquerque State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sixteen KC-46 Pegasus and five KC-135 Stratotankers perform an elephant walk during Exercise Lethal Pride at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 27, 2023. After the elephant walk the aircraft participated in an aircraft flush where they all took off in rapid succession.

A KC-135 Stratotanker receives routine maintenance Oct. 29, 2014 at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The MacDill flightline is home to 16 KC-135s that provide aerial refueling capability for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

061208-N-9951E-066. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of Joint Task Force - Alaska off load equipment and supplies after arriving 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)

Airmen from the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, perform Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training on an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Selfridge on Dec. 13, 2022. The training included Integrated Combat Turns which enables the quick rearming and refueling of a running jet to reduce the aircrews ground time and quickly get them back into the air executing missions and supporting operations.

A C-130 from the 136th Airlift Wing 181st Airlift Squadron, Dallas, Texas Air National Guard begins its mission to Entebbe Uganda to pick up relief cargoes and take to Goma, Zaire. Subject Operation/Series: Restore Hope Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)

Festival visitors wait in line to tour the C-17 Globemaster III at the Friendship Festival 2022 at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. The event embodied the true spirit of friendship, welcoming more than 110,000 Japanese neighbors, sharing our cultures through food, music, and performances.

980620-F-2907C-041. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III flies alongside a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 in formation over the Pacific Ocean as part of Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 4, 2022. The RAAF squadron visited JBPHH to join both active duty and National Guard C-17s for training missions around the Hawaiian Islands to develop tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines and Marine Air Control Squadron 4 off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsukai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

A C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron bearing Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, departs from Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 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.

Service members conduct a hot pit refuel on two B-1B Lancers, 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.

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.

031106-F-3488S-024. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A C-130 flown by Airmen from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing takes off from Canadian Forces Station Alert on Ellsmere Island, Nunavut, after dropping off supplies on Sept. 30, 2019. The Air Guard crew assisted members of the Royal Canadian Air Force's 8 Wing in transporting supplies from Thule Air Base, Greenland to Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut.

040304-F-2828D-143. Base: Port-Au-Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurburt Field, Florida departs Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio Sept. 29, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

A Finnish PC-12NG and C-295M aircraft assigned to the Satakunta Air Command taxis before taking off during the 2022 Finnish Airlift Tactical Exercise (ATEX), in Oulu, Finland, Aug 24, 2022. ATEX is the Satakunta Air Commands most important transport and communication aircraft annual exercise. The Finnish Air Force hosted members from multiple partner nations to participate in ATEX, enhancing readiness across the European Theater. Training with our partner nations reinforces NATO members commitment to preserving regional stability.

Aircrew and maintenance personnel from the 155th Air Refueling Wing perform post-flight operations on the KC-135R Stratotanker, Sept. 7, 2022. Guardsmen and Reserve Citizen Airmen provide critical support throught the USAFE-AFRICA area of operations by deploying to and interacting with a variety of nations.

030318-F-6449C-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

Aircrafts - C-130 - 26-HK-51-7. C-130 on flight line -- 050924. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Air Force aircrew from the 535th Airlift Squadron review exercise scenarios after offloading cargo and personnel during an offload of cargo while on a C-17 Globemaster III at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii Oct. 31, 2022, during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 23-01. The 15th Wings ability to provide rapid global mobility and surge combat-ready forces across the theater is critical to supporting regional alliances and the existing security architecture.

A KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron is parked on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. The 909th ARS is the premiere force for aerial refueling in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, ensuring U.S. and allied nation aircraft are postured to maintain regional peace and stability in the region.

During an unprecedented joint force exercise, members from the 151st Air Refueling Wing unload a Polaris Military Razor from a KC-135R Stratotanker on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Grounds, 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.

021117-F-2751G-035. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) taxis the flight line during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sept. 30, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardization advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct airborne operation after exiting a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft at Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy, Oct. 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, departs Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID as part of exercise Gunfighter Flag 23-1. Gunfighter Flag tests participants in unique and challenging training scenarios that improve skills, combat effectiveness as well as the aircrew survivability alongside Department of Defense partners and units from across the nation.

In the foreground TECH. SGT. Robert Mick, 37th Air Lift Squadron, Loadmaster, preflights the C-130 before the drop during Operation Overlord '94. The 2nd Airlift Squadron (ALS) Pope AFB, North Carolina, 37th Airlift Squadron (ALS) Rhein-Main AB, Germany and the 41st Airlift Squadron (ALS), Pope AFB, North Carolina deployed to RAF Alconbury, England to airlift the 82nd and the 101st Airborne troops into France to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Subject Operation/Series: OVERLORD '94 Base: Alconburg Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Nose art on a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington, at Moron Air Base, Spain, to continue aerial refueling operations in support of Operation Phoenix Duke II. Nose art on a US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, from the 92nd Aerial Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington, at Moron Air Base, Spain, to continue aerial refueling operations in support of Operation Phoenix Duke II.

A C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 152rd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, taxis after a Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) training mission in Boise, Idaho, April 26, 2022. The MAFFS units are training for a U.S. Northern Command mission. In the event of activation during the fire year, First Air Force (AFNORTH), U.S. Northern Command's Air Component Command, is the DoD's operational lead for the aerial military efforts to support USDA Forest Service-National Interagency Fire Center requests for fire suppression support.

A KC-130F aircraft of Marine Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) stands on the flight line. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Bill Kennedy marshals a C-17 Globemaster III at Dover Air Force Base, Del., April 26, 2015. The aircraft was loaded with 69 members of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team, their supplies and equipment, and six K-9s to assist Nepal with rescue operations after the country was struck by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake. Kennedy is assigned to the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Airmen from the 152nd Communications Flight and 152nd Operations Group participate in the Mountain Flag exercise in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. May 25, 2022. The exercise was executed to prepare Airmen for Agile Combat Employment (ACE), an Air Force concept which enables Airmen to conduct operations from distributed locations at higher and faster levels of complexity.

An MC-12W assigned to the 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma National Guard, departs from San Angelo Regional Airport-Mathis Field, Texas, Aug. 24, 2022. The MC-12W is a twin-engine turbo prop aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in support of ground forces around the world.

A C-130E Hercules aircraft from the 934th Tactical Airlift Group, U.S. Air Force Reserve, flies along the coast while returning to Howard Air Force Base, Panama, during Operation Just Cause. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: JUST CAUSE Country: Panama (PAN)

970218-F-5742K-005. Subject Operation/Series: AIR EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, fly behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft static display assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, during the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. RIAT allowed the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate its strong forward presence in Europe as well as reinforce NATO and other European ally partnerships. The event, which showcased aircraft from across the globe celebrated aviations past and present while inspiring the next generation.

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft line up on the Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., runway during a Mobility Air Forces exercise held at Nellis and over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nov. 17, 2010. Approximately 40 C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft will assemble in aerial formations to conduct air and ground operations as part of a bi-annual, U.S. Air Force Weapons School exercise.

A F-35B Joint Strike Fighter demonstrates its vertical take-off and landing capabilities in preparation for an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations demonstration for the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro on Bogue Airfield, Bogue, N.C., Jan. 27, 2022. The EABO demonstration showcased II MEFs efforts to align with the Commandants Planning Guidance. As showcased, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing continues to develop best practices for establishing and defending forward refueling points and maintaining sustained combat operations from forward expeditionary advanced bases. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Lyden)

U.S. Air Force Airman Robert Adams, a B-52 crew chief from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, marshalls in a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron after a routine Bomber Task Force mission at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 26, 2024. The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defense and deterrence of any actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests. Air Force

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 4 and 12th Marines prepare to off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsukai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the Ohio Air National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, Swanton, Ohio, are parked on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 8, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

A team consisting of 86th MXG Airmen, Air Force Material Command, Tesseract, Hercules Innovation Lab, and electronic jacking and leveling system manufacturers inspect the EJALS while lifting a C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 22, 2024. The group collected data for an evaluation to determine if the EJALS is suitable for use on military aircraft. Air Force

An R11 fuel truck from the 127th Logistics Readiness Squadron refuels a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 127th Air Refueling Group, on the ramp at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Sept.13, 2022. Fully loaded, a KC-135 can hold up to 203,000 pounds of fuel.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Allie Schriever, a power line mechanic with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, checks KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft engines during exercise Kodiak Mace 22, at Elmendorf Air Force base, Alaska, May 10, 2022. This annual exercise is designed to develop unit-level skills, work with joint forces, and maintain a high level of squadron readiness.

An air-to-air front view of a C-5B Galaxy aircraft of the 22nd Military Airlift Squadron as seen from the cargo door of a C-141B Starlifter. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III takes off Aug. 12, 2022, as a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor taxis during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Both aircraft are assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and operated by members of the Hawaii Air National Guard. The event was held to celebrate the militarys longstanding relationship with the local community and give the public an opportunity to witness the capabilities of the joint force.

A Finnish C-295M aircraft assigned to the Satakunta Air Command taxis before taking off during the 2022 Finnish Airlift Tactical Exercise (ATEX), in Oulu, Finland, Aug 24, 2022. ATEX is the Satakunta Air Commands most important transport and communication aircraft annual exercise. The Finnish Air Force hosted members from multiple partner nations to participate in ATEX, enhancing readiness across the European Theater. Training with our partner nations reinforces NATO members commitment to preserving regional stability.

Air National Guard C-17 transport plane landing during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Wunstorf, Germany.

011109-F-2421P-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Seven C-130 Aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force take part in an elephant walk to signify the end of Operation Christmas Drop 2022, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running Department of Defense humanitarian mission that delivers critical aid to island communities throughout the western Pacific while also providing an opportunity for aircrew to hone important skills needed for future operations.

Tech. Sgt. Curtis Ivey, 403rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, renders a salute after marshalling a WC-130J Super Hercules for takeoff on an Atmospheric Rivers mission, Jan 15. Members of the 403rd Maintenance Group ensure the aircraft are maintained for the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron to fly ARs in the Pacific Ocean Basin from 1 January through 31 March as a specific part of the National Winter Season Operations Plan.

041216-F-2034C-001. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force combat controller with the 320th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) marshals a U.S. Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft after a successful landing at Sendai Airport, Japan, March 16, 2011. Members of the 320th STS from Kadena Air Base, Japan, deployed to Sendai Airport to help clear the runway and make it ready for fixed-wing aircraft traffic.

980620-F-2907C-047. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

C-130J Hercules and WC-130J Hercules fly in formation during an Operation Surge Capacity exercise April, 5, 2014, over the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. Aircraft from the 815th and 345th Airlift Squadrons and 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron participated in the large-scale training exercise designed to test the 403rd Wing's ability to launch and recover a large formation of aircraft and to execute airdrops. The C-130s are assigned to the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron flies after dropping a bundle over the south Pacific Ocean Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 11, 2022. The bilateral airdrop supports Exercise Marara 22 which will enable USINDOPACOM components to address strategic, readiness, and security cooperation measures by improving mil-to-mil relationships, increasing combined interoperability readiness, and identifying information sharing friction points or gaps, and enhancing HADR response capability development.

041111-F-1740G-002. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

Airmen from the 176th and 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons off-load an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from a 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III after transporting the helicopter to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richadson, Alaska. The Pave Hawk experienced a malfunction after completing a medevac mission in Western Alaska. The aircraft landed safely at the Alaska Army National Guard hangar in Bethel after the mission but was unable to complete the trip back to JBER. The ability to seamlessly transition from rescue operations to global mobility provides the 176th Wing with a strategic edge, showcasing the Wings commitment to agile combat employment and effectiveness when handling complex situations, both within the state and across the globe. (Alaska National Guard

Col. Scott P. Weyermuller, incoming 2nd Bomb Wing commander, unveils his nameplate on the B-52H Stratofortress flagship at Barksdale Air Force Base. The B-52 flagship is known as the Spirit of Shreveport/Bossier.

U.S Air Force reservists from Travis Air Force Base, Army National Guard members from Fairfield, and U.S. Airmen with the 129th Rescue Wing are participating in Exercise Nexus Rising, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., June 3-5, 2022. Nexus Rising is a readiness exercise designed to test the ability of the 349th Air Mobility Wing to generate, employ and sustain air operations in a simulated combat environment. Missions in NEXUS RISING include air rescue, aeromedical evacuation, airlift for cargo and personnel, aerial refueling deployment processing, aerial port operations, and command and control.

A 374th Maintenance Group Airman marshals a C-130J Super Hercules during the Samurai Readiness Inspection, Oct. 12, 2022 at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Yokota AB conducted formation flights on the first day of the wings base wide readiness inspection. Formation flights can be used as a show of force to project power while defending the base during wartime or contingency operations.

U.S. Airmen with the 62d Airlift Wing and 627th Air Base group perform wet wing refueling operations during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. Special fueling operations were conducted by the 62d AWs C-17 Globemaster III and the 366th Fighter Wings F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft during Rainier War 22B to exhibit Air Mobility Commands agile combat capabilities.

A C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing performs an assault landing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2022. The landing was part of the 757th Airlift Squadron's annual TAC week, a condensed week of flight training highlighted by a six-aircraft formation flight.

KC-135 Stratotankers from the 134th Air Refueling Wing performs a coordinated taxi during an exercise on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, TN April 2, 2023. Pilots and air crews conducted response time exercises during April drill to keep their skills sharp.

Tech. Sgt. Brian Brewer, a 189th Maintenance Group Integrated Avionics Technician, performs a radar test by projecting a simulated radar signal and gauging aircraft responses, Jan. 18, 2023, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Brewer and the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Test Center detachment located at the 189th Ailrift Wing use test equipment designed specifically to support the aircraft's unique capabilities.

221005-N-CR843-0023NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon Aircraft assigned to the Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 comes in for a landing at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Oct. 04, 2022. VP-8 is returning from a six month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S, Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

Soldiers assigned to the Royal Australian Army 176th Air Dispatch Squadron load cargo onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during Exercise Global Dexterity at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, Nov. 16, 2022. Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Base Amberley, and is designed to help develop the bilateral tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities of the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Both the United States and Australia rely on the C-17A to provide strategic and tactical airlift across the Indo-Pacific region, with its ability to provide short-notice and time-critical airlift support making it essential during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 11, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, attached to the Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, taxis on a runway in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, July 11, 2021. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure stability, security, and the free flow of commerce in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean, and three strategic chokepoints.

The 165th Airlift Wing hosted 70 students from the Benedictine Military School JROTC for a familiarization flight on one of our C-130 Hercules aircraft on April 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. Two members of the crew that flew the students are graduates of Benedictine Military School Lt. Col. John Mims, a navigator, graduated in 1989 and Lt. Col. Jack Groover, a pilot, graduated in 1991. The students were given a safety briefing prior to flight and given the opportunity to ask questions about the aircraft and about certain jobs in the Air National Guard.

980620-F-3645W-041. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 50th Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas C-130 Hercules aircraft, currently deployed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany lands at Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia after a storm dumped 10 to 12 inches of snow on the Tuzla area a day earlier. The airlifter is delivering cargo for use by the Implementation Forces (IFOR). The IFOR mission is to ensure that the former warring nations of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia honor the Dayton Peace Accord to cease fire and maintain permanent borders. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

of 3