Military Aircraft Operations

Images showcasing military pilots preparing for flight, loading weapons, and unloading equipment from aircraft. The mood is focused and intense, reflecting military precision and readiness.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, prepares a F-16CM Fighting Falcon for departure during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. Grynkewich flew an F-16 Fighting Falcon alongside coalition partners in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as part of Operation Agile Spartan III. OAS III tested rapid troop and equipment movement to and from dispersed locations around the region.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Thomas Tanto Fry, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, checks his seat harness prior to take-off as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 14, 2022. Known as the Pantons, the 35th FS performs air and space control and force application roles including counter air, strategic attack, interdiction, and close-air support missions. It employs a full range of precision ordnance, can operate day or night and in all weather conditions. The Red Flag Exercise was established in 1975 and serves as a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise held multiple times a year by the USAF, alongside joint partner and allied air and ground forces.

030331-F-2034C-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Blaze Winter, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, participates in a weapons load crew of the quarter competition at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 31, 2023. Winter was one of three members representing the A-10C Thunderbolt II team during the competition, where the event consisted of building and loading weapons onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 aircraft.

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.

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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, prepares a F-16CM Fighting Falcon for departure during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. Grynkewich flew an F-16 Fighting Falcon alongside coalition partners in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as part of Operation Agile Spartan III. OAS III tested rapid troop and equipment movement to and from dispersed locations around the region.

050730-N-4133B-110. Base: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC) Scene Major Command Shown: CVW-14

Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class Williams cleans the seat of an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from Strike-Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25) aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Country: Unknown

Capt. Brendhan Goss makes eye contact with his crew chief during a preflight inspection before closing the canopy on an A-10C Thunderbolt II, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Captain Goss is an instructor pilot with the 74th Fighter Squadron.

DN-ST-88-02056. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Tazer Palmer, 100th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, climbs into the aircraft cockpit at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 12, 2022. The 187th Fighter Wing stationed at Dannelly Field, Alabama, sent aircraft, crew and support personnel to Eglin in support of the 43d FS dissimilar aircraft combat training.

STAFF SERGEANT Glenn Rehr a crew chief from the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, United Kingdom, England talks with General (GEN) Gregory Martin, United Sates Air Forces in Europe Commander in order to perform all necessary checks on the F-15E Strike eagle prior to take off. GEN Martin was playing host to GEN Jean-Pierre Job, CHIEF of staff for the French Air Force, during his visit to RAF Lakenheath. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DN-SC-90-03812. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

040120-F-0701S-021. Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

030402-F-4350W-004. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Naval Reservist AIRMAN (AN) Natalie Spiliopoulos, assigned to the Line Division of Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8), is shown refueling an A-4D Skyhawk aircraft. Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Cmdr. Michael Codington, commanding officer of Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, exits an F/A-18E Super Hornet after his final carrier landing aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Nov. 12, 2022. Exercise Silent Wolverine is a U.S.-led, combined training exercise that tests Ford-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios alongside participating allies in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford Strike Group is conducting their first deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.

The pilot of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft positions his plane to connect with the refueling drogue of a tanker aircraft during deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Noah Mackiewicz, an aircraft mechanic, with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 conducts preflight checks on an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft, Sept. 28, 2022, at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242 and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted a live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

US Marine Corps Major Hull, from Electronic Warfare Squadron Marine Attack Squadron 4 (VMA-Q4), from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, gets in the cockpit of his EA6-B Prowler aircraft ready for his flight duging Nato operation MAPLE FLAG 00 in Cold Lake, Canada. Subject Operation/Series: MAPLE FLAG 00 Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

A sailor on the aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) takes advantage of a lull between air strikes during DESERT FOX to paint bomb icons on an aircraft, indicating the number of bombing runs the aircraft has made. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT FOX Country: Unknown

Members of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron provide members of the Morón Air Base Spanish aircrew a tour of the B-52H Stratofortress. On the tour air crew showcased the capabilities of each aircraft and how its presence on the global theater is a symbol of deterrence at Morón Air Base, Spain, Mar. 17, 2023. Bomber missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron performs preflight inspection during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 22, 2022. ACE presents layers of operational unpredictability to an adversarys strategic decision making.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron Wing is marshaled toward the runway during exercise Reforger '86. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Base: Raf Woodbridge Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773 Detachment A, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct maintenance on an AH-1Z Viper during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 20, 2022. Routine aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the aircraft is operating within optimal flight conditions.

020315-F-3517L-043. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Egg Harbor Township State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air crew member prepares to wipe the windows of a Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) during PACEX '89. Subject Operation/Series: PACEX '89 Base: USS Constellation (CV 64)

An Air Force F-16 crew chief for the International Military Training program at the 162nd Fighter Wing (ANG) prepares to launch a student pilot. Base: Tucson State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling during an agile combat employment exercise with U.S. Central Command regional partners within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility July 12, 2022. Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) led the combined rapid deployment exercise consisting of forward operating location establishment, simulated combat sortie generation, aerial refueling, ground hot-pit refueling as well as command and control procedures. This training demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. airpower assets and maintains interoperability with foreign partners for enhanced security of the region.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Robert Kay, 80th Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, speaks to an 80th Fighter Squadron pilot during a preflight check at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 4, 2022. Preflight checks verifies the aircrafts reliability to perform its air combat role with maneuverability and ability to locate all types of aircraft in any weather condition.

US Air Force Major Floyd Hancock a F-15 Eagle pilot from the 122nd Fighter Squadron, Louisiana Air National Guard, climbs a ladder to get into his aircraft prior to a mission at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. MAJ Hancock is a part of the coalition forces of the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

An aerial cockpit camera view onboard a US Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft, showing the Pilot seated at the controls and a view out the canopy showing two GBU-12 Paveway II, 500-pound Laser Guided Bombs and a AIM-9 Sidewinder Missile attached to the port side wing of the aircraft.

STAFF SGT. Jeffrey R. Seeley, a crew chief with the 53rd Fighter Squadron, holds a helmet bag as the pilot of an F-15C Eagle aircraft settles into the cockpit for a mission during Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

030210-M-3166S-012. Base: Angeles City State: Pampanga Country: Philippines (PHL)

160709-N-TE278-116CORONADO, California (July 9, 2016) Retired Cmdr. Dean "Diz" Laird, center, stands in the rear seat of a T-34C Turbomentor with the "Flying Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. The T-34C marks the 100th aircraft Laird has flown in his 95-year lifetime.

111220-N-DR144-761 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 20, 2011) A Naval Air Crewman assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 guides the pilots of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter away from the landing area as they deliver supplies from the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) during a vertical replenishment at sea. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a western Pacific deployment.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis at 86th Air Base, Romania, May 15, 2022. The multinational NATO Alliance currently hosts more than 100 combat aircraft on alert in the region, performing 24/7 patrols along the eastern borders.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Beo” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and lead pilot, puts on her helmet during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 64th Aggressor Squadron returns back to the training scenario during a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. The 64th AGRS played as the red force against blue forces in training that prioritizes first timers combat missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

030926-F-6449C-010. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

030414-N-9964S-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

A U.S. Navy Sailor with Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 inspects a MQ-4C assigned to VUP-19 Triton prior to departing Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Due to its geographic location and co-located airfield and harbor, MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely postured to provide advanced naval integration in support of regional security.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Leo Johansson, 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, conducts launching procedures on 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.

040303-F-3963C-053. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot prepares for take off April 6, 2022, at Andravida Air Base, Greece. The U.S., Cyprus, France, Israel, Romania, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Canada supported and participate in the multinational exercise, INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force-led operational and tactical level field training exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Tactics Center at Greeces fighter weapons school.

030403-M-5607A-013. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Dr. Victoria Coleman, Air Force Chief Scientist, gives a thumbs up before taking off in an F-15D Eagle at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 26, 2022. Shogun Warriors were given the opportunity to ask Dr. Coleman questions, exchange strategic insights and showcase Kadenas mission operations. While here, Dr. Coleman stressed the importance of innovation within the U.S. Air Force, and recognized 18th Wing Airmen for accomplishments made toward a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, 7th Air Force commander, climbs up an F-16 Fighting Falcon ladder at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 8, 2022. The 7th Air Forces mission is to organize, train and equip warfighting forces supporting the air component command assigned to the combined forces command and perform missions supporting United Nations Command armistice maintenance.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jacob Gillespie, an AH-1Z Viper pilot from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, left, and Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, prepare for the generals final flight at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 25, 2022. The flight marked a significant occasion for Rudder, who is retiring after 38 years of service from the world's most elite fighting force. Since 2020, Rudder has commanded two-thirds of the Marine Corps operating forces committed to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Rudder is a native of Canton, Connecticut and Gillespie is a native of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

011012-F-0308N-165. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

030814-F-6911G-003. Subject Operation/Series: RED FLAG 2003 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Paul Hollrith, pilot assigned to the 706th Fighter Squadron, performs pre-flight inspections prior to participating in a Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 11,2022. During RF-N 22-3 the aggressor nation refines threat replication, applies advanced threats and jamming capabilities and increases threat capabilities to maximize training in non-permissive environments.

DN-ST-89-06483. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE 88 Base: Unknown

DN-ST-86-03995. Base: USS Coral Sea (CV 43) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

U.S. Air Force Aaron Jacobs, a dedicated crew chief assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, observes preflight checks of an F-35 Lightning II, during Point Blank 22-3, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 23, 2022. Point Blank is a recurring training exercise designed to enhance tactical proficiency and interoperability between NATO allies and partners.

A pilot puts on his helmet as he prepares for takeoff in his A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during the field training exercise Quick Thrust. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air National Guard Senior Airman Morgan Sprawl, 138th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, 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.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Eric Cleveringa (left), pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, and U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Cody Bowman, 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, poses for a photo during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 6, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (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.

DF-ST-85-04191. Subject Operation/Series: PITCH BLACK Base: Darwin State: Northern Territory Country: Australia (AUS)

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Turnham, 355th Wing commander, does pre-flight checks on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Col. Turnham served as commander from June 2020 to June 2022.

The pilot of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft prepares to climb into the cockpit during flight operations on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Adriatic Sea

041118-F-9629J-008. Base: Biggs Army Air Field State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing prepares for takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 8, 2022. The 354th AEW sent equipment and personnel to MCAS Iwakuni to train on agile combat employment tactics, techniques and procedures.

040303-F-6175D-037. Base: Fresno Air National Guard Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16 Aggressors fly over the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range Complex looking for enemy aircraft during Red Flag-Alaska 09-3 July 28, 2009, Eielson Air Force Base. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise poised at giving aircrews their first 10 flights in combat. The F-16 Aggressors are assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron.

020208-F-1631A-011. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A C-17 Globemaster III approaches a KC-10 Extender.

060824-N-8604L-076. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua Pelocincki, 14th Fighter Squadron commander, dons his headgear at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Feb. 2, 2024. Through training together, approximately 2,400 troops from the participating nations are allotted a chance to practice together and enhance cooperation by sharing data, intelligence, and tactics, ultimately improving interoperability among one another during the Cope North 24. Air Force

A U.S. Marine aircraft maintainer consults a laptop computer during maintenance on one of the two engines of a MV-22 Osprey.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Berkland, the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and crew chiefs assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conduct preflight operations during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 28, 2022. Operating under the 354th AEW, the 199th and the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons are at Iwakuni to refine fifth generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

F-16 Fighting Falcons US Air Force

An Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) air crewman walks past one of his squadron's A-6E Intruder aircraft on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). The EISENHOWER is on station in the Persian Gulf in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD/STORM Country: Unknown

030619-F-6844O-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Crew chief, STAFF Sergeant Ramel Hayley, 493rd Fighter Squadron RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom cleans the wind screen of an F15-C Eagle on the ramp at Sidi Slimane Air Base, Morocco, Africa. He is part of the personnel and fighter aircraft deployed to Sidi Slimane AB as part of the bi-annual African Eagle '96, a joint United States/Moroccan training exercise. Airmen from throughout USAFE along with F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle fighters from RAF Lakenheath trained in live air-to-air exercises with Royal Moroccan Air Force F-5 and Mirage F-1 fighters. Subject Operation/Series: AFRICAN EAGLE '96 Country: Morocco (MAR)

August 27, 2008 - An aerial combat photographer takes a self-portrait during a sortie over New Orleans, Louisiana.

041112-F-9528H-009. Base: Biggs Army Airfield State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Senior Airman Hunter Rollins, a dedicated crew chief assigned to Lighting Aircraft Maintenance Unit, launches out an F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 65th Aggressor Squadron, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 9, 2022. The F-35s will be employed in large Combat Air Forces exercises, U.S. Air Force Weapons School missions, joint exercises, and operational test and evaluation events that are only conducted at Nellis Air Force Base and the Nevada Test and Training Range.

The pilot of a F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 35th Fighter Squadron "Pantons", Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, gives the "Panton" sign prior to taxiing to takeoff for a simulated battle in the Korea province during the 8th Fighter Wing's Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). The 8th Fighter Wing personnel are being evaluated on their wartime capabilities as well as their ability to survive and operate during their ORI. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Senior Airman Matthew Chung, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, marshals a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. The exercises focus is the tactical execution of large force employment offensive counter air and counter land operations in a multi-national coalition environment.

A crew chief from the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron talks with CAPT. Askew, aircraft commander, and 1ST LT. Shintaku, the electronic warfare officer, as they sit in the cockpit of their EF-111A Raven aircraft prior to takeoff. The aircraft is one of four EF-111As being deployed to Turkey in support of Operation Provide Comfort. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE COMFORT Base: Raf Upper Heyford Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Phillip Ash, the commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, completes preflight checks on an AV-8B Harrier II jet 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.

020212-N-9777F-017. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: VP-40

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Way, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, conducts pre-flight checks to an F-16 Fighting Falcon jet at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, August 24, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

A U.S. Air Force maintainer and pilot assigned to the 23rd Wing communicate in the cockpit before takeoff from Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, July 22, 2022. Agile Flag 22-2 is Air Combat Command's first lead-wing certification event designed to demonstrate the 23rd Wing's capability to generate combat air power while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain the Wing and subordinate force elements in a dynamic and contested environment.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Casey Manning, 62nd Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning II pilot, prepares to take flight Oct. 3, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Manning and several other F-35A pilots prepared to join a B-1B Lancer assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas in formation over the United States, exercising the interoperability of the different aircraft.

Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, 5th Air Force commander, looks out a window of a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Aircrew members from across Yokota maintain their flight currency by flying frequent training missions.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 21, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Justin Bryan ducks as an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 launches from the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

July 16, 2007 - A KC-135 Stratotanker provides in-flight refueling to an F-15 Eagle over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex during Red Flag-Alaska.

040114-F-9629J-004. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: Bravo Company, 2-501st, 1ST Armo

011015-F-4155R-002. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Mr. Dale Zimmerman, left, is strapped in to an F-15 Eagle by US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Brian K Gerlt, 95th Fighter Squadron Crew CHIEF, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Mr. Zimmerman won a contest sponsored by Yahoo!, to be a fighter pilot for a day. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground crewman from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing guides an F-4 Phantom II aircraft onto the runway apron during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Staff Sgt. Shawn Keninger and Master Sgt. James Jordan, crew chiefs assigned to the Wyoming Air National Guards 153rd Airlift Wing, adhere the big orange “3” on one of the Wings Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems C-130 H aircraft April 12 at the WyANG Base in Cheyenne. MAFFS 1 and 3 were readied in preparation of annual recertification training, happening next week in Boise, Idaho. MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system owned by the U.S. Forest Service that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than 5 seconds. The Wyoming Air National Guard has been flying its C-130H aircraft in MAFFS missions since 1975 and currently provides 25 percent of the Department of Defenses MAFFS capability.

Senior Airman Lenny Taho, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, secures a Mark-65 Quickstrike mine to a munitions lift at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 24, 2022. B-1B Lancers can rapidly deploy more than seven Mark-65s.

061202-N-5484G-056. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Capt. Ryan Ludvigsen, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, inspects the tail rotors of a UH-1Y Venom helicopter before boarding the aircraft on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, April 9, 2014. HMLA-367 plays an important role in the everyday operations aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii and has proven to be a vital asset in the Pacific as the Marine Corps begins to shift its focus back to the west.

A ground crewman assists a pilot in preparing his A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for takeoff during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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