Military Aircraft Operations

U.S. military jets like F/A-18 and F-16 in action at various air bases, demonstrating readiness and aerial capabilities during training operations.

A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 138 prepares to depart a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.
A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 138 prepares to depart a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.
254 assets in this story
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041112-F-3715H-108. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to take off on a mission during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 10, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field to participate in exercise Northern Lightning, a joint training exercise emphasizing user-defined objectives resulting in tailored, scenario-based, full-spectrum, high-end training.
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A row of F/A-18 "Hornet" aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) parked on the flight line at Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.VFA-136 is deployed to Puerto Rico as part of Operation COMPTUEX 97-2. Subject Operation/Series: COMPTUEX 97-2 Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A B-52H Stratofortress takes off during the Prairie/Bayou Vigilance 24-2 exercise Jan. 4, 2024, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The Prairie/Bayou Vigilance 24-2 exercise enabled crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and ensure the always-ready, global strike capability.
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U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Paul Rojeski, 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals out an F-15C Eagle that recently reached 10,000 flight hours Oct. 21, 2022, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. To celebrate the achievement, members of the 144th Maintenance Squadron structural shop painted the aircraft with an American flag scheme.
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F-16 Fighting Falcon Hill Air Force Base Utah USA
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An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off for a Weapons School Integration mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 6, 2022. The A-10 is a simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.
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030625-F-6844O-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM
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A T-38 Talon speeds toward the runway during Exercise Agile Tiger on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger was a 509th-led interoperability training exercise which combined and honed the skills of active duty, guard, and reserve U.S. Military Forces to ensure combat-readiness.
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A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron prepares for a flight at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 13, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to MHAFB in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.
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An A-10 Thunderbolt II loaded with a DATM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD) sits on the runway at San Clemente Island, California, Nov. 7, 2022. With the assistance from Naval Special Warfare operators, the DATM-160 MALD was able to be loaded in an austere environment during a Green Flag-West training exercise.
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An Italian Air Force F-16 Air Defense Fighter in special colors
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DN-SC-88-06706. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, left, and a U.S. Air Force U-2 Dragon Lady, leave the runway after conducting an elephant walk on Beale Air Force Base, California, Jan. 4, 2024. The agile T-38 alongside the iconic U-2 are a dynamic duo as the T-38 is used to provide instrument and general flight training which keeps U-2 pilots current and proficient when not flying the U-2. The elephant walk highlighted the unity and cohesion amongst the different units at Beale AFB.
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U.S. Navy F-18F Super Hornet taking off during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Hohn, Germany.
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Maj. Rick Goodman, No. 5, and Capt. Kristin Hubbard, No. 8, both members of the Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 demonstration team, at Little Rock AFB runway Oct. 6.
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A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet is offloaded from a cargo ship onto the Marine Corp Air Station Iwakuni harbor, Sept. 12, 2022. MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely positioned to support the dynamic transportation of various military assets between sea and shore through use of its co-located harbor and airfield.
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F-16 Fighting Falcon Buckley Air Force Base Colorado USA
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061025-N-5060B-077. Base: Naval Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron approaches the runway during exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 17, 2023. The 20th Fighter Wing was one of 21 units from across the coalition core function forces participating in RF-N 22-3.
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Maj. Gen. Michael G. Koscheski, Fifteenth Air Force commander, speaks during the 4th Fighter Wing Change of Command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 11, 2022. The Change of Command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin National Guard, lands at Volk Field Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, during exercise Northern Lightning on Aug. 18, 2022. Northern Lightning is a premier ANG-hosted, joint training exercise that integrates 4th and 5th generation assets from the ANG, Air Force, Navy and Marines Corps.
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A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C Hornet takes-off at Royal Air Force Waddington, England, prior to a training mission during Exercise Cobra Warrior 23-1 March 21, 2023. Finland is among six other nations participating in this iteration of Cobra Warrior, increasing interoperability between NATO Allies and Partners.
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An A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot with the 107th Fighter Squadron, taxis toward the runway on a foggy morning during a routine training operations at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Nov. 2, 2022. Pilots from the 127th Wing conduct regularly scheduled flight operations for the Michigan Air National Guard, providing on-the-job training and ensuring flying time is performed consistently to required standards.
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030319-F-5040D-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF
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A pilot from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, taxis in an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Selfridge Air National Guard Base Sept. 1, 2022. The A-10, affectionally called the Warthog, is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support. The effective and survivable Warthog carries a wide variety of munitions that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. ( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Terry L. Atwell)
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LEEUWARDEN, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 11, 2016: US Air Force F-15 Eagle takking off during the exercise Frisian Flag. The exercise is considered one of the most important NATO training events this year.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.
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U. S. Air Force Airmen from the 124th Maintenace Squadron, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho perform Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training while conducting maintenance on a U. S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft also from the 124th Fighter Wing, during Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 16, 2022. Exercises like Agile Rage 22 are re-defining Air Force Command & Control operations, shifting focus to decentralized command and control for distributed operations. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision making process.
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Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes Blue Angels USN US Navy F/A-18 Hornet hangar
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robby Benson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team electrical and environmental technician, and Senior Airman Caleb Spencer, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team engines specialist, performs pre-flight inspections at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 14, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team performed a capability demonstration of the A-10 Thunderbolt II in front of cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy as part of a routine practice sortie.
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis on the flight line during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. RF-A 22-3 offers U.S. and allied service personnel and aircraft the opportunity to leverage forces in support of bilateral or multilateral exercises.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Legacy of Liberty air show over Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, May 6, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly seventy air shows this season.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan is positioned at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Tsuiki Air Base, Fukuoka, Japan as part of the aviation training relocation program Nov. 8, 2022. ATR is a result of the May 2006 United States-Japan roadmap for realignment implementation, a bilateral program aimed at increasing operational readiness and improving interoperability.
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An F-16 Flighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighting Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to participate in a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset, May 8, 2022. Wake turbulence is a function of an aircraft producing lift, resulting in the formation of two counter-rotating vortices trailing behind the aircraft.
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Visitors enjoy the Frontiers in Flight airshow at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2022. The airshow featured 12 performers including Tora, Tora, Tora, an A-10 demonstration, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to name a few. An airshow, also known as an open-house, is a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the world, the birthplace of some very famous airframes.
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U. S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, conduct flight operations during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training at Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 16, 2022. Agile Rage 22 provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.
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Lt. Col. Justin Elliott, U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron commander, waves to the audience during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers in a demonstration.
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A drag chute opens as an A-3 Skywarrior aircraft lands during the U.S. 3rd Fleet North Pacific Exercise (NORPACEX). The joint Air Force and Navy exercise not only provides training for fighter pilots and tactical controllers, but also tests the ability of those services to operate together for the defense of Alaska. Subject Operation/Series: NORPACEX Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Photo reportage of a demonstration flight with a General Dynamics F-16A with Captain Flyer G. Booij for a Vara television crew.
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United States Marine Corps aircraft maintainers scan for FOD, Foreign Object Debris, that can damage the engines of F/A-18D Hornets (left).
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A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, lands June 16, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The 104FW is trained to provide around-the-clock Aerospace Control Alert, providing armed F-15 fighters ready to scramble in a moments notice to protect the northeast United States from any airborne threat.
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An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team from Misawa Air Base, Japan, sits on a flightline during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival fireworks display at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2022. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this years festival marks the first time Yokota has held the annual event since 2019. The festival is aimed at increasing bilateral relationships between the U.S. and Japanese communities and allows people to see those bilateral capabilities first-hand.
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform in front of thousands of spectators at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. This was the team's second show of the season.
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DF-ST-89-04699. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR 88 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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An F-22 Raptor takes off after being hot-pit refueled July 13, 2013, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The Raptors were flown by Reserve pilots assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron during the 477th Fighter Groups monthly training weekend. During the week, the 477th Fighter Group, Alaska's only Reserve unit, integrates with the active duty 3rd Wing.
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A U.S. Air Force F-16A is being removed from static display at the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa on May 18, 2022. The historic aircraft is being towed across the runway to the Air National Guard paint facility where it will be cleaned and painted. The 185th flew F-16 fighter aircraft during the 1990s before converting to KC-135 in the early 2000s. U.S. Air National Guard photo: Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
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060908-N-1129M-021. Base: Nas Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Fairchild Skyfest Air Show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.
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An A-10 Thunderbolt II, assigned to the 355th Wing, out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, takes off from Rogers Dry Lake during an Agile Combat Employment Exercise on Edwards Air Force Base, California, June 27. The training featured Airmen from the 821st Contingency Response Squadron, out of Travis Air Force Base, California, and the 412th Operations Support Squadron based at Edwards AFB. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)
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030327-F-4987A-069. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT THUNDER Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and participants from a Papua New Guinea operations summit, pose for a photo during a tour of the Pacific Aviation Museum on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 11, 2022. The summit which was hosted by DPAA included participants from Australia and the United States, both government and non-governmental entities, reinforced stakeholder relationships and strengthened the Agencys robust network of external partners to augment and support DPAA operations and all efforts applied towards case progression. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Honor guards march to the Astronaut Memorial Mirror at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to participate in a U.S. Honor Flag presentation ceremony. The flag is presented to NASA to be prepared to fly aboard space shuttle Atlantis on the Space Shuttle Program's final mission, STS-135. The U.S. Honor Flag has been flown nationwide, at Ground Zero and throughout the world to honor heroes who have lost their lives while serving their community and country, including police officers, firefighters, members of the Armed Forces and astronauts. More than 100 honor guard members traveled to the Space Coast to take part in the ceremony. After the flag returns to Earth, it will continue as a traveling memorial.