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Military Aircraft Operations

Images of military aircraft being serviced and prepared for flight, including A-10 and F-15 models, highlighting the mechanics and operational readiness.

Maintainers with the Louisiana Air and California Air National Guards ready F-15C Eagles for take-off during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Base, Guam, Feb. 20, 2024. The Guard units are deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and are participating in Cope North 24 to strengthen multilateral tactics, techniques and procedures alongside Allied and partner nations. Air Force Master Sgt. Natasha Stannard/Released)

Senior Airman Thomas Satterlee, 25th Fighter Squadron crew chief, performs post flight maintenance on an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 5, 2022. The A-10s assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron recently returned from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, after providing close-air support during Red Flag 22-2.

DN-SC-87-06166. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

DF-ST-85-12452. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-11695. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LTC T. D. Benifield and CPT Dale L. Autry, B-1 bomber pilots, leave the aircraft after landing during testing and evaluation of the aircraft. The pilots are assigned to the 4200th Test and Evaluation Squadron. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USA, California, Palm Springs: Palm Springs Air Museum, WW2 Era F4F Wildcat Naval Fighter Plane

SGT Billy Ray Owen of the 86th Aircraft Generations Squadron, 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, marshals an F-4E Phantom II aircraft out of a parking area during the exercise Crested Cap. Subject Operation/Series: CRESTED CAP Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) F-14A Tomcat aircraft taxis past three other Tomcats on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Red Sea

DF-SN-85-11894. Country: Unknown

DF-SC-88-02366. Country: Unknown

DF-SC-85-03084. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft is chocked in the hangar bay aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

AN F-4E Phantom II pilot of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing and a crew chief conduct a preflight inspection of the aircraft during exercise Crested Cap. Subject Operation/Series: CRESTED CAP Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

040212-N1573O-011. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

A maintenance crewmen checks part of the vertical stabilizer on a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft of the 19th Aerial Refueling Wing. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion crew members conduct slingload operations with Airmen at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 10, 2012. Both units were preparing for a Marine airpower demonstration at the bases open house and air show, which took place May 12 and 13. The CH-53E crew is with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 and the Airmen are with the 621st Contingency Response Wing.

A crew chief directs an F-104G Starfighter aircraft off the flight line, during the training of German military pilots by members of the 69th Training Squadron. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft awaits clearance for takeoff from Aviano Air Base, Italy. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A weapons loader is used to move a BQM-74E target drone across the flight line during operational test and evaluation exercises conducted by the Missile Targets Division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. A-6E Intruder aircraft are in the background. Base: Naval Air Station, Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPT. Bob Rick, pilot training instructor, checks his T-1 Jayhawk aircraft prior to flight. Exact Date Shot Unknown Published in AIRMAN Magazine September 1996. Base: Laughlin Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020805-F-3175H-015. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

DF-ST-84-08175. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

TSGT Dan Cartee (on wing) and SSGT Mike Poulin perform maintenance on an F-4E Phantom II aircraft during Reforger-Coronet Musket. They are assigned to the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Seymour Air Force Base, N.C. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGERCORONET MUSKET Base: Karup Air Base Country: Denmark (DNK)

970311-F-0994L-517. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARD Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DF-ST-85-05018. Subject Operation/Series: CHECKERED FLAG '83 Base: Ahlhorn Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

The missile crew from the 416th Bomb Wing, transports an Air-Launched Cruise Missiles for mounting to the pylon of a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. Base: Griffiss Air Force Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Hellenic Air Force pilots sitting inside a T-2E Buckeye.

C-130 from 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Japan takes off from the snow-cleared runway 05. In the background is a transient Air Mobility Command (AMC) KC-10 Tanker. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-04-14290. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing takes off from McEntire Air National Guard Station, S.C., destination: Qatar, to participate in the Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) IV. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Shipyard workers check stabilizing ropes tied to the landing gear of a Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) F-14A Tomcat aircraft as it is hoisted by crane aboard the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Country: Unknown

DF-ST-88-06824. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, lands at Young Landing Zone on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, June 13, 2022. The aircraft were participating in Agile Rage 2022 and performing austere landings in support of hub and spoke operations as part of the agile combat employment concept of operations.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 442nd Tactical Fighter Wing is refueled on the flight line during Exercise Coronet Card. The aircraft's GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm cannon is visible in the foreground. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET CARD Base: Norvenick Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet from VMFA-533 catches the wire on the arrestment gear test run during CJTF/Operation NOBLE ANVIL in Taszar Hungary. Subject Operation/Series: CJTF/NOBLE ANVIL Base: Taszar Country: Hungary (HUN) Scene Major Command Shown: VMFA-533

DF-ST-86-08839. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A view of a 3rd Military Airlift Squadron C-5B Galaxy aircraft as it is unloaded by members of the 616th Aerial Port Squadron. The aircraft brought equipment that will be used in the cleanup of the oil spilled by the tanker Exxon Valdez in Price William Sound. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030412-F-6449C-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

STAFF SGT. David Owings, crew chief, communicates with MAJ. Joe Bowley, a fighter pilot with the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, as Bowley performs a preflight check of his F-117 Stealth Fighter aircraft in preparation for redeployment to the United States in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

A close-up view of the artwork on the nose of a 74th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, A-10A Thunderbolt aircraft on display at the 1991 Department of Defense Joint Services Open House. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Munitions maintenance personnel secure AGM-86B air-launched cruise missiles to the wing pylon on a B-52G Stratofortress aircraft. Base: Griffiss Air Force Base State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Master Sgt. (retired) Shayne Meder, a professional aircraft artist, removes masking from the full-color stars and bars she and a team of Pease Airmen applied to the side of the Sprit of Portsmouth, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 29. The Pease jet received a custom paint job to showcase the wing's National Guard heritage and rich history in the state of New Hampshire and honors both the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Portsmouth.

The trailer carrying the deep submergence rescue vehicle AVALON (DSRV-2) goes up the ramp of an Air Force C-5A Galaxy aircraft from the 60th Military Airlift Wing (MAW-60). The AVALON is en route to Hawaii as part of a DSRV fly-away exercise to train personnel in the handling and operation of the vehicle. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-01827. Subject Operation/Series: CHECKERED FLAG Base: Raf Wittering Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. George Persico, 75th Fighter Generation Squadron production superintendent, walks away from an A-10C Thunderbolt II during exercise Agile Flag 22-2 at Avon Park, Florida, July 25, 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.

040726-M-6226D-002. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

In 1991, the Leeuwarden airbase took the "demo" from Twente, two F-16As, the J-226 and the J-231 from 322 and 323 Squadron, were provided with an attractive color scheme. In the tail both devices felt it Leegarden airbase emblem, the "Fryske Drak", with a motto "for friend and enemy ready". On 22 May 1991 the devices were shown to the press. The demo flyer was Kapitein Reindert Zwaart.

Volunteers pause to survey their work during the final stage of restoring and painting a B-17 bomber nicknamed the "Homesick Angel." The aircraft, which sustained extensive damage when used to stage a crash landing in the movie "12 O'Clock High," will be permanently displayed at Headquarters, Strategic Air Command, following its restoration. Country: Unknown

TSGT Guerrero, left, and SSGT Clark, right, of the 24th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron remove a travel pod from beneath the left wing of an OA-37 Dragonfly aircraft from the 24th Tactical Air Support Squadron (24th TASS), Air Force Reserve. Th. Base: San Isidro Air Base Country: Dominican Republic (DOM)

040127-F-1830P-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-ST-86-09193. Base: Raaf Williamtown Country: Australia (AUS)

An Air Force load crewmember from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing, maneuvers an MHU-83 C/E Munitions Loader with a 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) based on a Mk-84 bomb to be loaded on a B-1B Lancer during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Air Force B-2 Spirit, B-1 Lancer, and B-52 Stratofortress, bombers expended more than 80 percent of the tonnage dropped on combat missions over Afghanistan to date. The Air Force flew more than 600 sorties including strike missions against al Qaeda and Taliban targets in Afghanistan. These targets include early-warning radar systems, ground forces, Command-and-Control facilities, al Qaeda infrastructure, airfields and aircraft. Operation .... Complete Scene Caption: An Air Force load crewmember from the 28th Air Expeditionary Wing, maneuvers an MHU-83 C/E Munitions Loader with a 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) based on a Mk-84 bomb to be loaded on a B-1B Lancer during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Air Force B-2 Spirit, B-1 L

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Randal Garcia, left, Airman Dezarae Wright, middle, and Airman 1st Class Brennan Brown, 74th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew members, prepare to load munitions on the flightline at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, April 6, 2022. These Airmen loaded MAU-40 ejector-bomb racks into an A-10C Thunderbolt II.

Honduran Super Mystere B.2 aircraft taxi on the flight line as ground crew members stand beside a third B.2 during a joint exercise between the 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron and Honduran air force units. Base: La Ceiba Country: Honduras (HND)

DN-ST-88-01795. Base: Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The pilot of a P-51 Mustang conducts post flight recovery after arriving for The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 21, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a The Great Texas Airshow as a key event. The airshow features the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performing for people to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

USA, Florida, Florida Panhandle, Pensacola, National Naval Aviation Museum, NAS Pensacola, display of 1930s-era Naval Aviation

The Lockheed P2V-7B, P-2H & SP-2H Neptune Maritime Patrol Flop 204 (1961-1982) on a snowy flying camp Valkenburg.

DF-ST-86-05126. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Captain kite A.J. Van Braken (left) and Captain-Flyer P. Vrieling.131 Emvo Squadron.

Ground crews service the F-117A aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (37th TFW) on the flight line. The 37th TFW is preparing to deploy to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield.

U.S. Air Force airmen display state flags along the walkway of the Wings of Liberty Park during ceremonies held at the park. The celebration was a joint venture between RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath personnel celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. A flight of four F-15E Strike Eagles from the 48th FW at RAF Lakenheath, fly over the celebration. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

DF-ST-87-11619. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Aircraft technicians from the ship's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) work on an Attack Squadron 145 (VA-145) A-6E Intruder aircraft on the hangar deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). The RANGER and its battle group are on station in the Persian Gulf region following Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

Marshal Sergey F. Akhromeyev, First Deputy Minister of Defense and CHIEF of the Soviet Union sits in the cockpit of a B-1B aircraft. Akhromeyev and his delegation are visiting Ellsworth as part of a tour of various U.S. military installations. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 169th Maintenance Squadron structural maintainers tape and prepare an F104-C Starfighter for painting during a restoration project at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, July 28, 2022.

040606-F-2788H-0. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air crews of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron inspect a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) F-53 Tiger II aircraft. They are at the base to participtate in the dissimilar aircraft flying Exercise COMMANDO WEST 6 with members of the Royal Thai Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST 6 Base: Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

030503-M-0431C-004. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A pinup adorn the nose of the restored B-25 Mitchell bomber "Executive Sweet." It and other B-25s are at North Island to practice for a re-enactment of the April 18, 1942, raid of B-25s, the "Doolittle Raiders," launched from the aircraft carrier USS HORNET (CV-8) in the first U.S. attack on Japan's homeland during World War II. The re-enactment will take place April 21, 1992, from the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) near San Diego. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Douglas C-47 aircraft, American Army uniforms and weapons in the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Normandy, France, Europe

DF-ST-85-13445. Base: Raf Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A view of the artwork painted on the side of a 379th Bombardment Wing B-52 Stratofortress aircraft known as "Urban Renewal". Base: Wurtsmith Air Force Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-13146. Subject Operation/Series: GRANADERO I Base: La Mesa Air Base Country: Honduras (HND)

230327-N-VI040-1112 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (March 27, 2023) An F-4S Phantom model sits on permanent display onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan as sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom throughout the installation March 27, 2023. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

Command transfer at 323 squadronmai kite A.W. Henni (right) transfers the command to Major Kite W.M. Hageman (left).

030216-F-2703B-012. Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Retired U.S. Army Air Forces Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, 452nd Bomber Group radio operator, speaks with Jack Gross, National World War II Museum docent, under a display of WWII aircraft at the National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana, Sept. 14, 2022. Jenner began his 26 year military career by training as a radio operator at what was then known as Keesler Army Airfield.

020320-F-3893W-006. Subject Operation/Series: PRAIRIE VIGILANCE 2002 Base: Minot Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Exhibition Of Spoils From The Vietnam War In Vietnamese Army Museum In Hanoi, North Vietnam, Vietnam, South East Asia, Asia

Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver Island, Comox, Comox CFB airbase, CF-101 Voodoo fighter aircraft display

China-Burma-Iindia veterans, Retired LT. GEN. Thomas Reinzi and Retired Brig. GEN. Scott, enjoy the festivities at the commemoration ceremony at the Air Force museum. Base: Beijing Country: China (CHN)

A member of the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, known as the Red Arrows, works on a laptop at RAF Fairford, England, June 2, 2022. The Red Arrows landed at Fairford to refuel in preparation for the Queens Platinum Jubilee Ceremonies and Midlands Air Festival.

230327-N-VI040-1110 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (March 27, 2023) Sakura (cherry blossoms) are blooming around MacArthur Garden onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan March 27, 2023. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

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