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Military Aircraft Operations

Images of various military aircraft in flight, showcasing tactical operations, training exercises, and air support capabilities in different environments.

Air show, Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 is a biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft, in aerobatics, Gelnhausen, Germany, Europe
264 assets in this story
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020205-F-8619S-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: RAF Akrotiri Air Base State: Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Country: Cyprus (CYP) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG
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An Air Force pilots guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 4, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are 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. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionall
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DN-SC-87-05642. Country: Unknown
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A F-14 Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squardron Thirty Two (VF 32) Swordsmen breaks the sound barrier during an air power demonstration aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) (not shown). Truman is conducting a Friends and Family Day Cruise off the Virginia Coast prior to its maiden six month deployment. Country: Unknown
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A Pioneer Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) is launched from the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64). The WISCONSIN is deployed in the gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown
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A US Marine Corps (USMC), RQ-2A Pioneer Option II Plus, Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) conducts a daytime reconnaissance mission over Blair Field in Al Kut, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Blaire Airfield, Al Kut State: Wasit Country: Iraq (IRQ)
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F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, CAPT. Bill Jacobs, 18th Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska, drops CBU-28 cluster bombs during this combat ammunition production exercise.Published in AIRMAN Magazine July 1996. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: CAPEX 96 Base: Suwon Air Base Country: Korea
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980201-M-0000G-001. State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Military Lockheed Martin Jets Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes C-141B Starlifter USAF U.S. Air Force sky
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U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division partner with U.S. Air Force Airmen to conduct a heavy drop on Geronimo Drop Zone during Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Rotation 23-01 at the JRTC on Fort Polk, Louisiana, Nov. 2, 2022. JRTC provides Paratroopers an opportunity to conduct real-world scenarios while showcasing global interoperability with allied forces from the Dutch and Japanese militaries.
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A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots compete in Hawgsmoke 2022 at Saylor Creek in Idaho, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.
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An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 12, 2022, as part of training operations at installation. Several A-10s completed taking off and landing at Young Air Assault Strip on South Post and flying routes over the installation. According to the Air Force fact sheet for the A-10C, the Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are 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. The A-10C offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time, are capable of austere landings and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Additionall
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A United States Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft, drops food on the flooded out areas in the north eastern province of Kenya during Operation NOBLE RESPONSE '98, Joint Task Force Kenya. (Duplicate image, see also DMSD0106066 or search 980306M5083B001). Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE RESPONSE '98 Base: Mombasa Country: Kenya (KEN)
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A C-130 Hercules drop U.S. Paratroopers onto Drop Zone Sicily on Fort Bragg, N.C., during the 12th Annual Operation Toy Drop, Dec. 6, 2009. Operation Toy Drop is an annual Airborne jump held at Fort Bragg, N.C., and is hosted by the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), and supported by Fort Bragg's XVIII Airborne Corps and Pope Air Force Base's 43rd Airlift Wing. Over 3,000 Soldiers are expected to donate a toy for a lottery ticket and the chance to jump under an international jumpmaster in order to earn their foreign jump wings. The operation gives Soldiers and Airmen the opportunity to help local families in need over the holidays while boosting moral and incorporating valuable training. Since its inception, Operation toy Drop has collected and distributed more than 30,000 toys for families of Soldiers as well Orphanages in the local community.
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Two United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets refuel in mid-air from a United States Marine Corps C-130 Hercules aircraft over the skies of Queensland, Australia during exercise Crocodile '99, a combined U.S./Australian exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CROCODILE '99 State: Queensland Country: Australia (AUS)
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Cabo Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, powers through a tactical-pitch during rehearsal for the 2022 FIDAE Air & Trade Show, April 3, 2022 in Santiago, Chile. The primary function of the F-22A Raptor is an air dominance and multi-role stealth fighter, and can carry a combination of air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground bombs.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2023. Marines with VMFA-242 will take part in their first deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit since becoming fully operationally capable in 2022.
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Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team make a free fall formation for a demonstration jump on at Selfridge Air National Guard Base on 8 July, 2022. The jump is ahead of the Selfridge Open House and Air Show on July 9 and 10.
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Four U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds preform an opposing inverted pass during the premier for Skyfest 2022 on Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 13, 2022. Team Fairchild provided its Inland Northwest community partners a first-hand experience of witnessing the U.S Air Force's assets during Fairchild Skyfest 2022.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, takes off June 3, 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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A C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron flies low over the drop-zone after conducting trilateral airborne operations with paratroopers from the U.S. Army, Tentara Nasional Indonesia, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in Baturaja, Indonesia to kick-off Super Garuda Shield on Aug. 3,2022. Super Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military and Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together. #SuperGarudaShield #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific
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Barnestomers honor the 13 Airmen fallen in flight from the 104th Fighter Wing during the F-100 memorial rededication ceremony, May 20, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The F-100 monument was originally dedicated on May 17, 1987 by the 104FW Chief Master Sergeants Council. It continues to serve as a reminder of fallen Airmens impact on the unit.
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DF-ST-88-08537. Subject Operation/Series: BUSY BREWER Base: Grafenwoehr Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)
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U.S Air Force Airmen, 820th RED HORSE airborne flight, parachute into a drop zone from a C-17 Globemaster III Oct. 15, 2011, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. RED HORSE and 6 CTS Airmen perform airdrop missions to stay current on training and certifications, enabling them to perform jump missions and operate their own drop zones.
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U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing, U.S. Air Force KC-135 assigned to the 93rd Air Refueling Wing and Colombian Air Force IAI Kfir fight jets fly in formation over the Colombian coast during an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 2022. Relampago VII is a combined Colombian and U.S. exercise taking place in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) theater that focuses on techniques, tactics and procedures to strengthen the longstanding partnership between our armed forces.
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A group of U.S. Army and European Paratroopers descends onto the Drop Zone from a C-130 aircraft using European and T-11 parachutes during Exercise Falcon Leap at Ginkelse Heide Drop Zone, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 17, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise
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030811-F-5435R-008. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT RESCUE XI Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratroopers assigned to the 1st Airborne Brigade conduct a military free fall from a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. A six member team comprised of U.S. Air Force and JGSDF paratroopers, conducted a military free fall demonstration to show their capabilities during the festival. During the two-day festival, more than 110,000 attendees came to Yokota to experience the event. The festival is aimed at increasing bilateral relationships between U.S. and Japanese communities and allows people to see U.S. and Japanese military capabilities first-hand.
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A U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider gunship gets into position to land on the flight line following a base wide repositioning Sept. 29, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The repositioning was coordinated in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.
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USAF B-2 Spirit bomber seen from below.
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The U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadrons C-130J Hercules, “Fat Albert”, takes off to perform as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Terry Stennett III)
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The Snowbirds Demonstration Team 431 Squadron, Comox, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
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Millington, Tennessee, September 31, 2005 - The U.S. Marine Corps C-130 Hercules, Fat Albert, assigned to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team, uses Jet Assisted Take Off (JATO) bottles during the Mid-South Air Show at the Millington Municipal Airport.
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A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer attached to the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, takes off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 6, 2022, for a Bomber Task Force mission. Bomber Task Force missions strengthen the collective ability of the U.S. and our allies and partners to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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An air-to-air view of a U.S. Air Force A-10A Thunderbolt II attack aircraft during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown
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A B-2 Spirit Bomber flies overhead Oct. 8, at the "Legacy of Liberty."
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C-130 Hercules aircrew students attending the Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) drop a mass container deliver system (CDS) at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Mo., April 19, 2016.
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A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, lands at Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, during exercise Darrandarra 22, June 17, 2022. Australian Army soldiers and MRF-D 22 Marines conducted exercise Darrandarra 22 to increase their readiness to conduct a range of military operations within the region.
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A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler lands for a refuel on Palau in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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Paratroopers from U.S. Army Alaska's 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, jump from a C-130 Hercules as part of Arctic Thunder Open House 2012 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 29, 2012. Visitors from around Alaska came to JB Elmendorf to enjoy the performances and displays available.
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An Air Force Reserve aircrew flying a C-130 Hercules performs aerial spraying of mosquitoes June 15, 2013, over Joint Base Charleston Weapons Station, S.C. The insecticide the unit uses is mixed with water to dilute the product. The C-130 is assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing, Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes-off at Ørland Main Air Station, Norway for a training flight, Sept. 14, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
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Paratroop Training in Netheravon, Britain, October 1942 Paratroops making a training drop from a static balloon.
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A group of U.S. Army and European Paratroopers conduct an AIrborne jump out of a C-130 aircraft during Exrcise Falcon Leap onto Ginkelse Heide Drop Zone, Arnhem, Netherlands., Sep. 14, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise
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Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) exit an Air Force C-17 Globe Master from 1250 feet above Malemute Drop Zone during an Airborne Operation on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, August 24, 2022. The Arctic Angels stay proficient at the their primary function of being a Joint Forceable Entry unit, able to respond and project power across the Pacific within 18 hours.
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A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender, front, and a KC-46A Pegasus fly above a California mountain range as part of Operation Centennial Contact, June 27, 2023. The operation was a celebration of a century of aerial refueling capabilities involving 152 total aircraft, including 82 tankers and 70 receivers, traversing sites across the United States.
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U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 reinforced, Air Combat Element (ACE), Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, execute a formation flight over Darwin, NT, Australia, during an administrative movement April 12, 2022. VMM 268 flew the Ospreys from Darwin Port to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, strengthening the squadrons support of MRF-D 22 by fully equipping and staging a capable ACE.
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The United States Air Force Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Orlando Air and Space Show at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, Florida, Oct. 30, 2022. Through displays of precision aerobatics, the Thunderbirds support Air Force recruiting and retention programs, strengthen morale and esprit de corps among Air Force members, and represent the U.S. and its armed forces to foreign nations and project international goodwill.
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua "Cabo" Gunderson, commander of the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The team flies at airshows around the globe, performing maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
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DF-ST-89-04704. Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR 88 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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DN-SC-04-09141. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A U.S. Air Force Super Hercules aircraft of the 86th Airlift Wing stations at night on the taxiways of SHAPE Airfield under supervision of the 424th Air Base Squadron during a Landing Zone and Drop Zone training day, on Chièvres Air Base, Nov. 22, 2022.
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Point Mugu, Cailf. (Mar. 18, 2023) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and by the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, co-headline the 2023 Point Mugu Air Show March 18-19, at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu.
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A U. S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, takes off on the runway during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 13, 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.
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel” Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot and commander, flies over the crowd during the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. Participation in air shows allow the 20FW to showcase their capabilities to the public, while simultaneously building community relations.
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DN-ST-90-01205. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV State: Canal Zone Country: Panama (PAN)
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies over San Marcos, Texas, May 28, 2022. Fullam flew a capability demonstration of the A-10 Thunderbolt II as part of an airshow. During the performance, Fullam showcased different aerial maneuvers, including simulated weapons delivery, highlighting the combat capabilities of the A-10.
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U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, land during Exercise Crocodile Response in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia, May 17, 2022. Exercise Crocodile Response trains MRF-D, the Australian Defence Force and Indonesian forces to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region.