Military Aircraft Operations

Dynamic images of U.S. Air Force aircraft operations, capturing moments of takeoff, aerial refueling, and logistical support in various environments.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster II takes off from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

An airdropped pallet of supplies is superimposed over a C-141B Starlifter aircraft that is taking part in an airdrop during Volant Rodeo '86, an annual, multi-national tactical airlift competition. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '86 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- A C-17 Globemaster III from Elmendorf, Alaska, receives routine maintenance from 730th Air Mobility Squadron crew chiefs here March 28, 2011. The C-17 arrived after delivering relief supplies to Sendai. Since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Yokota members have worked around the clock delivering vital supplies in support of Operation Tomodachi.

A U.S. Air Force F-15D Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Air Refueling Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California, for aerial refueling, June 9, 2022. Kadena Air Base conducts operations in support defense of Japan, as well as US efforts to preserve a free-and-open Indo-Pacific.

Soldiers bring extras to the Airbus A400M aircraft, taken during the Bundeswehr exercise 'Fast Eagle' in Barth, 05.05.2022. The exercise 'Fast Eagle' simulates an evacuation of German citizens from a fictitious crisis country within a short time, Barth, Germany, Europe

An air-to-air front view of C-141B Starlifter aircraft from the 53rd Military Airlift Squadron flying in formation. Base: Southern State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

021023-F-1644L-001. Base: Naval Air Station, Key West State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Photograph - Operation Fire Fly. Photograph - Operation Fire Fly. Operation Firefly - A C-47 of the First Troop Carrier Command flies over rough Oregon countryside. The plane will drop a "stick" of fire-fighting paratroopers of the 555th Parachute Infantry. This is a joint operation of the AAF Troop Carrier Command, the US Forestry Service and the Parachute Infantry. The Parachutist operate in remote areas where it would take days for forestry men on the ground to reach the devastated areas.

An E-3A Sentry aircraft is serviced on the flight line during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U. S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Santoro, a C-17 Globemaster III pilot assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, conducts an engine start before a flight at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 24, 2022. The 816th EAS, deployed with Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is responsible for delivering cargo and personnel to U.S. and partner nation forces' bases, providing airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Die Besatzung eines Airbus A400 Transportflugzeug, aufgenommen bei bei der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023. Keflavik Island, 03.08.2023

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes YAL-1A Attack Laser laser-armed combat aircraft anti-missile nose USAF U.S. Air Force head on

The Booster Verification Test Program initiated a practice procedure for transporting and unloading of a booster. This C-17A Golbemaster III aircraft left Huntsville, Alabama, and arrived at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on the 30th of November, 1999. This unloading was conducted for preparation for an upcoming launch at Vandenberg. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220627-N-XN177-1038 EAST CHINA SEA (June 27, 2022) - F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 and MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 sit on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 27, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgts. Christian Magliocca, and Myron Smith, loadmasters assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, execute a night airdrop from a C-17 Globemaster III near Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 28, 2022. The aircrew members performed nighttime airdrop maneuvers in South Carolina to sharpen their mission readiness.

A front view of the General Electric GAU-8A Avenger 30mm seven-barrel cannon mounted in the nose of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The A-10 is on static display during a demonstration tour of air bases in Korea to familiarize Korean and American field commanders with its capabilities. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron waits to marshal an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-06 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. Beverly Sunrise is an exercise designed to train and test the response and procedures for deployment and combat contingency operations.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron waits to marshal an F-16 Fighting Falcon during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-06 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. Beverly Sunrise is an exercise designed to train and test the response and procedures for deployment and combat contingency operations.

Silhouette view of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft as the sun sets behind it, during Exercise Jack Frost '76. Subject Operation/Series: JACK FROST '76 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 9, 2020) U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare for takeoff in an MV-22 Osprey from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th MEU are currently conducting routine operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

USA, Arkansas, Little Rock Air Force Base, Lockheed C-130 Hercules

ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 26, 2013) A Sailor runs on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during sunset. George H.W. Bush is conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

Aircrew members assigned to the 300th Airlift Squadron operate a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to conduct aerial refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to 6th Air Refueling Wing over South Carolina, Aug. 24, 2022. The KC-135 provides a core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years.

A U.S. Air Force petroleum, oil, and lubricants airman and Japan Air Self Defense Force maintainer refuel a Mitsubishi F-2A at Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 8, 2024 during Cope North 24. Cope North enables the joint and combined forces to improve the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower through integrated agile combat employment training. Air Force

220628-N-XN177-2039 EAST CHINA SEA (June 28, 2022) - Sailors prepare to move an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 28, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

DF-ST-86-09766. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing , assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, flies above Wake Island Dec. 6, 2022. Airmen assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing conducted off-station training in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibilities to hone global reach and readiness capabilities.

DF-ST-87-03270. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron departs after receiving fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, June 17, 2022. The radar atop the E-3 Sentry has a 360-degree view of the horizon, a reach of more than 200 miles and is capable of detecting and tracking air and sea targets at the same time.

U.S. Navy Aviation Machinist's Mate 3 Ryan Tillar, VP-10, directs a P-3 Orion to a parking spot, Oct. 22, 2009, in Southwest Asia. The P-3 is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft performing regular missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron participates in a Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 21, 2022. The Nevada Test and Training Range is the U.S. Air Forces premier military training area with more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land.

Participants in the 910th Airlift Wing's civic leader tour to Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts, board a C-5 Galaxy aircraft for a walkthrough, June 10, 2022. Civic leader tours are designed to provide participants with experiences and information on how the military functions across installations and branches. Twenty civic leaders participated in the tour, June 9-10.

A C 17 Globemaster is refueled over the Black Sea by a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron (ARS), Royal Air Force (RAF) Mildenhall, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Capt. Carol Champion, 535th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Brittain Caldwell, 204th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot, utilize night vision gear during a bilateral exercise with Japan Air Self-Defense Force 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 28, 2022. The 3-day training focused on interoperability between the Kawasaki C-2 and C17 to advance best practices for future operations within the Indo-Pacific region.

DF-ST-88-05644. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

128th Air Refueling Squadron maintainers, conduct preflight maintenance on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam flightline as part of a routine Sentry Aloha exercise, Dec. 12, 2018. The KC-135 Stratotanker offloaded 26,000 pounds of fuel utlilizing the boom drogue to F/A-18 Hornets aircraft from China Lake, during a training sortie.

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 stages in the early morning at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 24, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 22. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air space areas in the wor

A C-5 Galaxy takes off on a flight to Somalia with personnel and equipment of Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 (ACB-1) on board. ACB-1 is being deployed to Somalia to assist in relief efforts during Operation Provide Hope. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE HOPE Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) relaxes as the sun sets during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: USS Saratoga(CV 60)

A U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard returns from flight during Guardian Blitz at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 2, 2023. During the final exercise with the A-10C before converting to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the 122nd FW trained on maneuvers and logistics in a deployed environment with the main force positioned at MacDill Air Force Base and a contingency force at Moody Air Force Base.

110729-N-SP676-241OKINAWA, Japan (July 29, 2011) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Trisha Clingings signals the flight line is clear and safe for taxing to pilots of a P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 40. VP-40 is forward deployed to Kadena Air Base.

March 3, 2004 - An F-16 Fighting Falcon Fighter Pilot gives the mission accomplished sign while taxiing at Minnesota Air National Guard in Duluth.

An S-3 Viking from Carrier-Based Antisubmarine Squadron Twenty-Two (VS-22), "Checkmates", prepares to launch off catapult two on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during night flight operations in defense of the Southern No Fly Zone. TRUMAN is on station in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. SOUTHERN WATCH establishes a southern no fly zone over Iraq and extends to the borders to just south of Baghdad, capital city of Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III approaches a K-135 Stratotanker with the 161st Air Refueling Wing, during a refueling mission on a multi-day readiness exercise, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 12-17, 2022. The exercise focused on demonstrating the Department of the Air Forces priority of Agile Combat Employment (ACE), which uses multi-capable Airmen to facilitate a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver to increase resiliency and survivability while generating combat power.

A 36th Airlift Squadron C-130H Hercules from Yakota Air Base, Japan, deploys flairs over Alaska as part of a training exercise during Red Flag Alaska 10-3, June 23. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

621st Contingency Response Wing Airmen offload cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III in eastern Europe, April 29, 2022. The 621st Contingency Response Wing is highly-specialized in training and rapidly deploying personnel to quickly open airfields and establish, expand, sustain, and coordinate air mobility operations.

Air Force ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) trailers are positioned in front of a C-5 Galaxy aircraft of the 436th Military Airlift Wing. The TELs and other equipment are being flown back to the U.S. after being deployed in Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy(ITA)

Marker lights on the nose and tail of a Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft shine in the early morning light as the aircraft returns to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

An F-22 Raptor flies behind the Texas Air National Guards C-130J Super Hercules static display at Chiles Feria Internacional del Aire y Espacio (FIDAE) April 9, 2022, in Santiago, Chile. Two C-130J Super Hercules from the 136th Airlift Wing supported the transfer of support teams and equipment to Chile for participation in the international air show, including the F-22 Raptor Demo Team.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 17, 2023. Together with our Allies and partners, the United States is dedicated to maintaining a region of nations that adhere to the international rule of law. The 50th ARS and the 909th ARS refueled four B-1B Lancers during this Bomber Task Force mission, including those that participated in the Aero India 2023 aerospace exhibition.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), unloads U.S. service members onto a runway during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23 at Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah, on Oct. 12, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardization advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assist in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

041220-F-3488S-021. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen and Soldiers offload a UH64 Black Hawk from a C-5 Galaxy at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. The C-5 served the U.S. Air Force since 1969 and continues to provide vital heavy air lift to troops worldwide.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, fly alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135, assigned to the Maine National Guard's 101st Air Refueling Wing, on their way to Key West, Florida, Oct. 29, 2022. The 180FW deployed to Key West to train with Fighter Squadron Composite 111, the Navy's premier adversary squadron, providing realistic training scenarios that ensure the 180FW is prepared for homeland defense and contingency operations around the globe.

British EF-2000 Typhoon jets with live missiles during an air policing mission.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 is prepared by crew members before a Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to showcase the aircraft, equipment and capabilities of the armed forces to the local community. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.

President Barack Obama boards Air Force One at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, as he departs for Washington, D.C., May 1, 2012.

DF-ST-88-05548. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT SILVER Base: Columbia State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An RQ-4 Global Hawk awaits standard maintenance while a heavy fog rolls across the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing flightline at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 12, 2017. Global Hawks have provided coalition partners with accurate intelligence necessary for precisely striking important Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant facilities and supply routes in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.

Detail View of Propellers of a US Marine Corps C-130J Hercules at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq's Al Anbar Province

A C-130E Hercules aircraft from the 50th Airlift Squadron (50th AS) prepares to land on the runway. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

80th Flying Training Wing Airmen from Sheppard Air Force Base landed their T-38 Talon at Minot Air Force Base to refuel before taking off again to fly to an airshow in Canada on July 14, 2022, at Minot AFB, North Dakota. The 80 FTW is the world's only internationally manned and managed pilot training program, with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program delivering more than 7,500 trained combat pilots to NATO allies in its 37 years of existence.

This United States Marine Corps C-130J Super Hercules uses scimitar shaped blades for their propeller assembly, enhancing flight performance.

As seen through a night vision lens, an F-117A aircraft from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (37th TFW) taxis toward a runway during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

HONOLULU (July 31, 2022) A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon prepares for take-off at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Photo by Royal Australian Navy Leading Seaman Daniel Goodman)

June 19, 2008 - An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flightline at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The Reaper is capable of carrying both precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jordan Barker, 909th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, delivers fuel to a 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle during Exercise Southern Beach, over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 15, 2022. Bilateral training builds trusting relationships among foreign and domestic forces and ensures the 18th Wing and host-nation allies are able to come together to effectively respond to demanding scenarios.

U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II from the 71st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base arrives at Avon Park Auxiliary Air Field, Florida, July 21, 2022. The HC-130J delivered Airmen and cargo to support the AGILE FLAG 22-2 exercise hosted by Air Combat Command. AGILE FLAG 22-2 marks a significant milestone in standardizing the way ACC organizes, trains, and equips for ACE after a period of experimentation.

000511-F-4599C-004. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Several Aircrew members from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, celebrated their final flights June 16th, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The "Fini" flight tradition is one where aircrew members are hosed down with water by their peers, family, and friends upon their completion of their final flight.

220706-N-EE352-2007 PEARL HARBOR (July 6, 2022) Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Flight Lt. Natasha Henderson, a native of Adelaide, Australia, assigned to the No. 11 Squadron of 92th Wing, pilots a RAAF P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

DF-SC-88-02417. Country: Unknown

120320-N-IM823-006ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 20, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Christopher W. Landrum directs the landing of an MV-22 Osprey on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during test operations. George H.W. Bush is in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

U.S. Air National Guardsmen from the 151st Maintenance Group hosted students from the Salt Lake Community College Aviation Course on a base tour on 28 Nov at Roland R. Wright Air Base, Utah. Members from the 151st MXG showcased the different sections of aircraft maintenance.

041117-F-9528H-001. Base: Over Texas Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-08025. Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

F-16 with Crew Chief in Cockpit

Airmen with the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare to affix a ring cowl to a B-52H Stratofortress engine on June 6, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. A ring cowl serves to increase air flow into the B-52 engine and optimize pressurization. This helps the engine operate and prevents stalling while the B-52 is still grounded.

220426-N-EE352-1012 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 26, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, transits the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), April 26. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations in the Pacific Ocean.

A view of the insignia of the 18th, 67th, and 44th Tactical Fighter Squadrons, on the side of an aircraft assigned to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing. The 18th TFW is taking part in Exercise William Tell. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Turkish Army AH-1 Cobra helicopter on a night mission.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Caitlin O'donnell, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, prepares to drop cargo from a C-130J Super Hercules as a Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130H Hercules follows during Exercise AFRICAN LION 22 on June 22, 2022, in Morocco. The U.S. Air Force and Moroccan Armed Forces airdrop mission is one of many conducted during the exercise as a continuation of the longstanding security relationship between the U.S. and Morocco, and acts as force multiplier by providing support and training for several African Partner Nations in the region.

A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana arrives at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam in support of a Bomber Task Force mission, Mar. 30, 2023. Bomber missions contribute to joint force lethality and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by demonstrating U.S. Air Force ability to operate anywhere in the world at any time in support of the NDS.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Rafael Garcia, an Independent Duty Medical Tech (IDMT) assigned to the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, Hurlburt Field Fla., carries a litter with medical equipment aboard a MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft during Emerald Warrior on March 1, 2011. Emerald Warrior 2011 is a U.S. Special Operations Command-sponsored, multiservice exercise designed to leverage lessons learned from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders.

110209-N-0864H-813PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 9, 2011) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Drew Iverson directs an SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter to take off from the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during nighttime vertical replenishment flight operations training.

PACIFIC OCEAN (April 30, 2017) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Indians" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 flies over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The ship is underway conducting a tailored ships training availability off the coast of Southern Calif.

040623-F-4800N-169. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 391st Fighter Generation Squadron prepare to launch a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle for a routine training mission at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, September 1, 2022. The FGS is comprised of maintainers and administrative personnel responsible for the health and generation of airpower and is aligned to the fighter squadron with the same numeric designation.

Nighttime view of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey taxiing out to launch at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon approaches an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron for aerial refueling from Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 7, 2022. Kadena Air Base is the hub of airpower in the Pacific, and home to the 18th Wing and a variety of associate units to form a world-class combat team ready to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jayla Delgado, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) air department, guides an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, into the ship's hangar bay, March 24, 2023. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean executing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), an intense, multi-week exercise designed to fully integrate a carrier strike group as a cohesive, multi-mission fighting force and to test their ability to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navys capacity to project power on a global scale.

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform an aerial demonstration while arriving for the 2022 Legacy of Liberty Air Show and Open House, May 4, 2022 on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The air show had eight different performance groups ranging from the Thunderbirds to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Black Daggers.

A right underside view of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft taking off at sunset during exercise Distant Mariner. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexis Sanchez, a 517th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, prepares cargo on a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to 3rd Wing during Polar Force 22-4 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 31, 2022. This is the first Polar Force led by the 3rd Wing, with the 673d Air Base Wing as a supporting participant. PF 22-4 provides effective, flexible and capabilities-centered forces, ready for deployment worldwide, and enables real-world proficiency in response to variety crises.

DF-ST-87-12069. Country: Unknown

220925-N-VI910-1259 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 25, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Kodi Valore, from Ocean Springs, Miss., signals an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, as it launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the flightline during the Tactics Advancement Course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 7, 2024. Airmen assigned to the 6th Airlift Squadron loaded cargo onto the C-17 in order to provide support for the F-22 Raptors at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. The advancements course postures Air Mobility Command Airmen to execute agile operations on a global scale. Air Force

A rear view of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing after taking off. Members of the wing are deployed in England as part of Strategic Air Command exercise Busy Brewer. Subject Operation/Series: BUSY BREWER Base: Grafenwoehr Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

B-2 Spirit US Air Force

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