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.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster II takes off from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.
253 assets in this story
6145-48920271
110605-N-CH661-008ARABIAN SEA (June 5, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 prepares to launch from catapult two during night flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
6145-44416585
111030-N-BT887-215ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 30, 2011) An EA-6B Prowler from the Wizards of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.
6177-V53472863
6145-50616099
A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the parking ramp at the Fort Carson Air Terminal, Colo., before an exercise Cerberus Strike 16-02 mission Sept. 16, 2016. C-Strike was a joint exercise where contingency response forces rehearsed potential real-world situations by training with Army counterparts in cargo uploading and downloading on aircraft, aircraft engine running off-loads, communications, aerial port procedures, and air mobility liaison officer operations with airdrops.
6145-54104275
U.S. Air Force Maj. Curtis DeJaco, KC-135 Stratotanker pilot assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 25, 2022. The KC-135 delivers Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
6145-55872813
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Aaron Jacobs, a crew chief assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, performs a preflight inspection on an F-35A Lightning II during exercise Poseidons Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 11, 2022. PR22 is designed to bolster readiness and interoperability between the USAF and Hellenic Air Force, by demonstrating localized air superiority.
6145-48913977
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 16, 2013) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 flies overhead as an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Seahawks of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAQ) 126 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for its upcoming deployment.
6145-52109745
A left front view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft in a shelter. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)
6145-51896364
U.S. Air Force 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52H Stratofortress Pilots Capt. Tramaine Omaha” Barnett and Capt. Jonathan Hutniciki pilot a B-52 over the Mediterranean Sea during a Bomber Task Force mission, Sep. 4, 2022. Two B-52s were deployed for this BTF and were airborne for almost 22 and a half hours, flying to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility highlighting the U.S.’s commitment to partners and stability in the area.
4395-273
An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during night flight operations.
6145-58899116
Aircraft 78-0674, a U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt II flagship assigned to the 74th Fighter Squadron, rests under a sunshade at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Feb. 20, 2024. This aircraft had a total of 16,311.5 flight hours before retiring to the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Feb. 27, 2024. Air Force
6145-55964558
NATUNA SEA (Mar. 27, 2023) Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) sails across the Natuna Sea, Mar. 27, 2023. Oakland, part of Destroyer Squadron 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
6145-50615811
Members of a tank crew with the North Carolina Army National Guards C Company, 1st Battalion, 252nd Armored Regiment, wait with their M1A1 Abrams tank on the ready line for their turn to fire during the Gen. Gordon Sullivan Cup best tank crew competition at Fort Benning, Ga., Wednesday, May 4, 2016. The Sullivan Cup tests tank crews from throughout the Army on everything from gunnery to mounted land navigation, maintenance and combat casualty care in a variety of physically and mentally challenges setting to determine the Armys best tank crew.
6145-51887065
A B-52H Stratofortress is parked on the flightline during inclement weather July 22, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Airmen from the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepared this B-52 to withstand weather that produced a tornado soon after, these and all Airmen constantly ensure the safety of both assets and personnel.
6145-55900295
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron taxis to the runway prior to flying a night sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 13, 2022. Night sorties allow pilots to train tactical air-to-air and air-to-ground combat techniques in low-light/no-light conditions.
6145-44392182
GULF OF OMAN (June 20, 2013) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
6145-54135988
U.S. Air Force 336th Air Refueling Squadron photo at March Air Reserve Base, California June 07, 2022. The 336th ARS is the first Air Force Reserve flying unit to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker. The 336th maintains round the clock readiness support to March Air Reserve Base and Air Mobility Command's airlift and air refueling requirements.
6145-52202417
030807-M-7837W-024. Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-234
6145-52192843
A nightscope view of US Marine Corps (USMC) KC-130 Hercules being prepared to go out on a night operation in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown
6145-55885733
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 above Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 29, 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 2022. 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 fo
6145-54612353
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.
6145-51905658
A CV-22 Osprey aircraft is parked during a special operations forces exercise, Nov. 3, 2022, at Austere Field #6, Florida. Periodic SOFEXs integrate Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft with joint-service special operations personnel to train for a variety of real-world scenarios.
6145-55909105
12th Combat Aviation Brigades Soldiers spouses had a chance to visit their consorts workplace and fly a round above Katterbach Army Airfield on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Ansbach, Germany, Oct. 20, 2022.
6145-44381448
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 30, 2016) - A Sailor performs a pre-flight check on an E2-C Hawkeye assigned to the Greyhawks of Carrier Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently underway preparing for the upcoming Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and conducting carrier qualifications.
6145-54168613
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 25, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey perform deck landing maneuverers aboard Royal Australian Navy Canberra-class landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) 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 Petty Officer Christopher Szumlanski)
6145-55967085
U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 prepare to extract via MV-22 Osprey during a 1/12, 3d Marine Division training event at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii, Jan. 18, 2023. Marines with 1/12 completed a navigation and patrolling confidence lane to maintain lethality at the squad level.
6145-52293303
Lockheed F-104G Starfighter van 323 squadron.
6145-52154897
An aircraft mechanic from Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) works on an F-14B Tomcat on the flight deck of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). George Washington and her embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW1) are conducting sustained operations in the Persian Gulf in support of UN sanctions again Iraq. Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73) Country: At Sea
6145-44390556
A KC-10 Stratotanker from the Ohio Air National Guard refuels a C-17 Globemaster III on July 1, 2010. Joint Base Charleston aircrew members conduct counter drug and flight crew training missions during a five day temporary duty assignment to El Salvador, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the United States.
6145-48908048
MISAWA, Japan (Dec. 14, 2020) A P-8A Poseidon assigned to the Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 prepares for to take off at Misawa Air Base. VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, U.S 7th Fleet, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.
6145-54152626
After a mostly rainy day, a beautiful sunset is shown over Fort McCoy, Wis., on June 15, 2022, at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on South Post. And adding to the scene is a C-130 Hercules aircraft. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the U.S. Air Force's airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. The C-130 operates throughout the U.S. Air Force, serving with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Pacific Air Forces, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve Command, fulfilling a wide range of operational missions in both peace and war situations. (Photo by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)
6145-44365283
Dust lights up the rotors of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter as paratroopers with 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment load for an air assault mission near Combat Outpost Ab Band, May 23, 2012, Ghazni province, Afghanistan. The unit is part of the 82nd Airborne Divisions 1st Brigade Combat Team, which deployed to the area in March to help bring security to the areas along the countrys main road between Kabul and Kandahar.
6145-52094933
Flight line personnel wait for snowy conditions to clear prior to guiding an F-4 Phantom II aircraft out onto the runway during Exercise SALTY ROOSTER. Subject Operation/Series: SALTY ROOSTER Base: Hahn Air Base Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)
6145-52167804
A US Navy (USN) F-14B Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) the "Diamondbacks" is prepared for a night launch on the flight deck of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) during a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPUTEX). Base: Uss Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
6145-52203760
030902-F-8155K-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
6145-54444917
DN-SC-87-05524. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)
6145-51915043
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Choi, 1st Special Operations Squadron loadmaster, directs a Tunner 60K Loader to a loading bay at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 12, 2022. The 733rd Air Mobility Squadron uses the 60K to load and unload freight from aircraft, ensuring cargo gets to where it needs to be.
6145-52193346
030322-F-1328F-141. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF
6145-58911791
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Thompson, 961st Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics technician, conducts preflight inspections prior to a Cope North 24 E-3 Sentry mission Feb. 12, 2024 at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. The E-3 enhances warfighter capabilities by delivering command and control data that enables agile, integrated airpower from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating Allied airpower resilience and survivability in a contested environment. Air Force
6145-54168612
PACIFIC OCEAN (July 25, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey perform deck landing maneuverers aboard Royal Australian Navy Canberra-class landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) 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 Petty Officer Christopher Szumlanski)
6145-48911761
An LC-130 "Skibird" from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing in Scoita, New York, at Camp Raven, Greenland, on June 28, 2016. Crews with the 109th AW use Camp Raven as a training site for landing the ski-equipped LC-130s on snow and ice. Four LC-130s and about 80 Airmen from the Wing recently completed the third rotation of the 2016 Greenland season. Airmen and aircraft for the 109th Airlift Wing stage out of Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, during the summer months, supplying fuel and supplies and transporting passengers in and out of various National Science Foundation camps throughout the entire season and also train for the Operation Deep Freeze mission in Antarctica. The unique capabilities of the ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft make it the only one of its kind in the U.S. military, able to land on snow and ice.
6177-V53550037
6145-52205028
031003-F-3749J-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
6145-50614383
An F-16 Fighting Falcon jet is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft over Iraq, Nov. 9, 2011. The KC-135 Stratotankers with the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron provide approximately 200,000 pounds of fuel each day to aerial assets in Iraq.
6145-55160002
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron maneuvers over Nomwin atoll in the state of Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, Dec. 9, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. The aircraft, callsign SANTA 67, was the last mission flight of the OCD 2022.
6145-58913874
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" train in Edwards Air Force Base, California, Jan. 22 - Feb. 5, 2024. This marked the third annual Thunderbirds winter training trip, which allows the team to rehearse the show prior to kickstarting the season in March. Air Force
6145-55874400
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Narada Wakefield, 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainer, inspects a C-17 Globemaster III engine during the Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 15, 2022. Wakefield is one of many maintainers from the 512th and 436th airlift wings who worked together during a simulated deployment to a forward operating base, located on Dover AFB, July 11-15, 2022. The purpose of this exercise was to validate both wings' ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a contested and degraded operational environment.
6177-V53801376
1848-59981518
A man on the crashed military plane in Solheimasandur in winter with the frozen ground
6145-52153990
Poster depiciting various scenes of the 90th Space Wing during the joint military GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. VIRIN and SDAN of photographs are: top - 971031-N-4541B-006, DN-SD-99-05806; middle phtos - no VIRIN NOR SDAN; bottom left - 971031-N-4541B-007, DN-SD-99-05807; bottom right - 971031-N-4541B-005, DN-SD-99-05805. Poster depiciting various scenes of the 90th Space Wing during the joint military GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. VIRIN and SDAN of photographs are: top - 971031-N-4541B-006, DN-SD-99-05806; middle phtos - no VIRIN NOR SDAN; bottom left - 971031-N-4541B-007, DN-SD-99-05807; bottom right - 971031-N-4541B-005, DN-SD-99-05805.
1525-22562743
Air Force marking on the side of helicopter
6145-55159598
Shakey the pig sits in front of a C-130J Super Hercules during the push ceremony for the 71st iteration of Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Dec. 5, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop 2022 will deliver 200 drops of donated goods via airlift to 56 islands across the Pacific affecting over 23,000 people.
6145-52153924
A poster depiciting some of the operations for GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98. The VIRIN and SDAN numbers (respectively) are: top image - 971023-N-3149V-003, DN-SD-99-05743; 971022-N-3149V-001, DN-SD-99-05738. Subject Operation/Series: GLOBAL GUARDIAN '98 Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)