Military Aircraft Operations

Images of various military aircraft in action, including refueling missions and landing operations, showcasing dynamic aerial maneuvers and atmospheric conditions.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flies in the eye of Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. Ian is projected to make landfall in Florida after bringing hurricane conditions to Cuba.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flies in the eye of Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. Ian is projected to make landfall in Florida after bringing hurricane conditions to Cuba.

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Reserve Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) makes a final approach for landing on board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) during recovery (landing) operations as part of carrier qualifications off the coast of Florida. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-87-03764. Country: West Germany (FRG)

DF-ST-86-12894. Country: English Channel

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron refuels a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during a refueling mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing receives fuel over the North Sea from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, during exercise Cobra Warrior 22, Sept. 21, 2022. The exercise provides valuable opportunities for all participating forces to practice and develop tactics, techniques and procedures in complex scenarios.

An F-22 Raptor with the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, fly over the air field at Royal Air Force Lakenehath, England, July 26, 2022. Integration with NATO Allies and Partners further demonstrates the Alliances dedication to deter and defend in an increasingly complex and changing security environment.

An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft takes part in a flyover in honor of five ships of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) battle group. The vessels are returning to port following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, takes off during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 18, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th-and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

DF-ST-86-12897. Country: English Channel

An Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair aircraft receives fuel from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on a training flight following the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces. VA-72 is based aboard the aircraft USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Red Sea

A KA-6D Intruder tanker aircraft prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV 43). (Substandard image). Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

July 28, 2009 - A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F-16CJ Fighting Falcon over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A view of an Aim-9X Sidewinder missile on wing of a United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility May 8, 2022. The 335th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon with the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, maintains its position on the starboard side of KC-135R Stratotanker, with the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, during an orientation flight at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, July 19, 2022. The flight provided New Jersey legislators and staffers a first-hand view of a KC-135R Stratotanker air refueling mission and its importance to the national defense strategy. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

DF-ST-85-07804. Country: Unknown

An F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing, Jacksonville Air National Guards 125th Fighter Wing received fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, over the Southeastern United States, Oct. 20, 2022. The KC-135 is capable of transferring more fuel through its boom in eight minutes than a gas station pump could pump in 24 hours.

A Pilot assigned to the Oklahoma Air National Guards 138th Fighter Wing maneuvers and F-16 while receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker May 19, 2022. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Daniel Ter Haar)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, flies over the skies of Northwestern Ohio during a test of the Aerospace Control Alert System, April 27, 2022. The purpose of the event is to exercise coordination between the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Federal Aviation Administration and the 180FW, maintaining air sovereignty and air defense through the surveillance and control of airspace over Canada and the U.S.

220703-N-NO874-1005 IONIAN SEA (July 3, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, top, and an F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Sunliners” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, fly in an air and sea power demonstration, July 3, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 22, 2022. The 335th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

A 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15E Eagle aircraft breaks away after refueling from a KC-10A Extender aircraft. Country: Unknown

A pair of F-15Cs, assigned to the Oregon Air National Guards 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard base, perform several flybys at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The Oregon Air National Guard maintains two flying wings, one co-located at the Portland International Airport, and the 173rd Fighter Wing, an F-15 training unit, is located in Klamath Falls.

An F-16 Viper from the 314tth Fighter Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, flies next to a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, over New Mexico, Nov. 15, 2022. The 121st AFW is responsible for 12 KC-135s in their inventory, with each being able to carry 200,000 pounds of fuel to transfer to other aircraft.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 33rd Fighter Wing takes off during night flying operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, March 16, 2023. Night flying is a crucial part of the flying training syllabus, performed monthly to ensure the wing is mission-capable and combat-ready.

An A-6 Intruder aircraft from the Patuxent River Naval Air Test Center approaches for a landing on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon from the South Dakota Air National Guards 114th Fighter Wing flying above the Black Hills in South Dakota on June 27, 2023.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the Idaho National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, flys away from a gunnery target during the Hawgsmoke 2022 gunnery competition at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, south of Mountain Home, Idaho, Sept. 8, 2022. The pilot had just completed a strafing run with the GAU-8 Avenger cannon. .

A Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares for a refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to Royal Air Force Station Mildenhall, England, during a training sortie Sept. 5, 2014, over Norway. The KC-135 was part of a four-ship which enables tankers to provide concentrated aerial refueling support for large forces during major operations.

DN-SC-95-01071. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-09494. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-03000. Country: Unknown

Silhouetted left side view of an F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft preparing for takeoff from the Kitty Hawk class aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-87-05639. Country: Unknown

040814-F-6740T-163. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor conducts a heritage flight during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Forces fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, “Marines Fight, Evolve and Win,” reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, deployed to a base in Southwest Asia in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska Air National Guard, Lincoln Air Base, Nebraska, refuels a German Tornado, Sept. 6, 2022, as part of the Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises.

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron flies overhead at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2022. Since 1979, the F-15C Eagle has ensured air superiority for the U.S. and its allies across the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

A B-1B Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, goes through pre-flight checks before a training mission.

The U.S. Air Force F-35 Demo Team flies at the 187th Fighter Wings Family day at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama on Feb. 10, 2024. (Alabama National Guard

DN-SC-85-00449. Country: Unknown

011017-F-0308N-164. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Two U.S. Air F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing take off at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 26, 2022. JBERs F-22s support the Pacific Air Forces mission of force readiness and resilience to protect the homeland, deter aggression, and fly, fight, and win, if needed.

DN-SC-05-10885. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-99-06002. Country: Unknown

040518-N-9742R-005. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle pilot signs to the KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron after an aerial refuel, within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 2, 2022. The KC-135 provides core refueling capabilities in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A head-on view of a United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor conducts a heritage flight during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Forces fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in war-fighting capabilities. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

A 33rd Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft is refueled in flight by a 32nd Aerial Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender aircraft during Exercise IMMEDIATE FALCON '86. Subject Operation/Series: IMMEDIATE FALCON '86 Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Missiles Missiles armed forces of medium-range flight. Air defense Copyright: xZoonar.com/ValeryxxSibrikovx 2786537

020502-F-0193C-008. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-08311. State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon of the Air National Guard's, 169th Fighter Wing sit fully loaded and lethal on the flight line at McEntire Air National Guard Station, S.C. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 117th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Forbes Field, Kansas during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 2, 2022. The JPARC is the largest airspace over land that the Department of Defense has, its size is optimal to push the capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft pilots forward.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 28, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Detail of Sidewinder Missile, Mounted to a Marine Corps F/A - 18D Hornet at Al Asad Air Base in the Anbar Province of Iraq

Two U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 prepare to be refueled by a KC-46A Pegasus in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 over Alaska May 10, 2022. Approximately 2,220 service members from three nations are participating to fly, maintain and support more than 90 aircraft from over 25 units during this iteration of the exercise. RF-A exercises are focused on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and providing training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.

A Canadian CF-18 Hornet performs a fly-over as part of a static display during Exercise Justice Eagle, at Smardan Training Area, Romania, on Sept. 19, 2022. Under command and control of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, continues to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises like Justice Eagle with Allies and partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations Allies.

Lt. Col. Christopher Finkenstadt, 64th Aggressor Squadron commander, pilots a F-16C back into the training airspace May 4, 2021, over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada. The Aggressor program began in the fall of 1972 with the activation of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. This program started as a direct result of the high air combat loss rate experienced in the Vietnam War.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team Thunderbirds perform over Navy Air Facility El Centro, California, during winter training, February 28, 2024. This training trip marks the completion of the Thunderbirds 4th winter training season. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the Virginia Air National Guard lines up behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard for in-fight refueling over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An air-to-air left rear view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 429th Tactical Fighter Squadron releasing three Mark 84 2000-pound bombs. Country: Unknown

Eight F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 114th Fighter Wing, fly behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing while traveling to Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 1, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

DF-SD-03-06244. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron (FS) gets inspected on the flight line before taking off to reach its 10,000 flight hour milestone at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 27, 2022. The Air Force reassigned the 13th FS under the 35th Fighter Wing's 35th Operations Group on Oct. 1, 1994.

020627-F-0201H-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Orlando Air and Space Show in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 29, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds team has served as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Fairchild Skyfest Air Show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 13, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.

USAF F A-22 RAPTOR FLYING AT SUNSET

230215-N-XK462-1401 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 15, 2023) Aircraft from Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (MKI ARG), with embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fly in formation over the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). NIMCSG, MKI ARG and 13th MEU are conducting combined expeditionary strike force (ESF) operations, demonstrating unique high-end war fighting capability, maritime superiority, power projection and readiness. Operations include integrated training designed to advance interoperability between the two groups while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. commitment to our alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Nimitz is in U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Steven Schultz, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing, while traveling to Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 1, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

DF-ST-87-07843. Subject Operation/Series: BLUE HORIZON Base: Taura Air Base Country: Ecuador (ECU)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor with the 325th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, to refuel in-flight during Sentry Savannah May 11, 2022, in a military operations area over Florida. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

F-15 Eagle aircraft of the Hawaiian Air National Guard fly over the USS Arizona Memorial in missing man formation during an observance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii(HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An EA-6B Prowler aircraft from one of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) embarked squadrons, with tail hook down, passes over the ship after taking a wave-off during Mediterranean Deployment 92. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and a P-51D Mustang conduct a heritage flight during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Forces fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Joshua Super Novick, a 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing F-35A Lightning II pilot, taxis on the runway prior to take-off at Palau International Airport in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. VS22 is a U.S.-only, biennial field training exercise focused on integration of joint training in a multi-domain environment. This training builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

The 62d Airlift Wing held their semiannual exercise, Exercise Rainier War 22B, Oct. 6-22, 2022. Rainier War 22B is a full-scale readiness exercise with an Air Force Generation prioritization; demonstrating the ability to generate, employ and sustain a combat force during a rigorous wartime scenario.

A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska National Guard, refuels a German Tornado, Sept. 9, 2022, during Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises.

A French Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000 soars overhead during a French Vol de Nuit air show at Air Base 188, Djibouti, April 26, 2022. The U.S. and our partner forces remain committed to the stability, security, and prosperity of Africa.

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron fly in formation over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 21, 2022. Fighter aircraft routinely conduct presence patrols within the CENTCOM AOR to reassure allies and ensure regional security.

DN-ST-86-06057. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

030217-F-3961R-010. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

AV-8B+ Harrier II jets aboard the Italian Navy Cavour aircraft carrier.

070121-N-8907D-001. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

A Canadian Forces' CF-18B Hornet flies vertical over 4 Wing Cold Lake. The CF-18B is assigned to the 410 Fighter Squadron and is ona target identification mission during the joint exercise, that will test the response of the air intercept and air defense capabilities of the American and Canadian Forces, supporting the mission of NORAD (North American Air Defense command). Subject Operation/Series: AMALGAM WARRIOR Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, prepares for takeoff during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th-and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31- Nov. 10, 2022.

A T-38 Talon four-ship formation flies over the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals match between the Republic and the Kansas City Sporting July 27, 2022, in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Air Force performs close to 1,000 flyovers a year, which serve as a way to showcase the capabilities of its aircraft while also inspiring patriotism and future generations of aviation enthusiasts.

DF-ST-87-05173. Country: Unknown

220701-N-BR419-1073 PHILIPPINE SEA (July 1, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Royal Maces conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, and ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

An air-to-air right side view of two F-4 Phantom II aircraft during exercise Cope Thunder. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Two US Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers during a combat operation over the Al Anbar Province, Iraq

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