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Military Aircraft Operations

Various military aircraft, including A-10s and Airbus A400M, captured in flight, showcasing dynamic aerial maneuvers and military exercises.

A Bundeswehr Airbus A400M, photographed 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 Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 11, 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

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 355th Wing flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 27, 2022. The 355th WG continues leading the way in Agile Combat Employment and dynamic force employment concepts through developing operational unpredictability using multi-capable Airmen that are ready for the high-end fight.

A Bundeswehr Airbus A400M, photographed 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

Maj. Joshua Cabo Gunderson, F-22 Demo Team commander and pilot, repositions in preparation for a minimum-radius turn during the Bethpage Air Show May 23, 2022, at Jones Beach State Park, New York. The minimum-radius turn highlights the F-22 Raptors tight turn and maneuverability capabilities.

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

An Air Force pilot 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. Additionally

220807-N-CH260-1322 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2022) Two F/A-18E Super Hornets, both assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, drop dud bombs alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an air power demonstration for embarked guests. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

The U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Rhino Demonstration Team performs at the Orlando Air and Space Show at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, Florida, Oct. 30. The Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter that provides air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, close air support, air defense suppression and precision strike for the Navy.

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft attached to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 "Shadowhawks" (foreground) and an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft attached to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 "Eagles" (background), assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly above a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, June 18, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies over Mabank, Texas, July 2, 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.

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 11, 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

An aircrew with the 106th Aviation Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, takes part in Army modernization efforts at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Aug. 4, 2022, by operationally testing the UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter while preparing for an upcoming deployment. As the newest helicopter introduced into the Armys inventory, the UH-60V began fielding to the 106th in 2021 following the units selection as the Armys first unit to be equipped with the new Black Hawk. According to the U.S. Army Operational Test Command, aviators, crewmembers, and support personnel with the 106th were at Fort McCoy operationally testing the UH-60V Blackhawk helicopter July 28 to Aug. 5, 2022. The 106th completed their testing operations from the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport. “Victor” model testing completes a 24-month process from conception to reality for the Illinois Guard unit, U.S. Army Operational Test Command officials said.

The U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Rhino Demonstration Team performs at the Orlando Air and Space Show at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, Florida, Oct. 30. The Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter that provides air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, close air support, air defense suppression and precision strike for the Navy.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the Idaho National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, drops a MK-82 500-lb bomb during the Hawgsmoke 2022 gunnery competition at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, south of Mountain Home, Idaho, Sept. 8, 2022. The competition traces its heritage back to 1949 and the Gunsmoke gunnery competition.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the Idaho National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, drops a MK-82 500-lb bomb during the Hawgsmoke 2022 gunnery competition at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, south of Mountain Home, Idaho, Sept. 8, 2022. The competition traces its heritage back to 1949 and the Gunsmoke gunnery competition.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducts a Bomber Task Force mission with coalition and regional partners across the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Sept. 4, 2022. U.S. bombers offer a rapid response capability for the USCENTCOM theater to deter conflict while credibly demonstrating the U.S.'s ability to address a global security environment.

Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing take off from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 2, 2024. Five KC-135s from the 100th ARW provided aerial refueling support to B-1 Lancers from the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., in support of the airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iranian backed militia groups. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde)

An Air Force pilot 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. Additionally

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 12, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, flies over 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.

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element (ACE), Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, fly in a formation over Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, NT, Australia, April 12, 2022. VMM 268 flew the Ospreys from Darwin Port, to RAAF Base Darwin, strengthening the squadron's support of MRF-D 22 by fully equipping and staging a capable ACE.

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing departs from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022. All tanker aircraft at MacDill were evacuated in response to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Ian.

An E-8C Joint STARS operated by an aircrew from the 116th Airborne Command and Control Squadron (ACCS), 461st Air Control Wing, flies overhead after returning from a mission at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 8, 2022. The 16th ACCS flew its final local sortie today after 27 years of operational history. The 16th ACCS will be officially inactivated in February 2023.

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 11, 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

General Dynamics F-16A.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor with the F-22 Demo Team performs aerial stunts at 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 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 F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 prepare to land at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, during exercise Keen Sword 2023, Nov. 10, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II of the 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the American airbase Raf Woodbridge during a fly show. Recording is scanned in mirror image.

A-10s from the 124th Fighter Wing in Boise, Idaho release flares as part of a close air support mission at Hardwood Range, Wis., during Northern Lightning.

Military Helicopters Bell Aviat UH-1 Huey Flarecopter flare dispensers sky

An Air Force pilot 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. Additionally

An air-to-air right side view of an A-6 Intruder aircraft as it drops Mark 82 high drag bombs over the Crow Valley Range during Exercise Cope Thunder 83-7. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 83-7 Base: Crow Valley Range Country: Philippines (PHL)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the Idaho National Guards 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, drops a MK-82 500-lb bomb during the Hawgsmoke 2022 gunnery competition at the Saylor Creek Bombing Range, south of Mountain Home, Idaho, Sept. 8, 2022. The competition traces its heritage back to 1949 and the Gunsmoke gunnery competition.

DF-ST-89-05339. Country: Spain (ESP)

Marines from Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the United States conduct static line and freefall parachute training from UH-1Y Venom helicopters with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron - 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, at Santa Cruz Air Force Base, Rio de Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 6, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

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

A C130 Hercules cargo plane from the 109th Airlift Wing executes an airdrop over a designated drop zone during a large scale readiness exercise May 14th 2022.

A Kawasaki C-2 from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai), 403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron flies in a formation during a bilateral training exercise with the 535th Airlift Squadron around the Hawaiian Islands, Sept. 27, 2022. Bilateral exercises between the USAF and JASDF advance the operational concepts and capabilities of both countries and increase interoperability.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier conducts close air support during exercise Mjolnir Strike on Atlantic Airfield, North Carolina, June 27, 2023. Exercise Mjolnir Strike 3-23 is a fire support-focused training opportunity for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and Joint Fires Observers across II MEF to increase proficiency while incorporating multiple fire support capabilities, such as ground-based indirect fires and close air support.

U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing, fly over Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 5, 2022, as part of a temporary deployment. These aircraft will help ensure steady state U.S. Air Force fighter presence at Kadena Air base through the phased withdrawal of the F-15C/D Eagles.

A CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-463 flies above a mock embassy at the Bellows training area to unload Marines from 1ST Battalion, 3rd Marines, at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii. (Substandard image). Base: Pohakuloa Training Area State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

American and Philippine military personnel floats to the ground from a C-130 Hercules during parachute training at Clark Air Base (AV), Philippines, during BALANCE PISTON 03-5. BALANCE PISTON aims to increase the interoperability of the two nations' armed forces. Subject Operation/Series: BALANCE PISTON 03-5 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

220820-N-XN177-1200 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 20, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) prepares to fly by amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Aug. 20, 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.

DA-SC-86-10687. Base: Saint Mere-Eglise Country: France (FRA)

An Indian Air force Surya Kiran performing at the Aerobatics show which was conducted by Sagar Pawan team of the Fly-In at Girgaum Chowpatty, Bombay Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Copyright: xManoejxPaateel/DinodiaxPhotox

Three U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 317th Airlift Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, prepare to land after conducting training during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 13, 2022. RF-A 23-1 provides tactical training for the full spectrum of conflict, emphasizing air superiority, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, intelligence coordination, and personnel recovery.

An Alaska Air National Guard HC-130J Combat King II from the 211th Rescue Squadron flies over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during Arctic Thunder Open House, July 31, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

030404-M-4779G-044. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Cmdr. Andrew Imperatore, front, off-going commanding officer of the "Grey Wolves" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, prepares to depart the formation of Cmdr. Andrew Thom, right, oncoming VAQ-142 commanding officer, and Commander, Carrier Air Wing 8 Capt. Daryl Trent during a VAQ-142 change of command ceremony, April 14, 2022. Thom, from Yorktown, Virginia, relieved Cmdr. Andrew Imperatore during the aerial change of command. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 72) is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ships tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment.

An air-to-ground view of an MC-130 Hercules aircraft from the 8th Special Operations Squadron (8th SOS) demonstrating the Fulton Aerial Recovery System. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

715th Public Affairs Detachment

Troops from the Norwegian Home Guard and Minnesota National Guard Support Troops fly in UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters from the Minnesota Army National Guard 2nd Battalion 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 8th, 2024. The flights are provided as an aerial tour of the training area after the completion of training during the 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange.

221206-N-EA521-9722 LITTLE CREEK, Va. (Dec. 6, 2022) U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) Sailors conduct a parachute insertion jump from a C-130 aircraft off the coast of Little Creek- Fort Story Base during CrabEx 23-1. CrabEx 23-1 is a training exercise that certifies U.S. Navy EOD units to be combat-ready and capable to deploy anywhere, anytime to support our nations interests.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, takes off during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise 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.

An F-16B Fighting Falcon chase plane accompanies a B-2 advanced technology bomber aircraft on the B-2's first flight, at the Air Force Flight Test Center. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010401-N-0295M-002. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Constellation (CV 64)

MAFFS 9 assigned to the 152nd Airlift Wing, is on approach for a practice drop. The Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) units are training for a U.S. Northern Command mission. In the event of activation during the fire year; First Air Force (AFNORTH); U.S. Northern Command's Air Component Command; is the DoD's operational lead for the aerial military efforts to support USDA Forest Service-National Interagency Fire Center requests for fire suppression support.

DN-SC-05-02430. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030424-M-9892R-026. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2003 Base: Fort Magsaysay State: Luzon Country: Republic Of The Philippines (PHL) Scene Major Command Shown: 2nd Battalion 7th Marines

An Air Force pilot guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft over the airspace on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 11, 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

110603-N-DR144-202PACIFIC OCEAN (June 3, 2011) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25 deploys flares while flying faster than the speed of sound alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an air power demonstration. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

221111-N-LI114-1294 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 11, 2022) Aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fly in formation during Exercise Malabar 2022, in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 11. Malabar 2022 is a Japan-led, surface, air, and subsurface multi-lateral field training exercise with the Indian Navy, JMSDF, Royal Australian Navy and U.S. Navy. Malabar 2022 enhances interoperability between Australian, Indian, Japanese and U.S. maritime forces, strengthens the critical partnerships and demonstrates U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing takes off at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 8, 2022. The F-15E has the capability to fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions and support airpower missions.

U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, descend onto Donnelly Drop Zone after jumping from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 8, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron leads a formations of two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, an F-16CJ Fighting Falcon from Misawa, Japan, an F-15J Eagle from Chitose Japan, two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-2 attack fighters from the 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron, two U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft from the Electronic Attack Squadron, an U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye and a Japanese E-2C Hawkeye aircraft on a flight over Guam during exercise Cope North Feb. 21, 2011. The U.S. Air Force and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force conduct Cope North annually at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to increase combat readiness and interoperability concentrating on coordination and evaluation of air tactics, techniques and procedures.

U.S. Air Force Major Kristin Wolfe, commander, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, performs an F-35A Lightning II aircraft capability demonstration at the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo Airshow, JB Andrews, Md., 17 September, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.

An F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing lands at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Aug. 2, 2022. This week, F-35A Lightning II aircraft, equipment, and personnel from the 158th Fighter Wing return home from a three month overseas deployment at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Parachuted candy is dropped from a C-54 Skymaster in Spanish Fork, Utah May 21, 2022, in honor of legendary World War II pilot Col. Gail Halverson. Halverson was best known as the Berlin Candy Bomber or Uncle Wiggly Wings for dropping candy to German children during the Berlin Airlift from 1948-49.

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Joint Base Langley-Eustis demonstrates simulated combat aerial maneuvers over the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Nov. 17, 2022. The F-22 Raptor, capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, showcased the elite combat readiness of the 21st century Air Force.

A U.S. Air Force Lockheed U-2, nicknamed Dragon Lady, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft with U.S. Air Force 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, provides day and night, high-altitude, all-weather intelligence-gathering and reaches altitudes above 70,000 feet. 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.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 2, 2018) F/A-18 Super Hornets from Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 31, VFA-32, VFA-87 and VFA-105 honor the late Sen. John McCain with a fly-over of the United States Naval Academy during his burial service, Sept. 2, 2018. The aircraft were in missing man formation, which consists of four aircraft in a formation shape of a "V" with the right arm, from the pilots' perspective, longer than the left. When the "V" passes over the ceremonial site, the aircraft in the "ring-finger" position pulls up and leaves the formation to signify a lost comrade in arms.

An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to The Blue Angels, U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, takes off with Whitney Aragaki, 2022 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, as part of the Blue Angels Key Influencer Program, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2022. The Key Influencer program is provided through The Blue Angels with the ultimate goal to promote a culture of excellence within the community and inspire youth to work hard towards achieving their goals. Marine Corps Base Hawaii hosted the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Blues on the Bay, on Aug. 13-14.

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