Military Aircraft Operations

Images of various military aircraft, particularly C-130 models and VTOL, showcasing operations and training in different environments.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Houston and Chief Master Sergeant Kevin Eberlin, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing leadership, sit on top of HC-130J Combat King II aircraft with Tech. Sgt. Michael Sanches, a Crew Chief with the 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, as part of the Red Tail Connection program at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, September 21, 2022. These immersion visits provide greater insight into the unique skillsets every Airman brings to the 332d AEW Red Tail team.

980620-F-2907C-031. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force MC-130J Combat Talon II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing in Hurlburt Field, Florida, taxis after temporarily relocating to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, during Hurricane Ian Sept. 27, 2022. The 88th Air Base Wing Airmen provided strength through support as aircraft and aircrews from installations affected by the hurricane arrived seeking safety.

Col. Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, taxis a C-130 Hercules aircraft after landing at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nevada during his final flight fini-flight with the wing, July 26, 2022. Ford has been the commander of the 152nds High Rollers since 2021 and will be leaving in early August to take a new position at the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.

Six MC-130J Commando II aircraft assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron taxi down the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 6, 2022. This was the first time the 1st SOS generated all seven aircraft to complete a formation flight during the biennial Flight of the Flock training event.

Airmen assigned to the 15th Special Operations Squadron (15th SOS), Hurlburt Field, Fla., brief 77th Fighter Generation Squadron Airmen on the principles of forward area refueling points (FARP) at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 6, 2022. FARP is a key component of agile combat employment, allowing units to quickly set up operations and conduct missions in austere environments.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Houston and Chief Master Sergeant Kevin Eberlin, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing leadership, sit on top of HC-130J Combat King II aircraft with Tech. Sgt. Michael Sanches, a Crew Chief with the 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, as part of the Red Tail Connection program at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, September 21, 2022. These immersion visits provide greater insight into the unique skillsets every Airman brings to the 332d AEW Red Tail team.

Aerospace propulsion technicians assigned to the 910th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron run an engine test on a 910th Airlift Wing C-130H Hercules aircraft, Jan. 17, 2023, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The C-130 was grounded by an Air Mobility Command time compliance technical order on Sept. 27, 2022, while conducting an aerial spray mission at MHAFB. The 910th AW dispatched a maintenance recovery team, Jan. 9-20, to inspect and repair the C-130 for its return to service and trip home.

040826-F-2233S-034. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 96th Airlift Squadron, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minnesota, sit in a C-130H Hercules before a sortie during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 14, 2022. RFA provides training for deployed maintenance and support personnel in sustainment of large-force deployed air operations.

A U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II, assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, taxis down the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. Members with the 355th Wing returned home on two C-130s after an overseas deployment.

U.S. Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II at Kirtland Air Force Base.

U.S. Air National Guard units from the 152nd Airlift Wing, Nevada Air National Guard, 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard and the 302nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserves, Colorado Springs, equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems conduct annual training operations at Gowen Field, Idaho April 27, 2022. The 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.

A patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) P-3C Orion aircraft sits on the ramp after a flight. Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

A C-130J Super Hercules starts up its four turboprop engines as pilots, loadmasters and ground crews finish pre-flight checks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 27, 2022. Pre-flight checklists are essential to ensuring the proper and safe functioning of aircraft systems and structure prior to take-off. Loadmaster and maintenance Airmen are vital parts of keeping aircraft mission ready, as flying stresses can wear at aircraft systems and structures.

Senior Master Sgt. Joshua Jay, a 154th Training Squadron flight engineer instructor, inspects the top of the new NP 2000 on loan to the squadron from the 152nd Airlift Wing, Oct. 21, 2022, at Little Rock AIr Force Base, Ark. The NP 2000 is similar to the C-130H model flown at the 189th AIrlift Wing, with a few differences such as the eight-bladed props on the NP 2000 compared to the four-bladed props on the legacy C-130.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - A C-130 J Model from the 19th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas sits on the flight line here April 4, members of the 732nd Air Mobility Squadron load a 32-foot platform consisting of a humvee and howitzer into the back of it. This was in preparation for a heavy drop and personnel drop performed with the 3rd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment.

Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

Members of the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, return to Savannah, Georgia from a deployment to Europe in a C-130 Hercules on April 5, 2022. The Airmen deployed in support of the U.S. Air Forces Europe and provided logistical support and a tactical airlift package supplying military aid.

Right side front view medium long shot as a US Air Force C-130 Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany loaded with troops (not shown) from the 1ST of the 508th Airborne Battalion Combat Team (ABCT), takes off heading towards the drop zone (not shown) in Grafenwohr, Germany on August 9, 2000. This mission is in direct support of Operation Lion Drop 12. Subject Operation/Series: LION DROP 12 Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

040623-F-2233S-034. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Georgia Air National Guardsmen from the 165th Maintenance Group engine and propulsion shop work on the flight line to change the thrust nut seal located behind one of the NP-2000 propellers of a C-130 Hercules after it was found to have a leak on July 5, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. This is not a job they have to do often, so it gave Airmen who work in the shop full-time the opportunity to train some of those who were here for their annual training on the tasks involved in changing out the seal.

030304-F-1698M-004. Base: Lajes Field Country: Azores (AZR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Various aircrews attended the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Centers Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, from April 11-15, 2022 including the U.S. Air Force Reserve Commands 302nd Airlift Wing, Rhode Island Air National Guards 143rd Airlift Wing, New York ANGs 105th Airlift Wing, the Royal Danish Air Forces 721 Squadron, and the U.S. Air Forces 517th Airlift Squadron. During ATAC, students spend their first week at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, and their second week at Fort Huachuca.

A Marine Corps KC-130/R from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron-352 (VMGR-352) sits, engines running, at a forward operating airstrip waiting to be loaded with Marines and supplies from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)). They will be flown back into Afghanistan during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-352

Three U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (EAS), Yokota Air Base, Japan, are loaded with supply bundles for Operation Christmas Drop 2022 on the flight line of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 6, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running Department of Defense humanitarian mission that delivers critical aid to island communities throughout the western Pacific while also providing an opportunity for aircrew to hone important skills needed for future operations.

030401-M-5607A-030. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

040319-F-3880S-034. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing prepare a C-130J Hercules for firefighting operations at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 18, 2011. The C-130 is equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System(MAFFS) which is capable of dispensing 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in under 5 seconds. The wildfires have spread across various parts of Texas and have burned more than 1,000 square miles of land.

Hill Air Force Base and the local community hosted the 2022 Warriors Over The Wasatch Air & Space Show. The show featured more than a dozen worldclass acts, including an F-35A Lightning II demonstration by the 388th Fighter Wing, and a large assortment of Air Force, Army and Space displays.

Army CH-47D Chinook helicopters and their components are unloaded from a C-5M Super Galaxy Oct. 29, 2013, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The helicopters were used in Afghanistan and are being returned to the United States as military forces are withdrawn from the country. The C-5s are assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing.

A C-130J Super Hercules takes off at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 6, 2022, to practice ground refueling procedures at Clark Air Base, Philippines. Two C-130J aircraft landed in the Philippines and practices ground refueling procedures fortwo F-16 Fighting Falcons from Kunsan Air Base as part of an Agile Combat Employment training. Exercising elements of ACE enables U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support, ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to respond across a wide spectrum of military operations.

A B-52 Stratofortress aircraft is prepared for takeoff during exercise Giant Warrior '89. Subject Operation/Series: GIANT WARRIOR '89 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A 1ST Special Operations Wing MC-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with a Fulton surface-to-air retrieval (STAR) yoke on the nose is serviced on the flight line. Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020212-N-9777F-006. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: VP-40

A C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft from the 23rd Wing, Pope AFB, NC, taxies during a mission. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE Base: Bale Dogle Country: Somalia (SOM)

Five C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Georgia Air National Guard taxi in on the flight line after completing a 5-ship formation flight at the 165th Airlift Wing in Garden City, Georgia, on Sept. 11, 2022. This large formation flight tested the wings ability to synchronize large-formation take-offs, showed of the force of the fleet and to showcased the recently completed modernization of the C-130 Hercules fleet.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) unload a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at Ie Shima, Japan, Oct. 17, 2022. Marines with VMGR-152 assisted the 31st MEU, transporting personnel and a HIMARS, demonstrating the ability to rapidly relocate forces across the Indo-Pacific region.

Nine LC130s with the 109th Airlift Wing conducted the units first ever Elephant Walk on September 10th 2022. An elephant walk is a United States Air Force term for thetaxiing of military aircraft in close formation; often employed to project air power through the rapid deployment of multiple aircraft at once.

030602-F-3354H-006. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

100115-F-2034C-140Staff Sgt. Rich Mumma conducts engine start up checks on his C-130 Hercules Jan. 15, 2010 prior to leaving Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Sgt. Mumma is a loadmaster from the 43rd Operations Support Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina. U.S. Southern Command is deploying assets to Haiti to conduct search and rescue operations, damage assessments, and transitions sustained Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations in order to prevent human suffering and additional loss of life.

040108-F-9753B-054. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A 353rd Special Operations Wing HC-130H Hercules aircraft taxis on the runway at Chittagong Air Base after arriving to take part in Operation Sea Angel, A U.S. military effort to provide disaster relief to victims of a cyclone which devastated Bangladesh on April 30th.. Subject Operation/Series: SEA ANGEL Country: Bangladesh(BGD)

An AC-130J Ghostrider, assigned to the 14th Weapons Squadron, Hurlburt Field Air Force Base Florida, takes off during a U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration exercise at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Dec. 5, 2022. The U.S. Air Force Weapons School teaches graduate-level instructor courses that provide advanced training in weapons and tactics employment to officers and enlisted specialists of the combat and mobility air forces.

980618-F-6655M-002. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C130 sits on the flight line at Allen Army Airfield during a joint force operation conduct by the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marines at Fort Greenly, Alaska, and Feb. 16, 2024. The purpose of the operation was to conduct HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, also known as HIRAIN, in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2024. Army

030810-F-4310B-002. Base: Will Rogers Ang Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

100115-F-2034C-138Staff Sgt. Rich Mumma conducts engine start up checks on his C-130 Hercules Jan. 15, 2010 prior to leaving Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Sgt. Mumma is a loadmaster from the 43rd Operations Support Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina. U.S. Southern Command is deploying assets to Haiti to conduct search and rescue operations, damage assessments, and transitions sustained Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations in order to prevent human suffering and additional loss of life.

U.S. Air Force C-130J taxis toward the runway en route to support Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 21, 2011. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

050225-F-9429S-007. Base: Karshi-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

920th Rescue Wing Airmen make final checks of an HC-130J Combat King II aircraft at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, Sept. 26, 2022. In anticipation of Hurricane Ian, the decision was made to relocate the aircraft to areas that would prevent them from being damaged. In less than 24-hours, all of the wing's HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters were prepared, pre-flight checked, then flown or loaded to be transported off of the installation. This movement was the equivalent of a rapid deployment of the wing's Personnel Recovery Task Force-Heavy, which utilizes multi-capable Airmen from across the wing to mobilize rapidly for rescue operations around the world.

A 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II, takes fuel at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 29, 2022. More than 130 members of the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, were activated following a disaster declaration issued Sept. 17 after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding across more than 1,000 miles of Alaskan coastline.

Israeli Air Force C-130J aircraft at Nevatim Air Base, Israel.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 prepares for takeoff during exercise Keen Sword 23 at Kumamoto airport, Kumamoto, Japan, Nov. 13, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

C-130J Super Hercules of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

A Royal Thai Air Force C-130H Hercules taxis past a row of parked C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron while taxiing on a runway at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. The Royal Thai Air Forces 601st Squadron came to Japan to perform their own multilateral trainings. Thailand is part of the United Nations and Yokota Air Base is one of seven U.S. bases designated for joint United Nations Command - Rear use.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) paratroopers from the 1st Airborne Brigade, jump out of a U.S. Air Force (USAF) C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron during the annual New Year's Jump at Camp Narashino, Chiba, Japan, Jan. 7, 2024. Approximately 40 JGSDF paratroopers jumped out of several C-130 aircraft during the event.

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Senior Airman Eva Gaus (left) and Senior Airman Jonathan Jones (right), both from 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, indicate 'All Clear' to pilot after checking beta and gamma radiation, here March 17. C-17 aircraft transports Japan Grand Self Defense Force's troop and vehicles from Okinawa for relief efforts up earthquake and tsunami sites.

041111-F-1740G-011. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 156th Airlift Squadron taxi off the runway after a MAX flight mission at the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG) Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Aug. 5, 2017. MAX flight is a term used to describe a mission where the entire operational fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft and pallets assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing (AW) are utilized in a single event. This MAX flight is special in that it culminates the C-130 Hercules aircraft over 30 year assignment to NCANG Base as the 145th AW transitions to the C-17 Globemaster II.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules taxis down the flightline at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 2, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. Before start Operation Christmas Drop 2022, Aircrerws from the U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australia Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and Republic of Korea Air Force conducted dynamic delivery airdrop mission over the Pacific Ocean. Aircrew delivering these airdrops worked to hone skills needed for effective dynamic delivery to non-surveyed drop zones, a method that incorporates real-time decision making within a challenging mission environment.

A Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117) E-2C Hawkeye aircraft is prepared for launch aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). Country: Caribbean Sea

A right side view of a Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 48 (VR-48) C-130T Hercules aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A C17 Globemaster III Aircraft from 86AW/37th Airlift Squadron bearing Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, departs from Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

An HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, rear, assigned to the New Yorek Air National Guards 106th Rescue Wing is prepared for a mission while wing members participate in Exercise Tapio on August 22, 2022. . The New York Air National Guard has a State Partnership Program relationship with Brazil. This is the second year the 106th Rescue Wing, based at Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York has participated in the annual exercise.

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany - A C-130J Super Hercules from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, waits to be loaded with cargo here in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn March 21. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft taxis on the runway at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 15, 2022, after conducting a helicopter landing zone training with the U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) East Africa Response Force (EARF). The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances.

030411-F-4806N-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)

A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 172d Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, arrives at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center during Southern Strike 2022 at Gulfport, Mississippi, April 22, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise hosted by the Mississippi National Guard that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict.

030401-M-5607A-029. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the Ohio Air National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, Swanton, Ohio, are parked on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 8, 2022. Agile Rage 22 is a National Guard Bureau-led exercise that provides realistic training opportunities, mimicking current and future combat environments dictated by the National Defense Strategy.

Two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (VMM-163) fly over the Red Sea, Sept. 7, 2022, during a tactical air refueling mission. VMM-163 deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa by providing capabilities for personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. forces throughout East Africa.

DF-ST-89-00415. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060722-N-2838C-009. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Arkansas Air National Guard C-130H arriving at Hohn Air Base, Germany.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron rests on the flight line at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Jan. 3, 2022. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

An air-to-air left front view of a 95th Tactical Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules aircraft. The aircraft is transporting supplies to missions in the Caribbean and South America. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey taxiing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, prepares for takeoff at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, October, 18, 2022. The C-17s are participating in exercise Gunfighter Flag 23-1, a Lead Wing exercise to demonstrate the Combat Air Forces transition to the newest force generation model.

A C-17 Globemaster III takes off March 14, 2014, from the Geronimo landing zone at Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La. Service members participating in JRTC 14-05 are educated in combat patient care and aeromedical evacuation in a simulated combat environment.

A C-130H Hercules aircraft assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing performs an assault landing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2022. The landing was part of the 757th Airlift Squadron's annual TAC week, a condensed week of flight training highlighted by a six-aircraft formation flight.

U.S. Marine Corps L ance Cpl. Jason Differ a KC-130J Super Hercules crew chief assigned to the 352nd VMGR, stands outside his aircraft during shutdown after arriving at Gilgit Air Base, Pakistan, during cargo off load on Sept. 8, 2010. The 352nd VMGR has been in Pakistan since August delivering over 200,000 pounds of cargo all over the country in support of flood relief efforts.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Natalie Schmidt, 901st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Detachment 2 crew chief, marshals a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II June 30, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The 901st SOAMXSs mission is to organize, train, and equip Airmen to perform high-quality aircraft maintenance in order to provide safe and mission-effective aircraft supporting home-station and contingency taskings.

Senior Airman Roy Johnson, 403rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., looks on as a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron takes off for a training flight June 23, 2022. The 53rd WRS Hurricane Hunters conduct routine training flights in order to support National Hurricane and National Winter Season Operations Plans year-round.

A C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, taxis on the runway after a large formation flight that showcased the force and the new modifications to the aircraft on September 11, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. Over the last 18 months, the entire 165th AW fleet of C-130H aircraft was modernized with NP-2000 eight blade propellers and T-56 3.5 engines. The eight-bladed propellers will deliver more power and efficiency while reducing maintenance.

U.S. Airmen with the 37th Airlift Squadron taxi on Landing Zone Charlie with their C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, during a Landing Zone Safety Officer training, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 15, 2024. Army

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules takes off from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 30, 2023. International Interfly Week gives NATO allies the opportunity to rehearse tactical airlift capabilities in normal and adverse weather conditions.

U.S. Air Force MC-130J Hercules.

A Military Airlift Command C-5 Galaxy aircraft carrying troops and equipment takes off for deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

030224-F-1351C-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ganci AB/Manas Iap State: Chuy Region Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

980620-F-3645W-037. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NEW ORLEANS (April 19, 2012) Support personnel for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, arrive in New Orleans for The War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration.

040520-F-9032T-005. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey prepares to execute a long-range insertion of more than 800 miles during Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force Exercise from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on Okinawa to mainland Japan, June 9, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force executed these actions as part of a series of integrated no-notice drills to maintain a high state of readiness and demonstrate U.S. resolve to maintain regional security. 3/2 is forward-deployed under 4th Marines as a part of the Unit Deployment Program.

A left front view of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, attached to the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston AFB, S.C., as it sits on the ramp at Howard AFB. The Globemaster is bringing in materials and personnel for increased activities during Operation Safe Haven. Subject Operation/Series: SAFE HAVEN Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

DF-ST-86-11859. Base: Raf Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A 302nd Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules performs water-drop training in Southern California on May 3, 2016. The training was conducted at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif., for the missions annual certification. Since 1974, the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, a fire retardant delivery system inserted into a C-130, has been a joint effort including the U.S. Forest Service and the Defense Department to fight wildland fires.

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