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Military Aircraft Operations

Images of U.S. military aircraft operations with personnel managing aircraft at air force bases, highlighting airlift capabilities and readiness during training exercises.

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules is being unloaded.
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules is being unloaded.
261 assets in this story
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021105-F-4649H-006. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)
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A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker piloted by Lt. Col. Doug Booser flies over Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey during his fini flight on April 14, 2022. Booser, with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing, retired after 21 years of service and more than 4,000 flying hours.
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030318-F-4806N-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM)
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A C-130H Hercules of Egyptian Air Force prepares for landing.
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020102-F-0675P-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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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
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Royal Thai Air Force C-130H during Exercise Cope Tiger 2016.
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A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington during an Agile Combat Employment exercise Aug. 18, 2022. When using the ACE concept the B-52s can land at a non-bomber location, receive repairs, resupply and be back in the air within a few hours.
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A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, above, assigned to McChord Air Force Base Air base in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington lands while a B-25 Mitchell prepares to taxi out to the runway during Wings Over Solano open house at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show offered the local community the opportunity to interact directly with the base and its Airmen to see the capabilities of Travis AFB on full display.
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Airmen from the 96th Airlift Squadron and 27th Aerial Port Squadron conduct air drops on Warrens drop zone at Fort McCoy Wis., June 29, 2022.The units are part of the 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis-St Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, Minn., operating C-130 Hercules aircraft.
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USAF C-17 Globemaster III under the French Air Force display team.
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U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252 prepare to equip AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to a KC-130J Hercules at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Aug. 29, 2022. VMGR-252 trained in close-air support by using the Harvest Hercules Airborne Weapons Kit. VMGR-252 is a subordinate of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.
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Ground crews rush to reload the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS). Their efforts reduced ground time to less than ten minutes. Base: Boise State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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050119-F-1601R-001. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Planes that carried ministers of defense and key leaders from more than 40 countries attending a Ukraine Defense Consultative Group hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III sit at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 26, 2022. The historic meeting reaffirmed the unprecedented alignment of so many allies and partners in support of this common cause.
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Utah Air National Guard KC-135R starts engines to prepare to transport AIM 120 Missile Coffins during Exercise Perses at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on 03 Feb. 24. Exercise PERSES is a joint exercise that challenges the tactics, techniques, and procedures of both Utah Air and Army National Guard units along with other component units, while testing innovative ideas and communication practices. (Utah Air National Guard
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040924-F-2559D-003. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The Bundeswehr Airbus A400M aircraft, 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
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A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, taxis to a parking spot during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 9, 2024. JPMRC serves as an opportunity for members of the 36th AS to improve their readiness to deploy under extreme cold-weather conditions, while simultaneously enhancing their ability to operate the C-130J in a challenging tactical environment. Air Force
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A Kentucky Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules performs a fly-over at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., May 30, 2022, during a ceremony to honor the 286 Airmen and Soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard who have died in the line of duty since 1912. This year marks the 30th anniversary of a C-130 plane crash in Evansville, Ind., that claimed the lives of five aircrew members from the Kentucky Air Guards 123rd Airlift Wing.
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A French CASA CN-235 and a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron sit on a flightline in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, May 18, 2022. Marara 22 is a multinational training exercise which enhances combined interoperability between the U.S. military and Frances Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters in French Polynesia.
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A U.S. Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 176th Wing takes off during RED FLAG-ALASKA 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 13, 2022. In addition to providing a training location for RF-A 23-1, JBER provides air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and through output operations in support of worldwide contingencies.
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031005-F-5725S-011. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command
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020512-F-9877S-080. Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)
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A US Air Force C-130 Hercules takes off for a parachute drop during the exercise. Joint Task Force 95-3 involved each branch of the armed services and all major units of the US Atlantic Command.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The Alaska Air National Guard, 168th Wing, generates combat readiness training as the lead tanker task force refueling Red Flag-Alaska 22-1, providing combat interoperability opportunities to approximately 2,200 service members from three nations, maintaining and supporting more than 90 aircraft and over 25 units. Airmen of the 168th Wing provide critical support to allies through on-time rapid in-flight refueling allowing RF-A participants to train for full spectrum engagements. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed training exercise allowing forces unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.
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A flight crew from the 172nd Airlift Wing, Jackson, Mississippi, prepares a C-17 Globemaster III for takeoff at Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, July 13, 2022. Members of the 183rd Airlift Squadron, 172nd Maintenance Group, and the 186th Air Refueling Wing conducted inflight refueling sorties and other training scenarios to further refine their skills. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Reagan B. Lauritzen.
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A close-up view of the tail of a 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft during CALFEX '90, a joint service, combined arms live-fire exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX '90 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)
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U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines and Marine Air Control Squadron 4 off-load ammunition from a KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft during Resolute Dragon 22 on Camp Betsukai, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.
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DF-ST-88-03818. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Honduras (HND)
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030914-F-1740G-009. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF
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U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct an airborne operation with U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraftonto Juliet DZ, Pordenone, Italy, Jan. 11, 2024. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.
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A C-5M Super Galaxy sits on jacks during a number three main landing gear strut repack at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 6, 2022. Hydraulic system maintainers assigned to the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron removed and replaced internal seals as part of the repack procedure.
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Airmen from the 174 th Attack Wing participated in ExerciseAdirondack Warrior Oct. 16-21 at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, Fort Drum,Ogdensburg International Airport (OIA) and Griffiss International Airport.
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U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct airborne operation after exiting a U.S. Air Force 86th Air Wing C-130 Hercules aircraft at Juliet Drop Zone, Pordenone, Italy, Oct. 5, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.
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Planes that carried ministers of defense and key leaders from more than 40 countries attending a Ukraine Defense Consultative Group hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III are parked at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 26, 2022. Secretary Austin and world leaders will discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and various issues facing U.S. allies and partners.
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A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender performs a fly-by during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.
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An LC-130 Hercules aircraft of Antarctic Development Squadron 6 (VXE-6) prepares for takeoff on the skiway. The Hercules is carrying the Navy field repair team that is rebuilding another LC-130 that crashed during a National Science Foundation mission in 1971. Base: Williams Field Country: Antarctica (ATA)
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Lockheed LC-130Hs equipped with landing skis, operated by the 109th Airlift Squadron, New York Air National Guard, parked on the ice pack at McMurdo Station at Ross Island in Antarctica, during Operation DEEP FREEZE 2001. The unit operates six LC-130's between Christchurch, New Zealand and a number of stations located on the Antarctic ice pack in support of the United States Science Program. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE 2001 Base: Christchurch State: Canterbury Country: New Zealand (NZL) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG
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Four U.S. Air National Guard C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft from the California Air National Guards 115th Airlift Squadron, 146th Airlift Wing, Port Hueneme, California, fly in formation during low-level tactical training near Anacapa Island, California, May 14, 2020. The tactical training was combined with a flyover a salute by the military to honor medical professionals and other essential workers serving on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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040420-F-7709A-026. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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050208-F-0158T-005. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USA
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STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE - A February snowstorm paralyzing much of the nation doesn't deter operations tempo at the 105th Airlift Wing. Members of the Stewart military community de-ice a C-5 Galaxy and clear snow from the flightline in preparation to launch a mission.
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A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft lands on base during CALFEX '90, a joint service, combined arms live-fire exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX '90 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)
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220513-N-CR843-0075 Misawa, Japan (May 13, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, taxis into position during an Elephant Walk at Misawa Air Base. The Elephant Walk showcased Misawa Air Base's collective readiness and ability to generate combat airpower at a moment's notice to ensure regional stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.
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A C-17 Globemaster III takes off into the mountains Oct. 23, 2014, at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Since 2006, the annual airfield traffic count has increased from 143,705 to 333,610 as the support for Operation Enduring Freedom nears its end.
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U.S. Air Force aircrew from 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air National Guard Base, Charleston, West Virginia, walk to a C-130J Hercules aircraft on the flightline during Agile Rage 22 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich., June 9, 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.
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Educators, school administration and support personnel from Pyramid Lake Junior and Senior High School, a tribal secondary school in Nixon, Nevada, tour the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, August 1, 2022. These tours help the Nevada Air Guard connect with and open conversations with members of the surrounding communities and give the public a better understanding of the various mission types that the NVANG executes on a daily basis at home and abroad. The tour consisted of a welcome from wing leadership, a tour of the fire house, a demonstration of the various equipment used by the aircrew flight equipment section, a tour and overview of a C-130 Hercules Aircraft given by loadmasters and a flight engineer, a tour of the indoor shooting range and a conversation with Tech. Sgt. David Almada, an Airman from the 152nd Communications Flight who also grew up in Native American Culture.
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Republic of Singapore Air Force A330 MRTT tanker aircraft, Dresden, Germany.
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A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., embarks on a local training mission June 16, 2022. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance is part of the Air Force Reserve and carries the unique distinction of being the only unit in the Department of Defense to fly into tropical weather events for the purpose of atmospheric data collection.
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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels take off during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. 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.
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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels take off during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. 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.
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040213-N-0780F-057. Base: Souda Harbor State: Crete Country: Greece (GRC)
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A United States Air Force C-17A Globemaster III deployed from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina carries an international mix of paratroopers from Kazakhstan and the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, into the drop zone as part of an international mass jump. Paratroopers from Kazakhstan, the United States and Turkey are descending into Kazakhstan to prepare for the the start of the Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion (CENTRASBAT) 2000. The CENTRASBAT 2000 exercise is a multi-national, in the Spirit of Partnership for Peace, peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by United States Central Command .... Complete Scene Caption: A United States Air Force C-17A Globemaster III deployed from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina carries an international mix of paratroopers from Kazakhstan and the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, into the dro
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A C-146 Wolfhound from the 524th Special Operations Squadron waits for its crew on a cloudy morning in Asheville, North Carolina, August 17, 2022. The 524th SOS conducted training in Asheville as part of an exercise to continue sharpening the capability of the Wolfhound to deliver agile intra-theater mobility support for special operations forces worldwide.
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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.
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A group of visitors take shade under the massive wing of a C-130 aircraft Oct. 9 during the base air show. The Thunder Over the Rock air show had more than 40 static displays for the public to explore.
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010520-F-1540F-003. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Le Tube Air Base 125 State: Istres Country: France (FRA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeffrey Furnary, 36th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron director of operations, salutes to a Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H Hercules crewmembers at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 10, 2022, during Operation Christmas Drop 2022. A JASDF C-130H Hercules assigned to the 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron, a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37 Squadron, Republic of Korea Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 251st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H Hercules assigned to the 40 squadron and USAF C-130J crewmembers delivered 209 bundles with humanitarian aid totaling more than 71,000 pounds of cargo to 22,000 remote Micronesian islanders.
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NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Nov. 21, 2020) Two P-8A Poseidon aircraft assigned to the Grey Knights” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 sit on the flight line at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Nov. 23, 2020. VP-46 is currently forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa.