Military Aircraft Operations

Images depicting military aircraft logistics, including cargo unloading, refueling exercises, and pre-flight checks, showcasing operational readiness and teamwork.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 22nd Airlift Squadron offload over 90,000 pounds of humanitarian aid from a C-5M Super Galaxy at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, August 26, 2022. The mission supported the Denton Program, which allows private U.S. citizens and private organizations transport humanitarian goods to approved countries in need.

Contractors from the 88th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio and U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida unload cargo from an MC-130J Combat Talon II aircraft Sept. 27, 2022. Aircraft, equipment and Airmen were repositioned to WPAFB in preparation for possible impacts from Hurricane Ian.

In order to practice Agile Combat Employment, Airmen from the 151st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels shop are challenged to defuel a KC-135R Stratotanker into an Army Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck on Aug. 24, 2022 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah. This innovative process demonstrates the ability to provide fuel to other vehicles when located in austere conditions in order to complete the mission. This joint force exercise will develop new operational concepts, capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain the U.S. militarys competitive advantage for the future.

A U.S. Air Force aircrew from the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron prepares a KC-135 Stratotanker for a mission in support of Operation New Dawn at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Nov. 18, 2010. The aircrew is deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.

A KC-10 Extender with the 6th Air Refueling Squadron undergoes pre-flight checks during Exercise Agile Tiger, April 6, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. We maintain a credible, integrated strategic deterrence capability should the Nation ever need the option.

CAPTION

HANAMAKI AIRPORT, Japan -- A member of the Japanese Defense Force uses a forklift to unload a 36th Airlift Squadron C-130 at Hanamaki Airport, March 29. The C-130 is unloading humanitarian goods and supplies for the Japanese Defense Force in support of Operation Tomodachi.

A 108th Wing maintainer marshals in a KC-135R at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 30, 2022. The aircraft carried home Guardsmen returning from a two month deployment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam where they supported the Pacific Air Command flying operations.

U.S. Marines work with members of U.S. Air Force to load M777 towed 155 mm howitzers in the cargo hold of a C-17 Globemaster III at March Air Reserve Base, California, April 23, 2022. The howitzers are part of the United States efforts, alongside allies and partners, to identify and provide Ukraine with additional capabilities.

050902-F-5964B-053. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 22nd Airlift Squadron offload over 90,000 pounds of humanitarian aid from a C-5M Super Galaxy at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, August 26, 2022. The mission supported the Denton Program, which allows private U.S. citizens and private organizations transport humanitarian goods to approved countries in need.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michale Herrera, left, and Staff Sgt. Alonso Carrillo, both loadmasters with the 4th Airlift Squadron, prepare to load a fuel truck onto a C-17 Globemaster aircraft during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 18, 2022. Exercise Rainier War is the 62d Airlift Wings most expansive exercise, where they deploy as the lead wing and provide command and control and airlift capabilities like airdrop and airland.

A 10K All-Terrain Forklift hauls a General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone toward a Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy assigned to the 22nd Airlift Squadron, August 10, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Reapers can be disassembled into storage containers called coffins for rapid redeployment.

DF-ST-87-07190. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '86 Base: Raf Waddington Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker pilots assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron conduct pre-flight checks prior to flight in support of a joint training exercise over the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 24, 2022. Joint training improves interoperability among U.S. forces and enables more effective teamwork during real-world engagements.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker with the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing is prepared for a training flight on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, March 31, 2022. The Stratotankers assigned to the 141st Air Refueling Squadron "Tigers" allow the Wing to support Air Mobility Command with mid-air refueling and air bridge support to overseas contingency operations and homeland defense.

Volunteers with the Alaska National Guard, Salvation Army and local community partners, prepare to unload gifts bound for Scammon Bay from a 176th Wing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Operation Santa Claus at Bethel, Alaska, Nov. 16, 2022. Operation Santa Claus is the AKANGs yearly community relations and support program that provides gifts to children in remote communities across the state. In partnership with the Salvation Army and more than a dozen volunteers, the program delivered 1,780 pounds of gifts, backpacks, hygiene supplies, and books to 325 children in Scammon Bay.

A crewmember with the 325th Operations Support Squadron transient alert flight, guides a KC-135 Stratotanker after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, May 5, 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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Natalie King, and Capt. Andrew Bell, 961st Air Control Squadron Air Battlefield Managers board an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System Feb. 12, 2024, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The ABMs integrate seamlessly with a crew of 15-20 aboard the airborne system that enhances command and control capabilities. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Justin Perez, 4th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, marshals a K-loader toward a JBLM C-17 Globemaster III at Travis Air Force Base, California, March 8, 2022. Team Travis 60th Aerial Port Squadron integrated with the 4th AS to transport a K-loader to support the US. Navy in a F-35C Lightning II recovery mission.

U.S. Air Force Airman relax while waiting to load a pallet onto a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a Joint Forcible Entry Exercise Aug. 26, 2009 at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

011008-F-3961R-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

011210-F-2352G-009. Base: Ashgabat Airport State: Ahal Country: Turkmenistan (TKM) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

A U.S. Air Force Petroleum Oil and Lubricants fuels distribution operator assigned to the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron runs a fuel hose to a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of a mission generation exercise at Joint Base Charleston, SC, Jan. 5, 2023. This mission generation exercise kicks off Mobility Guardian 23 and involved the launch of 24 C-17s for the largest-ever show-of-force formation flight over Charleston Harbor. After the flyover, the formation dispersed to sharpen agile combat employment concepts that leverage rapid mobility to maximize lethality.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Dave Carr, a pilot with the 328th Air Refueling Squadron, NY, loads cargo onto a KC-135 Stratotanker August 29, 2022 on the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Stratotanker and crew were on a temporary deployment to support the Pacific Air Forces with refueling capabilities.

A U.S. Air National Guard KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing, Pease ANG Base, New Hampshire, rests on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 19, 2023.With greater refueling, cargo and aeromedical evacuation capabilities compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker, the KC-46A will provide next generation aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and partner-nation receivers.

Fuel systems Airmen from the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare a fuel cell for installation April 28, 2014, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. The KC-10 Extender is an aerial refueling aircraft which extends the reach of other aircraft.

011006-F-3961R-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

MSgt Kevin Minnick, from the 489th Maintenance Squadron, gives the B-1B Lancer aircrew a hand signal at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas Sept. 7th, 2022, before their take-off in support of a Bomber Task Force mission. Strategic comber missions, such as the BTFs, enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenges across the globe.

Members of the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing dressed in chemical warfare gear offload a simulated nuclear cargo from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during the chemical warfare exercise Salty Mace. The C-130 is from the 37th Tactical Airlift Squadron, Rhein-Main Air Base, west Germany. Subject Operation/Series: SALTY MACE Base: Hahn Air Base Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

Team Dover Airmen load weapons cargo bound for Ukraine onto a C-17 Globemaster III during a security assistance mission at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 14, 2022. The Department of Defense is providing Ukraine with critical capabilities to defend against Russian aggression under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

020121-F-5872L-002. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER '02 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan - Pallets await loading onto a C-5 Galaxy.

U.S. Airmen from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron exit a C-17 Globemaster Feb. 6, 2023, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The Airmen traveled to Alpena CRTC to perform two weeks of annual training in a cold weather environment.

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender aircraft, assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, sits on the flight line during pre-flight checks prior to air refueling mission Nov. 25, 2010, while deployed at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

In a demonstration of the new 60K Tunner Loader capabilities it is raised to the height needed to reach the cargo bay door of a KC-10 Extender tanker aircraft. The new loader will support a 60,000 pound maximum load, carry 463L pallets, is 65 feet long, 14 feet wide and has a maximum height of 18 feet. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 prepare a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft with Patrol Squadron Eight for refueling at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 22, 2022. MWSS-171 Marines cooperate with joint forces to support aerial operations in the Indo-Pacific through timely and efficient aircraft refueling.

U.S. airmen from the 302 Airlift Wing from Peterson Air Force Base use the MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft to respond to the Waldo Canyon wild fire in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 27, 2012. MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide.

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 62d Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, prepares for take off in the early morning hours during Rainier War 22B at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Oct. 18, 2022. Exercise Rainier War is the 62d Airlift Wings most expansive exercise, where they deploy as the lead wing and provide command and control and airlift capabilities like airdrop and airland.

At night a C-17A Globemaster III from McChord AFB, Washington, waits on the ramp to be loaded at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

020327-F-2902B-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 730 Air Mobility Squadron load families' luggage from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, before they board an aircraft as part of a voluntary assisted departure March 22, 2011. The Department of State approved the voluntary authorized departure for eligible family members until the situation in Japan has resolved.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing is part of a pre-flight team servicing a C-17 Globemaster III prior to take off at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 10, 2022. Airmen from multiple squadrons participated in exercise Roundel Perun 22-01, testing the ability to employ rapid mobility capabilities during possible real-world scenarios.

Airmen on the deck of a K-Loader prepare to load cargo aboard a 924th Aerial Refueling Squadron KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft. Some of the aircraft deployed to Hickam are used for missions supporting Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen from the 22nd Airlift Squadron offload from a C-5M Super Galaxy during a Tuskegee Airmen heritage flight at Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, Texas, Feb. 23, 2018. The C-5M crew completed the mission, displayed pride in their heritage and showcased their ability to conduct rapid global mobility in todays Air Force by delivering Army helicopters to the Central Command area of responsibility.

DF-ST-89-08404. Base: Andrew Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

3rd Company 15th Infantry Battalion, and 3rd Battalion 41st Field Artillery, 24th Infantry Division, loading equipment on C-5 Army cargo plane, at Hunter Army Airfield, prior to deployment to Somalia. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Levi Valentine, 37th Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster, directs a pallet as it is loaded onto a C-130J Super Hercules at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 5, 2022. The 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadrons C-130H Super Hercules has been grounded due to a Time Compliance Technical Order issued on September 27, 2022. The 75th EAS mission as the only Airlift Squadron in Africa has not been halted. Other C-130J and H model Super Hercules have arrived to help the mission continue.

011119-F-4406B-011. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Sigonella State: Sicily Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

A KC-46A Pegasus, the new next generation refueling aircraft, is designed to be configured for carrying passengers and cargo, as well as for aeromedical evacuation missions.

040511-F-9629J-003. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility Command

A French military aircraft, carrying personnel who are participating in African Lion 22, lands on a runway at the Al-Massira International Airport in Agadir, Morocco, June 14, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Commands largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

Hurricane Gustav, New Orleans, LA, August 30, 2008 The Army Core helps an elderly Special needs evacuee onto a plane. Jacinta Quesada/FEMA.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 334th Fighter Generation Squadron participate in an annual load crew competition at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, on February 23, 2024. The teams consisted of Airmen assigned to the 333rd, 334th, 335th and 336th Fighter Generations Squadrons, as well as the 414th Fighter Group. Air Force

U.S. Airmen from the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron operate a 25K Halvorsen Loader to transport cargo onto a C-17A Globemaster III on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Sept. 23, 2022. U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 309 members were being redeployed for additional field training after completing exercises near Scott AFB utilizing Transportable Port Security Boats.

U.S. Airmen from the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron operate a 25K Halvorsen Loader to transport cargo onto a C-17A Globemaster III on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Sept. 23, 2022. U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 309 members were being redeployed for additional field training after completing exercises near Scott AFB utilizing Transportable Port Security Boats.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- United States Air Force Airmen and Space Force Gaurdians load a Mobile Constellation Control Station aboard a C-17 at Peterson Space Force Base on Wednesday, Sept 14 2022. The unit is being transported to an operating location as part of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base's multi-day operation to provide proof of concept for missions outside of the United States returning the MCCS to Schriever Space Force Base. The 4th SOPS mission is to operate the U.S. Space Force's protected and wideband Military Satellite Communications systems. They provide warfighters global, secure, survivable, strategic and tactical communication during peacetime and throughout the full spectrum of conflict. ( U.S. Space Force Photo By: Tiana Williams)

Maintenance Airmen of the 730th Air Mobility Squadron position heavy-duty hydraulic jacks into place underneath a C-5M Super Galaxy on Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 13, 2022. The 730th AMS mission is to facilitate the efficient movement of personnel and cargo throughout the Indo-Pacific region, providing critical logistical support to U.S. and allied commands. The C-5M is the largest strategic transport aircraft in the Air Force inventory and its primary mission is to transport cargo and personnel for the U.S. Department of Defense. The C-5 can weight up to 1,000,000 pounds fully loaded, but while its airlift capability is largest in the U.S. Air Force fleet, such heavy loads can strain the aircraft over prolonged missions, requiring consistent upkeep and maintenance.

U.S. Airmen from the 151st Air Refueling Maintenance Group and 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) load a Polaris Military RZR onto a KC-135R Stratotanker at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah, in preparation for a joint force exercise being held at Dugway Proving Ground on Sept. 1, 2022. The exercise is designed to challenge the status quo and allow the U.S. military to improve strategies against their greatest competitors.

Palletized U.S. Army jeeps await loading onto waiting Air Mobility Command C-141 Starlifters. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Airman Logan Lantz, 357th Fighter Generation Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II crew chief, performs pre-flight checks on an A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, May 25, 2022. The 357th FGS provides direct maintenance support to the 354th Fighter Squadron, following Air Combat Commands Oriented Maintenance Organization construct.

Airmen assigned to the 34th Aircraft Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, move a 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer aircraft to its parking spot upon its return to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, after participating in a joint maritime strike rehearsal demonstrating service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment on June 14, 2022, during exercise Valiant Shield 22. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Task Force the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct long-range, precise, lethal and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Task Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

030907-F-4338B-007. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron transport munitions as a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft flies by Sept. 20, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The 379th ERLS ground transport team moved munitions from the munitions storage area to a staging area where they were later loaded onto a C-17.

Master Sgt. Justin Burns, 758th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, directs another loadmaster operating a forklift while conducting upgrade training at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, July 29, 2022. Loadmasters are responsible for the accounting of all equipment, aircrew and passengers loaded onto an aircraft.

T-1 Jayhawks sit under the sun shelter after a few days of rain while a maintainer works on the nose of the aircraft at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on May 5, 2022. Laughlin's Sunshades provide shelter during Del Rio's scorching summers for maintainence personnel.

030923-F-5281B-045. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The MQ-9 Reaper with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is unloaded from a KC-130J Hercules for the airshow at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, Sept. 13, 2022. The disassembly, transport, and reassembly of the platform between MCAS Yuma and MCAS Miramar served as a proof of concept for the Reaper's rapid, expeditionary deployment capacity.

A team of National Airborne Operations Center airmen uncouples satellite feeds, secures the scene and heads upstairs for battle stations on an E-4B aircraft in a prelaunch response. This image was the cover photo for the May 2000 AIRMAN Magazine "Around the clock with the E-4B". Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron load cargo on to a 757 Jan. 22, 2022 at Travis Air Force Base, California. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $5.4 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including security and non-security assistance. The United States reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity in support of a secure and prosperous Ukraine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Nicholas Pilch)

Royal Australian Air Force Leading Aircraftman Luke McAndrew, No. 36 Squadron aircraft technician, listens over the radio during the pre-flight inspection of a C-17 Globemaster III before taking off at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2022. The RAF joined the 535th Airlift Squadron for low level flying exercises around the Hawaiian Islands to better increase each crews operational resiliency.

An HC-130J Combat King II assigned to the 79th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, completes Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) operations during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 11, 2022. Black Flag is focused on developing and validating large force tactics and integration required to deliver combat capability and tactical advantage for the Combat Air Force to build readiness that credibly deters and successfully defeats adversaries.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 20, 2013) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Raymond Gonzales, from Southridge, Mass., signals for the forward movement of an aircraft aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

030322-F-8290C-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM, SOUTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

February 28, 2008 - U.S. Airmen stand near an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jesse Lookingglass, a maintainer with the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, guides a KC-135 into a parking spot on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 1, 2022. After landing, the aircraft taxis to the ramp, where any required maintenance is performed.

A maintenance Airmen assigned to the 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron marshals a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron before taking-off at Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine, Aug. 24, 2022. The 6th AMXS and the 91st ARS work alongside each other during both normal operations and exercises. Both units traveled to Bangor to complete the Agile Combat Employment programs capstone in order to employ their experience in real world scenarios.

A Northrop Grumman (Fairchild) A-10 Thunderbolt of the American Air Force during Mot & E at the Leeuwarden airbase.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show on McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision and professionalism of 695,000 total force American Airmen across the globe.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Edgar Alcaraz, a U-2 Dragon Lady crew chief assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, fills aircraft with liquid oxygen during post-flight checks and inspections Nov. 23, 2010. Airman Alcaraz is deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.

030915-F-6849F-014. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

030402-F-6809H-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: 398th AEG

High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) belonging to Delta Battery, 319th Field Artillery, Vicenza, Italy is marshaled into position behind a C-17 Globemaster III for redeployment during JOINT ENDEAVOR. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Tuzla Air Base Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Royal Australian Air Force Leading Aircraftman Luke McAndrew, No. 36 Squadron aircraft technician, gathers the aircraft chocks of a C-17 Globemaster III before taking off for the first training mission of Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 3, 2022. Exercise Global Dexterity 2022 is designed to help develop the bilateral tactical airlift and airdrop capabilities of the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

An F-14 Tomcat aircraft takes off with the setting sun in the background. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left side view of an F-5 Tiger II aircraft being loaded aboard a C-5 Galaxy aircraft. The F-5, partially disassembled, and with glass surfaces wrapped in a protective covering, is enroute to Jordan. Base: Mcclellan Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Kevin Alons, a KC-135 Instructor pilot for the 185th Air Refueling Wing and the Director of Operations Joint Headquarters Iowa, taxis behind another 185th ARW KC-135 in Des Moines, Iowa, May 18, 2022. The Aircraft originally diverted from Topeka Kansas to Des Moines to avoid sever weather.

DN-SD-03-08741. Subject Operation/Series: n Base: Lingshui Airport State: Hainan Country: China (CHN) Scene Major Command Shown: USPACOM

Two Lockheed P2V-7B, P-2H & SP-2H Neptune Maritime patrol yields (1961-1982) on a snowy flying camp Valkenburg.

TECH. SGT. Steve Martin works on a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft engine. Technological modifications and parts obtained from decommissioned bombers enable maintenance specialists to keep the aging aircraft on their flight schedules and increase mean time between breakdowns. Base: K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-05226. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (1AD CAB) land in preparation to begin a live fire exercise at Drawsko Pomorski, Poland, Oct. 18, 2022. The 1AD CAB is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nick Skrock, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Sq., Creech Air Force Base, Nevada conducts post flight maintenance on an RQ-1 Predator at Aeropuerto Rafael Hernandez outside Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on 27 Jan., 2010. The RQ-1 remotely piloted systems are operating out of Puerto Rico in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti. Airmen from Creech Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev. are providing 24 hour a day full-motion video in real time to international relief workers on the ground in order to speed humanitarian aid to remote and cut-off areas of the country following the earthquake on 12 Jan., 2010.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, Fort Eustis, Va., load cargo and relief supplies onto a U.S. Air Force Reserve C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of Haiti earthquake relief efforts at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 16, 2010. The C-17 crew is from the 729th Airlift Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., taking part in Operation Unified Response.

Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing unload chips and salsa that were donated to deployed services members, July 29, in Southwest Asia. The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing supports Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Recruits recieve training on the various exterior parts of an aircraft at the Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Command. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010911-F-1736M-059. Base: Sky Harbor International Airport State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Airmen assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, unload cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 16, 2022, at Amari Air Base in Harjumaa, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a multinational training exercise designed to demonstrate USAREUR-AFs ability to aggregate US-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe across multiple theaters in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy as well as to leverage host nations capabilities to increase USAREUR-AFs operational reach.

U.S. Air Force loadmasters assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing prepare to test the Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) installed on a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. April 25, 2022. During the wing's annual MAFFS training. Air National Guard aircrew from the Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard's, 146th Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing train together to accomplish their aerial firefighting certification alongside the U.S. Forest Service and other wildfire prevention agencies. 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.

Equipment is loaded aboard a KC-10A Extender aircraft, dubbed Bayou Babe, for redeployment to the United States in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Bahrain(BHR)

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