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Military Aircraft Operations

Images of military aircraft including U-2 and B-1B landing, showcasing military operations and training exercises at various Air Force Bases with focus on surveillance and reconnaissance.

U.S. Marines prepare to load a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS, onto a C-17 Globemaster III at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Oct. 19, 2022. The HIMARS is an air-transportable precision rocket system capable of firing a variety of conventional, precision-guided ballistic munitions.

021217-F-3356N-019. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Acc

U-2 aircraft arrives at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Apr. 4, during a training exercise. U-2, single-seat, high-altitude jet aircraft flown by the United States for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, lands at Andersen AFB, Guam, for a Bomber Task Force mission, Oct. 18, 2022. The Lancers blended wing/configuration, variable-geometry wings and turbofan afterburning engines combine to provide long range maneuverability and high speed while enhancing survivability.

A B-52H Stratofortress prepares to take off from Barksdale Air Force Base in support of RIMPAC 2022, Aug. 1, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Marines prepare to load a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, known as HIMARS, onto a C-17 Globemaster III at North Auxiliary Airfield, South Carolina, Oct. 19, 2022. The HIMARS is an air-transportable precision rocket system capable of firing a variety of conventional, precision-guided ballistic munitions.

An F/A-18D Hornet assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 prepares to land at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 7, 2022. VMFA-115 supports the Marine Air-Ground Task Force commander by providing supporting arms coordination, conducting multi-sensor imagery reconnaissance, and destroying surface targets and enemy aircraft, day or night, under all weather conditions, during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. VMFA-115 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)

Two KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft taxi onto the runway as three 563rd Tactical Wing F-4G Wild Weasel Phantom II aircraft stand by on the flight line during Exercise Team Spirit '85. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard F-15 fighter aircraft takeoff from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 29, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and f

Five C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Georgia Air National Guard take off after completing an elephant walk on the flightline at the 165th Airlift Wing in Garden City, Georgia, Sept. 11, 2022. This was part of a large formation flight to test the wings ability to perform large-scale formations, a show of force and to showcase the recently completed modernization of the C-130 fleet.

DM-ST-86-08421. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Clayton Gard, commanding officer, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, Marine Aircraft Group 31, pilots an F/A-18 Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. VMFA-312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

030930-M-5607A-001. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Five KC-135 Stratotankers taxi on a runway for an elephant walk during Exercise Lethal Pride at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, March 27, 2023. After the elephant walk the aircraft participated in an aircraft flush where they all took off in rapid succession.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepare for takeoff at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 9, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field to participate in exercise Northern Lightning, a joint training exercise emphasizing user-defined objectives resulting in tailored, scenario-based, full-spectrum, high-end training.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis for take-off from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 14, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

A Qatari C-17 taxies down the runway March 25, 2011, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey to refuel in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn. 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 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorized 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. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron departs Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 24, 2024. The Department of Defense remains fully committed to defense and deterrence of any actors that would look to undermine or threaten our shared interests. Air Force

Two U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs assigned to the 355th Wing and an EC-130H Compass Call assigned to the 55th Electronic Combat Group taxi out to the runway at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 26, 2022. DM is home to the Air Forces only electronic attack mission, consisting of three squadrons and approximately 900 personnel.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 taxi after landing during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 29, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise for U.S. and international forces and is designed to provide realistic air combat training and enhance bilateral interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A KC-135R is on the taxi way at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio. Two KC-135R aircraft and crews from the 121st Air Refueling Wing responded to a short notice historical B-1B "Global Power" exercise on 2 June 95 in support of exercise CORONET BAT. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET BAT Base: Rickenbacker Ang Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, arrive at Andersen AFB, Guam, to conduct Agile Combat Employment operations, June 20, 2022. ACE is a new warfighting concept that U.S. Pacific Air Forces is operationalizing to ensure agility, deterrence, and resiliency in a contested or degraded environment.

An F-15C Eagle flies near a parked F-15C Eagle at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 29 June, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a soph

An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard (ANG), lands and takes off from a highway during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training during Northern Agility-1 22 in Alger County, located in the Upper Peninsula of Mich., June 29, 2022. The Northern Agility exercise series exemplifies the MI ANGs progressive vision for fighter forward arming and refueling training that will land aircraft in an austere landing zone, continuing to champion ACE and adaptive basing concepts for the U.S. Air Force. ACE not only requires novel equipment, but also innovative Airmen that can support the Multi-Capable Airmen (MCA) concept.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet, takes off for an incentive flight at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 offered flights for Marines who reenlisted as a way to reward their dedication to the Marine Corps.

DF-ST-85-11773. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 84 Base: Wheeler Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to Alpha Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade approach the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, June 14, 2022. The 1-214th GSAB spent over three months in Poland working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilots assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron stand in front of their aircraft after their arrival to the Slovak International Air Fest at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia, Aug. 27, 2022. The F-22 participation marks the first-ever showcase of Raptors at the Slovak International Air Fest and reinforces the U.S.s steadfast commitment and support to our NATO Allies and partners.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bomber assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of a routine Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 5, 2024. Bomber missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency and validate our always-ready global strike capability. Air Force

F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft's from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, ready for lift off in support of the Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Operational Readiness Inspection. The F-15's were at Osan to act as aggressor aircraft to test the 51st Fighter Wing's wartime capabilities. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

040715-F-6470S-001. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

C-141B Starlifter aircraft, foreground, and two C-5A Galaxy aircraft stand on the flight line as they are readied for deployment to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

030402-F-8982F-049. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

DF-ST-86-00721. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, de-ice an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a training flight at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Jan. 24, 2023. The 180FW is the only F-16 fighter wing in the state of Ohio, whose mission is to provide for America; protection of the homeland, effective combat power and defense support to civil authorities, while developing Airmen, supporting their families and serving in our community.

A group of B-52H Stratofortress are parked on the Main Parking Area during exercise Prairie Vigilance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 21, 2022. Prairie Vigilance tests the 5th Bomb Wings ability to conduct strategic-bomber readiness operations.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, prepares to land at Andersen AFB, Guam, for a Bomber Task Force mission, Oct. 18, 2022. Carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force.

020222-F-9232S-007. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Troopers assigned to 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade taxi in their AH-64E Apache helicopters after a training flight at Gray Army Airfield, Wash. on Nov. 30, 2022.

U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles assigned to the 123rd Fighter Squadron, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, fly over the installation during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 taxi the flightline during Cope North 24 at Northwest Field, Guam, Feb. 20, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Marine Corps

Equipment and supplies for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Defense Logistics Agency continue to arrive at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Sept. 30, 2022. The installation is an established Incident Support Base and is used to pre-position equipment and personnel to rapidly deploy to areas that may be affected by Hurricane Ian

1st Special Operations Wing Air Commandos prepare to evacuate AC-130J Ghostrider gunships at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 27, 2022. Hurlburt Field leadership directed the evacuation of aircraft before the landfall of Hurricane Ian out of an abundance of caution.

DN-SC-05-02424. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 taxi down the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 31, 2022. The aircraft traveled to Kunsan as a part of the Pacific Air Forces command sponsored VIGILANT STORM 23 training event. VIGILANT STORM integrates U.S. and ROK forces to train on mutual support procedures and maximizes command and control capabilities to improve understanding and trust between the two nations.

An aircrew from the 139th Airlift Wing flies a C-130H Hercules aircraft training sortie Nov. 23, 2022, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri. This is the first 139th aircraft to fly after nearly two months of the C-130H fleet being grounded due to a propeller issue.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, takes off to perform mission operations during Raging Gunfighter 22-2 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 22, 2022. Raging Gunfighter gives wing members a realistic and dynamic environment that the Airmen could encounter in potential combat operations.

Umpires in the RODEO 92 C-141 accuracy landing event await the landing of a C-141 Starlifter. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO 92 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker takes off on a mission March 1ST, 1999. KC-135s and KC-10 Extenders (Not shown) from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, are deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain. Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

DF-ST-86-09731. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the 107th Fighter Squadron, takes off at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, on Saturday, as part of a refueling training mission over northern Michigan. A-10 pilots and ground crews train often to keep their qualifications up-to-date, and remain ready at a moment's notice to answer the call of our state, and nation.

DF-ST-89-03638. Base: Palmerola Air Base Country: Honduras (HND)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker takes off during Exercise Sea Denial on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 16, 2022. The exercise demonstrated interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy for operations in a distributed maritime environment. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing deters potential adversaries through its enduring relationships with allies and partners by demonstrating capabilities and supporting joint operation.

05051O-N-8921O-002. Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four T-38C Talons taxi in order to depart from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, on Feb. 22, 2024, as part of a four-ship formation to commemorate three Air Force Reserve instructor pilots assigned to the 39th Flying Training Squadron and one civilian instructor pilot assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron exceeding 3,000 flight hours in the T-38C Talon. As of Mar. 1, 2024, Lt. Col. Christopher Jackson has accumulated approximately 3,350 hours, Lt. Col. Matthew Alley will have 3,267 hours, Lt. Col. William Borron will have accumulated 3,210 hours, and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Kistler will have accumulated 3,219 hours.

060310-N-4287G-008. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Master Sgt. Kristopher Wolf walks through a blanket of fog settled over the fleet of C-130H Hercules on Jan. 3, 2017, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The 179th Airlift Wing is always on a mission to be the first choice to respond to community, state and federal missions with a trusted team of highly qualified Airmen.

U-2 aircraft arrives at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Apr. 4, during a training exercise. U-2, single-seat, high-altitude jet aircraft flown by the United States for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle lands at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2022. The 18th Wing fighter squadrons and maintenance personnel remain postured to contend with real-world scenarios through routine training and exercises that strengthen teamwork and rapid-response capabilities.

A long shot of rows of F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons on the runway. They have been evacuated from east coast air bases during Hurricane Fran. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030613-F-0881Z-001. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Three B-1B Lancers takeoff from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas Sept. 7th, 2022 for a Bomber Task Force mission to U.S. Southern Command. BTF missions familiarize aircrews with air bases and operations in different Geographic Combatant Commands and enable them to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency, validating the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Commands always-ready global strike capability.

030913-M-7837W-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Fort Worth State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Airmen with the 37th Airlift Squadron descend onto 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

040224-F-1101B-001. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Pallets of supplies are offloaded from a Military Airlift Command C-5B Galaxy aircraft at Grootfontein Logistics Base. The Galaxy is also transporting Finish United Nations troops which will act as a peacekeeping force in Namibia. Country: Namibia (NAM)

U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy loaded with U.S. Soldiers from the 11st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, -211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, lands on June 20, 2022, at Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, Morocco. AL22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined 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.

DM-ST-86-08444. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020325-F-9232S-006. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE 2002 Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 127TH Wing

DN-ST-85-03253. Base: Nav Sup Activity, Diego Garcia Country: British Indian Ocean Territory (IOT)

A NATO E3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) assigned to NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, lands after training during RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 17, 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.

Four F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing taxi on the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for Agile Combat Employment training, June 7, 2022. ACE operations and exercises are designed to teach and validate new ways to deploy and maneuver assets during a crisis or conflict to operate in contested environments.

An A-10C Thunderbolt II lands at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 23, 2022. This aircraft flew from Moody AFB, Georgia, to take part in a Dynamic Force Employment operation which is designed as a way for Pacific Air Forces to exercise their ability to generate combat air power from dynamic force elements while continuing to move, maneuver, and sustain these elements in geographically-separated and contested environments.

DN-SC-87-03206. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Rick Goodman, No. 5, and Capt. Kristin Hubbard, No. 8, both members of the Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 demonstration team, taxi on Little Rock AFB runway Oct. 6.

A Hercules C-130-H Aircraft of the Black Bulls, the 336th Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force performs Landing Zone operations, in collaboration with the 424th Air Base Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, during operation Orange Bull 2023 on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, March 14, 2023.

Three C-130's from the 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota AB, Japan and Air National Guard (ANG) base at Anchorage Alaska, line the snow-cleared runway 05 in preparation for take-off. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

C-130's from the 39th and 40th Airlift Squadrons (ALS), Dyess AFB, Texas; 41st from Pope AFB, SC and 314th from Little Rock AFB, FL, to drop tanks and vehicles for the 82nd Airborne Rangers in support of the operation.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aircrew with the Minnesota National Guard operates a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport on Oct. 27, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. According to the Army fact sheet for the Black Hawk, its mission is to provide air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, and special operations support to combat, stability, and support operations. The UH-60 also is the Armys utility tactical transport helicopter. The versatile helicopter has enhanced the overall mobility of the Army due to dramatic improvements in troop capacity and cargo lift capability over the years as well. Five Minnesota National Guard Black Hawks were at the airport Oct. 27.

Helo Air Station - 26-HK-147-47. Hurricane Katrina

HH-60G Pave Hawks assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, F-15C Eagles assigned to the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons and F-22A Raptors from the 525th FS begin lining up on the runway for a capabilities demonstration at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 22, 2022. Kadenas ability to rapidly generate U.S. airpower is a vital function of its mission to ensure the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region.

General Dynamics F-16s, belonging to the transition and conversion department (TCA), at the Leeuwarden airbase.

An aerial view of P-3 Orion aircraft parked on the flight line during Scout World/Armed Forces Day '88. Base: Naval Air Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor takes flight during a joint exercise Jan. 21, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The exercise provides high-quality training to the Total Force and Department of Defense services to increase lethality and readiness for present and future warfighters. The 'Hawaiian Raptors' operated by ANG and active-duty Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron takes off prior to a simulated mortar attack as part of a training scenario at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 13, 2022, in support of a week-long training event. The scenario trained maintainers and pilots on their abilities to launch aircraft in a hostile environment.

Eight KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, perform an elephant walk on the Pittsburgh International Airport runway, May 14, 2022. The tanker aircrews were tested on their ability to rapidly generate multiple sorties during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise.

An F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard takes off from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, August 2, 2022. While forward deployed out of Spangdahlem Air Base, F-35 aircraft, aircrew and support personnel have forward-deployed to Baltic Sea and Black Sea regions to enhance NATO security and stability while supporting NATOs enhanced air policing.

A U.S. Air Force C-141 Starlifter (rear view) taxis down the ramp in preparation for takeoff as a U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy begins its approach into Howard AFB. The C-5 is bringing in more material and personnel for Operation Safe Haven. C-141s and a C-12 is in the background. Subject Operation/Series: SAFE HAVEN Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

U.S. Marines along with the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper aircraft platform with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMLAT) 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing conduct a mass flight at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, April 28, 2022. HMLAT-303 is the fleet replacement squadron for the H-1 series aircraft, responsible for training Marines to safely fly the Marine Corps attack helicopters. The Marines with HMLAT-303 demonstrated the tactical capabilities and combat power of the H-1 platform by completing this mass flight and continue to train the next generation of warriors.

Honduran F-5E Tiger II aircraft are serviced on the flight line as a firefighting and rescue truck stands by during a joint exercise between the 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (425th TFTS) and Honduran air force units. Two F-5E Tiger II aircraft of the 425th TFTS are in the background. Base: La Ceiba Country: Honduras (HND)

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker takes off for a refueling mission March 1ST, 1999. KC-135s are deployed from Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, and McGuire AFB, New Jersey, to Moron Air Base, Spain. Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

Frederick Johnsen, a publisher with General Aviation News, takes photos of the 153rd Airlift Wing's C-130H aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) during the MAFFS training Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho April 27, 2022. 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.

An Alaska Air National Guard, 168th Wing, KC-135 Stratotanker, and a U.S. Air Force KC-46 taxi on the Eielson Air Force Base runway took off to support multinational allies and sister service partners in Red Flag-Alaska. 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.

An inoperable B-52D Stratofortress aircraft is demolished so that the metal can be recycled. Base: Carswell Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

In 1991, the Leeuwarden airbase took the "demo" from Twente, two F-16As, the J-226 and the J-231 from 322 and 323 Squadron, were provided with an attractive color scheme. In the tail both devices felt it Leegarden airbase emblem, the "Fryske Drak", with a motto "for friend and enemy ready". On 22 May 1991 the devices were shown to the press. The demo flyer was Kapitein Reindert Zwaart.

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