Military Aircraft Operations

Images of various military aircraft on the runway and taxiing, showcasing F-15 and F-16 fighters in different operational environments.

Turkish Air Force F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft taxiing on the runway.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" train in Edwards Air Force Base, California, Jan. 22 - Feb. 5, 2024. This marked the third annual Thunderbirds winter training trip, which allows the team to rehearse the show prior to kickstarting the season in March. Air Force

021017-F-4177H-020. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Thai ground crewmen sit in the shade beneath a Royal Thai Air Force F-5E Tiger II aircraft during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai '89. Subject Operation/Series: THALAY THAI '89 Base: Utapao Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II student pilot assigned to the 357th Fighter Squadron, taxis down the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2022. The 357th Dragons conducts all formal course directed aircraft training, day and night weapons and tactics employment, air refueling and dissimilar air combat maneuvers.

Two F-35B Lightning IIs assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 prepare for take off in participation of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 2, 2022. As part of a continuing exercise series, RED FLAG-Alaska, and its predecessor Cope Thunder, have been regularly-scheduled exercises for more than 40 years.

DF-ST-88-05643. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

Six U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle fighters from Royal Air Force Lakenheaths 48th Fighter Wing arrived at Łask Air Base, Poland to begin deterrence operations on NATOs Eastern Flank, Nov. 27, 2022. As part of U.S. European Commands initiative to bolster collective defense posture and Allied integration, the Strike Eagles will take over the fighter mission from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The 90th EFS will return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska after a successful deployment in support of NATO's Air Shielding mission.

030131-F-3488S-027. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Forces in Europe A-10 Thunderbolt II at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

NASA ground and maintenance crews prepare the F/A-18 research aircraft for a supersonic research flight off the coast of Galveston, Texas in support of the QSF18 flight campaign. These crews are vital to making sure the aircraft is ready to operate safely and efficiently for NASAs research.

980420-F-4116M-005. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

US Air Force Strike Eagles from the 492nd and 494th Fighter Squadrons, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, go through last minute checks prior to taxi and takeoff. The Strike Eagle is a two-seat fighter designed to maintain air superiority during combat. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-03276 or search 000828-F-9032T-004 ). Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Caroline Truemper, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, marshals an F-22 Raptor for take-off at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 3, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission.

An F-16A Fighting Falcon of the Portuguese Air Force, Monte Real, Portugal.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing greets a pilot assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron upon arrival to an agile combat employment training event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. During the ACE training event, the 199th EFS is assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and operating with the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to refine fifth generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

United States Marine Corps F/A-18 fixed-wing aircraft mechanics prepare an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, for flight at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Sept. 20, 2022. Fixed-wing aircraft mechanics inspect and maintain aircraft airframes and airframe components as well as perform additional duties relating to flightline operations.

031022-F-3356N-006. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Thurmond Bowens, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshalls Maj. David Leedom, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, to taxi from the fighter ramp as F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing prepare to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, are greeted by Lt.. Col. Stephen Thomas, Sentry Savannah director, after arriving at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, in Savannah, Georgia on April 28, 2022 where they will participate in the Air National Guards premier 4th and 5th generation counter air exercise. Sentry Savannah is a total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron departs Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jun 14, 2022.

United States Air Force F-15C during Exercise Clear Sky in Ukraine.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon taxiing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

A USAF male crew chief tightens a screw on the air speed indicator of an RF-4C Phantom aircraft after a competition mission during Reconnaissance Air Meet 88, a multi-national competition of military aerial reconnaissance teams at Bergstrom Air Force Base. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: RECONNAISSANCE AIR MEET '88 State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground crew member checks CAPT Roger Riggs in an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft after flight. The aircraft, from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. The Strike Command Tactical Bombing Competition is held between the United States and Royal Air Forces. Base: Raf Lossiemouth Country: Scotland (SCT)

An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, taxis out for a mission, during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 17, 2024. Green Flag exercises provide critical joint training for approximately 25,000 joint and coalition personnel per year, including 450 sorties, 900 flight hours, and the expenditure of over 100,000 pounds of live and training ordnance. Air Force

030318-F-9528H-023. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A 325th Fighter Wing F-22A Raptor taxies as another F-22A Raptor returns from a mission Oct. 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. A squadron of the wings Raptors and Talons have been at Eglin since Hurricane Michael devastated Tyndall Air Force Base in 2018.

U.S. Marines load a Mark 84 2,000-pound bomb under the wing of an F/A-18A Hornet strike-fighter aircraft of Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 333 (VMFA-333) during Operation Desert Storm. An AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile is mounted on the wing tip. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland(MD) Country: United States Of America(USA)

030926-F-3217C-004. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

An aviation ordnanceman checks over three AIM-7 Sparrow missiles as he waits for assistance in loading one of the missiles onto a Strike Fighter Squadron 303 (VFA-303) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 stage for launch at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5 2023. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 routinely conduct arming, expeditionary refueling and flight operations to maintain proficiency and readiness in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

010125-F-6701P-040. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

041021-F-0822K-003. Base: Lajes Field, Azores Country: Portugal (PRT)

A maintenance airman signals to a pilot in an 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), 27 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 controlle

A U.S. Navy EA-18 Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 131 taxis on the flight line during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 5, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, and the exercise has a long history of including allies and partners, ultimately enabling all involved to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, prepare to launch in support of exercise Point Blank 22-4 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 24, 2022. Point Blank is an exercise designed to increase tactical proficiency and interoperability with NATO allies and partners.

F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing taxi out for take-off during Exercise Brim Frost '83. Subject Operation/Series: Brim Frost '83 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

German Air Force EF.2000 in its shelter.

011107-F-0308N-092. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Missile mounted on the wing of an Italian Air Force AMX aircraft.

An F-15 Eagle assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, flies over the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, during exercise Sentry Savannah 22-1 May 12, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon moves rapidly as fuels operators and crew chiefs execute a technique called hot pit refueling at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Nov. 9, 2012. Hot pit refueling is a procedure usually performed in a combat situation to rapidly refuel aircraft while their engines are running resulting in a speedy refuel to thrust pilots right back into the fight. Airmen assigned to the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron practice this technique to keep their skills sharp and aid in the effort to provide combat ready air power at a moments notice.

DF-ST-85-11858. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET COLT Base: Flesland Air Base Country: Norway (NOR)

Pilots with the 33rd Fighter Wing prepare to take off during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field, Wis., Aug. 26, 2016. Northern Lightning is a joint total force exercise that gives the Air National Guard, Air Force and Navy a chance to practice offensive counter air, suppression and destruction of enemy air defense and close air support.

A pilot climbs into the cockpit of a French Air Force Mirage 2000.

020305-F-6565E-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030403-M-5607A-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Josef Grangaard, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, directs an F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attach Squadron (VMFA) 121 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 13, 2022. U.S. Marines with VMFA-121 are conducting Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations from the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022. Exercise Valiant Shield gives units like VMFA-121 the opportunity to integrate with forces across the Indo-Pacific to train in successful employment and operations that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force.

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II Takes off in participation of Black Flag 22-1, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 11, 2022. One of the objectives of Black Flag 22-1 is to investigate long-range kill chain options from sensor to shooter to ensure interoperability and integrated effects for mission success.

Airmen from the 28th Maintenance Group, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, perform postflight checks on an Ellsworth AFB B-1B Lancer on the flightline at Dyess AFB, Texas, Feb. 3, 2024. Air Force

Ground defense forces assist in maneuvering an F-16D Fighting Falcon aircraft into a hangar during the ground base defense exercise Foal Eagle'91. A trailer loaded with cluster bombs is positioned near the hangar.. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '91 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea(KOR)

A 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-15 avionics system journeyman marshals an F-15 Eagle for a hot-pit refueling at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 14, 2022. Hot-pit refueling uses a single-point refuel pump which allows an aircraft to be refueled immediately after landing, with the engine running. This cuts down on response time and ensures the mission can be completed anytime, anywhere.

A Ground Crewman Arms Weapons on a US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier at Al Asad Air Base in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Benjamin Vanwingerden, pilot, Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401), Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41), 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW), boards his F-5N Tiger II before takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Sep. 23, 2022. VMFT-401 is a Marine Corps Reserve fighter adversary squadron that represents enemies in simulated air battles against Marine aircrafts.

A Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F-5E Tiger II aircraft taxis to the runway for takeoff on an air combat maneuvers training mission with air crews of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). The aircraft is painted in a camouflage paint scheme. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Abigail Carter, 357th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II student pilot, performs pre-flight inspections on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 22, 2022. The 357th Dragons conducts all formal course directed aircraft training, day and night weapons and tactics employment, air refueling and dissimilar air combat maneuvers.

Straight on medium close-up of the nose section of a USAF F-16CJ "Wild Weasel" Fighting Falcon as USAF MASTER Sergeant Haskel Johnson (Right) of the 35th Operations Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, makes final checks on the aircraft before a training mission. this image is seen in the November 1998 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 prepare to launch F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 routinely conduct arming, expeditionary refueling and flight operations to maintain proficiency and readiness in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 prepare to refuel an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, april 5, 2023. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 routinely conduct arming, expeditionary refueling and flight operations to maintain proficiency and readiness in support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force F-15 crewchiefs from the 95th Fighter Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base Florida, do pre-flight checks on their aircraft for a mission during Roving Sands 99, June 19, 1999. The 95th is temporaily assigned to Davis Mothan Air Force Base Arizona, to support the exercise. Roving Sands is a one-of-a-kind event that is the world's largest Joint Tactical Air Operations exercise. It melds the Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Elements; Air Defense Artillery; and Aircraft; of the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Multinational Forces, into a Joint Integrated Air Defense System (IADs). Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '99 Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor lands at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam Sunday, July 20, 2008. Five Raptors and associated support personnel assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska are on Andersen Air Force Base to participate in the Jungle Shield exercise and conduct Cope Thaw training .

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Edwin Watkins, a crew chief with the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron communicates with Lt. Col. Jim Clark, 74th Fighter Squadron, commander while conducting pre-flight checks on an A-10 Thunderbolt II for a training mission during the Green Flag West 11-2 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base Nev., Dec. 10. Airman Watkins and Lt. Col. Clark are from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and are deployed to Nellis in support of Green Flag-West. Green Flag-West provides a realistic air-land integration training environment for forces preparing to support worldwide combat operations.

040223-F-9232S-067. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 127th Wing

040527-F-7169B-002. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Senior Airman Thomas Trail, 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainer, signals an F-35A Lightning II pilot at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 5, 2022. U.S. Air Force F-35 aircraft from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska arrived in the Republic of Korea to conduct training flights with ROKAFto enhance interoperability between the two Air Forces on and around the Korean Peninsula.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepare for takeoff at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 14, 2022. Airmen with the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 33rd Maintenance Squadron are conducting remote training, July 9-29, to exercise the Agile Combat Employment concept.

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 80th Fighter Squadron prepare to take off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2022. The 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons specialize in airspace control, with force application roles including counter-air, strategic attack, air interdiction and close air support missions, in all weather, day or night.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dominic Youngren (left) and Lance Cpl. Dylan Chavez (right), both fixed wing aircraft mechanics with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, conduct pre-flight inspections of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft with VMFA-242 before flight operations during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 12, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States, and exercises like Red Flag-Alaska are committed to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.

040901-F-0017C-015. Base: Kwang Ju Air Base State: Jeollanam-Do Country: Republic Of Korea (ROK)

A U.S. Navy F-35C assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, VX-9, Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, California, takes off in support of Black Flag 22-2, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This Black Flag assessed interoperability of near-future capabilities across the domains and services with a focus on tactical data link and consolidated F-35 cross service maintenance and logistics.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 prepares to taxi at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2023. Marines with VMFA-242 will take part in their first deployment in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit since becoming fully operationally capable in 2022.

Maj. Jason Attoway, 22nd Fighter Squadron director of operations, prepares to take off in an F-16 Fighting Falcon for an Allied Strike mission at Spangdahlem Air Base on Aug. 4. Allied Strike is an annual close air support exercise, providing realistic training for US and NATO participants in all aspects of tactical air control and CAS.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing landed at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, Poland to support NATO Air Shielding in the European Theater August 4, 2022. The NATO Shielding mission is a joint integrated mission to increase the air and missile defense posture along the Eastern flank of the Alliance.

Retired Master Sgt. Eugene T. Beal and his family enters a KC-135 Stratotanker April 3, 2023, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Eugene visited Beale days before his 90th birthday to reunite with the airframe he flew in during his career as a boom operator.

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler taxis with its wings folder prior to departure.

030327-F-3838S-003. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Two Turkish Air Force F-16C aircraft ready for take-off.

040220-F-1646R-164. Base: Lajes Field State: Azores Country: Portugal (PRT) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040313-F-0209W-004. Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A 44th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle takes off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 14, 2022. Kadena Air Base's strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, is parked on the flight line after arriving for Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 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 F-22 Raptors from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrive at the Slovak International Air Fest at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia, Aug. 27, 2022. The Raptors arrival marks the first-ever showcase of U.S. Air Force F-22s 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. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 taxis the flight line while an F-35B Lightning II aircraft, embarked aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), lands at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022, in support of Valiant Shield 2022. 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.

000516-F-5697C-003. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2000 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 02, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lauren Gagliano, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, salutes a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot during the jet launch as part of her reenlistment ceremony. F-22 Raptors from 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived in Souda Bay, Crete on Oct. 20, 2022 to conduct an Agile Combat Employment exercise, which is part of routine training for U.S. Airmen to operate from different locations with varying levels of capacity and support to strengthen the ability to deploy, survive, operate, and successfully maneuver. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, hot-pit refuels during Exercise Agile Tiger, April 4, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger gives us the opportunity to practice operational unpredictability, while assuring our partners and Allies that we are postured to execute nuclear operations and global strike anytime, anywhere.

An Israeli Air Force F-16A Netz taxiing at Nevatim Airbase.

A left side view of the cockpit of the first A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Parked on the flightline are 12 KC-135R Stratotankers from the 380th Air Refueling Wing, Plattsburgh AFB, NY. They are here in support of Operation Restore Hope II. The primary mission of the 380th ARW (Deployed) is to provide air refueling support over the Atlantic to in-bound (going into Mogadishu, Somalia) and homeward-bound C-5 aircraft, which are ferrying supplies, troops and equipment. A total of 332 personnel and 12 KC-135R Stratotankers (from Plattsburgh, Griffiss AFB, NY, and Loring AFB, Maine) are deployed to Moron.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: RESTORE HOPE II Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Airmen with the 366th Munitions Squadron prepare to load munitions onto an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. Rainier War is a semi-annual exercise designed to demonstrate the 62d Airlift Wing, 627th Air Base Group and 446th Airlift Wings ability to generate, employ and sustain operations; alongside joint partners like the 366th FW.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, sits in a hangar before a nighttime training flight at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Aug. 22, 2022. The 180FW conducts training, rain or snow, day and night, to enhance mission readiness, ensuring combat power can be delivered to combatant commanders, anytime, anywhere.

SENIOR AIRMAN Aaron Stout, Crewchief with the 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, gives the "chocks out" sign as a group of F-16 Fighting Falcons prepare to leave the ramp at the Utah Air National Guard field. The Utah ANG flightline plays host to transient aircraft on a regular basis. Base: Salt Lake City State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A pair of F-15Cs, assigned to the Oregon Air National Guards 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard base, perform several flybys at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The Oregon Air National Guard maintains two flying wings, one co-located at the Portland International Airport, and the 173rd Fighter Wing, an F-15 training unit, is located in Klamath Falls.

An F-15C Eagle flies near a row of parked F-15C Eagles 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

U.S. Air Force Major Lauren Schlichting, Thunderbird pilot, waves just before liftoff at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey on Aug. 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds demonstration team is composed of eight pilots who demonstrate their rigorous training and precision maneuvers during a routine at the Jersey shore.

DN-ST-89-01917. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030212-F-3252P-005. Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands to conduct agile combat employment (ACE) and integrate with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Oct. 16, 2022. This integration marks the first time in history that USAF F-22 Raptors have operated out of the Netherlands and highlights the importance of our shared commitment to defend NATO territory. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

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