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.
Turkish Air Force F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft taxiing on the runway.
359 assets in this story
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040720-F-2902B-010. Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Matthew Hannen (standing, front), Combat Still Photographer, 1ST Combat Camera Squadron (CTCS), from Charleston Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina (SC), documents Indian Air Force (IAF) maintenance technicians diagnosing an electrical problem on an IAF GR-1 Jaguar ground attack aircraft at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska (AK), while participating in Exercise COOPERATIVE COPE THUNDER, the largest multinational air combat training exercise in the Pacific. This 15-day exercise simulates wartime combat conditions so that military personnel from 12-nations can sharpen their air fighting skills, exchange air operational tactics, and build closer relations with each other. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Tornado GR. Mark 1 aircraft taxi on the runway during Tactical Air Meet '88 (TAM-88), a biennial Central European live firing exercise. TAM-88 is being held at Canadian Air Force Base, Baden-Soellingen. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: TACTICAL AIR MEET '88 Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 arrives at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, during exercise Pitch Black, Aug 23, 2022. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 22. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region.Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training air space areas in the world. Exe
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, takes off from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 12, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW left for training at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, to take advantage of the open airspace and optimal weather conditions for flying, avoiding over 60% of seasonal lightning and hurricane delays in Florida.
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240122-N-FK754-1006 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 22, 2024) Lance Cpl. Jordan Howard, from Philadelphia, secures an F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, in the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.
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A pilot taxies in an F-22 on the flightline July 9, 2010, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th Fighter Squadron is transitioning from the F-16 and will serve as the only ANG led joint guard and active-duty squadron in the Pacific.
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A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 192nd Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, signals to the pilot of a F-22 Raptor prior to launch May 3, 2022, at the Air Dominance Center, Combat Readiness Training. Center, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah 2022 is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.
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F-16 Fighter aircraft from the 119th Fighter Group, North Dakota, Air National Guard, and F-15 Fighter Aircraft from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, sit on the flightline during competition William Tell '94. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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10 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard sit on the flight line at Keflavik Airport, Kevlavik, Iceland, May 5, 2022. Airmen and aircraft assigned to the MDANG are staging in Iceland before departing for North Macedonia and Norway for participation in Swift Response 22. Swift Response 22 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. The purpose of the exercise is to present combat-credible Army forces in Europe and Africa, and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnership.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pilots of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron get ready to leave NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The squadron performed for the World Space Expos' aerial salute along with other aircraft that included the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights precision skydiving team. The World Space Expo held Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of
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MAJ Terry B. Pappas, pilot, and MAJ John D. Manzi, reconnaissance officer, prepare to step down from the cockpit of their 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing SR-71 aircraft after landing on base for the plane's deactivation ceremony. Following the ceremony, the SR-71 will be on permanent display at the March Field Museum. A U-2 aircraft is on display in the background. Base: March Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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040929-M-5607G-013. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands takes off to train and integrate with U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-35A Lightning IIs from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS forward deployed to conduct agile combat employment (ACE) and integrate with allies and partners. 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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U.S. Airmen with the 366th Munitions Squadron prepare to load munitions onto an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, during Exercise Rainier War 22B at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20, 2022. In addition to showcasing Air Force Force Generation prioritization, Rainier War is the full-scale exercise used to train Multi-Capable Airmen at the 62d Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
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Four U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, sit on the airfield at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, May 13, 2022. The 65th Air Base Group at Lajes, known as the Crossroads of the Atlantic, provides an important mid-Atlantic link for U.S. and Allied forces traveling to and from Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
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DF-ST-88-03769. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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A T-38 Talon assigned to the 2nd Fighter Training Squadron, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, taxis down the runway at the Air Dominance Center during Sentry Savannah on May 2, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth and fifth generation fighters designed to train pilots on offensive and defense air missions, and to showcase the Air Forces combat aircraft readiness
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Marines attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct pre-flight checks on an F/A-18C Hornet at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 15, 2022. VMFA-112 is participating in a joint long-range strike exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 234, VMFA-225, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 401 and U.S. Air Force 513th Operations Support Squadron. This large force exercise demonstrates MAG-41's ability to project long-range strike capability and integrate with the Marine Corps' active component 5th generation aircraft in contested environments.
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010312-F-4071B-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The Thunderbirds serve as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, and are entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.
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An F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, taxis to the staging area at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 8, 2022. VMFAT-501 trains pilots to be proficient and combat ready to serve in their future-fleet units and conduct aviation operations globally. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Servante R. Coba)
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, embarked aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2022, to participate in a joint maritime strike rehearsal to demonstrate service components fires and effects capabilities in the maritime environment during exercise Valiant Shield 22 (VS 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.
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Slovenian PC-9M with bombs during NATO Exercise Ramstein Rover, Namest, Czech Republic.
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Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am parked at Tel Nof Air Force Base, Israel.
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STAFF Sergeant John Papadopoulos, aircraft mechanic for the Hellinic Air Force, 114th Composite Group, 331st Tactical Fighter Wing, Greece, guides a Mirage 2000 Fighter into position to prepare for launch. The Hellinic unit is at Aviano Air Base, to train with the 510th Fighter Squadron. The Mirages provide valuable dissimilar training allowing 510th Fighter pilots the opportunity to train against other types of aircraft. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-01771 or search 000816-F-4728F-002). Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)
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020111-F-1851B-096. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Jimmy Pauling, US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Paul Kaehler and US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Barry Mueller, weapons loaders from the Weapons Standardization Section, 48th Operations Group, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, load CBU-87's on an F-15E Strike Eagle. The CBU-87 is a 1,000-pound, Combined Effects Munitions (CEM) for attacking soft target areas with detonating bomblets. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-08483 or search 010119-F-4177H-003). Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)
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U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, sit on the flightline during a training exercise at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Aug. 4, 2022. The exercise is a full-scale assessment of the rapid generation and movement of personnel and equipment, evaluating the wings ability to pack, prepare and deploy mission-ready personnel, aircraft and support equipment, while operating in a contested and degraded environment.
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Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) members prepare a Kawasaki T-4 static display during the Misawa Air Fest at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. The air show gave community members an opportunity to see various aircraft, meet military personnel and observe ground and aerial demonstrations, encompassing the power of the joint and bilateral forces. This years aerial demonstrations included the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and JASDF F-35A Lightning II, Mitsubishi F-2, a CH-47J and UH-60 helicopter alongside a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.
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220102-N-PQ495-1074 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 2, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192, taxis across the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Jan. 2, 2022. Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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Airmen and F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing are participating in Relampago VII, Aug. 30, 2022 in Barranquilla, Colombia. The military exercise focuses on training techniques, tactics and procedures, and strengthening interoperability between the U.S. and Colombian air forces as allies under NATO standards. Relampago VII includes two partner nations and integrate combat interoperability. F-16s along with personnel from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing will rapidly integrate into theater training, as well as joint, coalition and partnered missions. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.
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021216-F-7449W-003. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 52d FW
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An F-15C Eagle parks 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 controlled by a sophisticated command and cont
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031113-F-0848C-002. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF
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A U.S. Air Force F-35 lands for a refuel in support of Valiant Shield 22 on Palau, June 11, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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A French Air and Space Force Airbus A-400M Atlas passes Japan Air Self Defense Force F-15J Eagles during take off from Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 8, 2024 during Cope North 24. Continued collaboration and integration of dispersed operations during Cope North 24 enhances the joint forces capabilities to operate in austere environments. Air Force
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Two (2) members of the North Central Texas Council of Governments along with media personnel from WFAA News Channel 8, the Fort Worth Report, Spectrum News Channel 1 and the Fort Worth Star Telegram tour a F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to 301st Fighter Wing on NAS JRB Fort Worth Sept. 21 during the bases first Media Engagement Day.
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A front view of a Navy A-4 Skyhawk aircraft rolling in after landing during Exercise Sandgroper '82. Royal Australian Air Force Macchi jet trainer aircraft are in the background. Subject Operation/Series: SANDGROPER '82 Base: Pearce Royal Australian Afb Country: Australia (AUS)
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U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy B. Murphy, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander, taxis to a hangar at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. Murphy recently hit a career milestone by reaching 2000 flying hours.
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Martin, crew chief assigned to the 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, after arriving at Ohrid St. Paul The Apostle Airport in Ohrid, North Macedonia, May 7, 2022, ready to conduct Agile Combat Employment training in support of the Swift Response exercise. Exercise Swift Response 22 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics, and Balkans from May 2-20, 2022. The purpose of the exercise is to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa, and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnership.
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The U. S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, prepare for takeoff during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers in a demonstration.
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DF-ST-86-11854. Base: Raf Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)
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Attendees of the Arctic Thunder Open House observe an F-4 Phantom II display on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.
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A Marine Fighter-Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft undergoes a preflight check on the flight line during Exercise Cold Winter '87. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER '87 Country: Norway (NOR)
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A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 345th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, out of Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, lands at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, Jan. 19, 2024. The 345th EBS arrived in Singapore as part of regular U.S. Air Force training and engagements with key partners in the region.
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French Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Force planes on the flight line.
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A right front view of a prototype YF-22 Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) aircraft. Country: Unknown
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A plane captain for Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), performs preflight checks on a TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft as ground crewmen look on. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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B-2 stealth bomber, with its unique flying wing configuration, on static display in support of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT) Seminar held at Langley Air Force, Virginia. The SACLANT Seminar was attended by 100 delegates from 18 countries, the purpose was to bring NATO leaders together to discuss issues from a Maritime and North American perspective and give leaders a hands on opportunity. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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DF-ST-85-01829. Subject Operation/Series: CHECKERED FLAG Base: Raf Wittering Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)
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The U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during The Great Texas Airshow Apr. 22, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Forces premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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120720-N-DI587-105 SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (July 20, 2012) Aviation Support Equipmentman 2nd Class Andrew Moore, a crew chief assigned to the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, signals Lt. John Hiltz during the launch for a practice demonstration at South Dakota Air National Guard Base in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Blue Angels performed during the Sioux Falls Air Show, July 21-22, in conjunction with Sioux Falls Navy Week and in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the centennial of Marine Corps Aviation.
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Ground crew members inspect an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) A-6E Intruder aircraft as the crowd watches a flyover comprises of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) and Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) planes that have returned from the Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy personnel from both wings are being honored for their participation in Operation Desert Storm during homecoming ceremonies at the station. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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061028-N-8544C-055. Base: Naval Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels get ready to perform aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.
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U.S. Navy Pilots, The Blue Angels, prepare for an airshow on Marine Corp Base Hawaii, Oahu, Hawaii, August 12, 2022. The airshow displayed several military aircraft for the public.